Unveiling the Heartbreaking Decision: Understanding Gege Akutami's Tragic Farewell

Gege Akutami is not afraid to take out beloved characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, even going as far as killing off their own favorite, Nanami Kento.

The series has its fair share of heart-wrenching deaths and tragedies, with the Shibuya Incident arc being one of the most brutal. The ongoing Season 2 is currently showcasing this arc, leaving viewers on edge with anticipation for what's to come in the upcoming episodes.

Despite the heart-wrenching moments throughout, none compare to the chilling fate of Nanami. What makes it even more surprising is that Gege, the creator, chose to inflict this fate on his favorite character. Nanami is beloved by the entire fandom and serves as a mentor to Yuji. His selfless nature in the harsh world of Jujutsu Kaisen is truly admirable. The tragic outcome for Nanami, a character adored by both Gege and the fans, stands as one of the most heartbreaking moments in the series. The beautiful yet devastating final moments of Kento Nanami are featured in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 18.

Why Gege Akutami killed Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen

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Gege Akutami eliminated Nanami from the Jujutsu Kaisen series because he felt that the character had fulfilled his role and didn't have a further purpose. In a preview interview from 2022, Akutami revealed, "At the beginning, my favorite was Sukuna. Mainly for his graphic aspects, which are inspired by everything I had read. Nanami is the first character I managed to create by myself and evolve. So he is my favorite character at the moment." This served as the inspiration behind his decision to remove Nanami from the series.

However, that doesn’t prevent him from sacrificing Nanami for the plot. In the Jujutsu Kaisen fanbook Q&A, Gege Akutami was asked: “When did the decision for Nanami’s fate in the Shibuya Incident arc begin?” The author responded: “It was when I was planning the Shibuya Incident arc. Honestly, I have a fondness for Nanami as a character, and he is easy to work with. But considering his role in the story and the overall character development, I ultimately had no other choice.”

Gege also made a joke about "accidentally" killing Nanami, when his intention was only to make him lose his arm. While deaths are common in Jujutsu Kaisen, Nanami's demise stands out as particularly gruesome. His suffering was prolonged, starting with being partially shredded in Dagon's domain, then burned by Jogo's fires, and finally meeting his end at the hands of Mahito. The horrific sight of Mahito blowing up the first half of Nanami's body in front of Yuji causes him to completely break down, deeply affected by the tragic loss of someone he cares about.

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Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was deeply saddened by the tragic farewell of Nanami Kento. His character was a beloved mentor to Yuji and a fan favorite, making his death all the more heartbreaking. The fact that Gege Akutami, the creator of the series, chose to eliminate his own favorite character is a testament to his commitment to the story and his willingness to make tough decisions.

Nanami's death was particularly gruesome and prolonged, adding to the emotional impact of his loss. The scene where Mahito blows up the first half of Nanami's body in front of Yuji is one of the most haunting and unforgettable moments in the series. It's clear that Gege Akutami put a lot of thought and consideration into Nanami's death, and it's a testament to his skill as a storyteller that he was able to create such a powerful and emotionally resonant moment.