Unveiling the Unconventional Inspiration Behind Jujutsu Kaisen - A Surprising Revelation!

Gege Akutami, the author of Jujutsu Kaisen, has openly expressed how Hunter X Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho, written by Yoshihiro Togashi, greatly influenced his work. This influence can be observed in the battle system, choreography, and even some characters in Jujutsu Kaisen.

What many may not be aware of is another significant influence on Akutami's work: Fate/Zero, the popular anime franchise adapted by Ufotable. Akutami has confirmed that Fate/Zero was also a major influence on Jujutsu Kaisen, shedding light on this connection.

The intriguing connection may have been overlooked by many initially, but it's safe to say that Fate/Zero had a significant influence on what is possibly the most popular anime franchise in 2023.

Jujutsu Kaisen author Gege Akutami reveals Fate/Zero is a huge influence in his work

Gege Akutami, the author of Jujutsu Kaisen, has been open about the series that have inspired his work, with Hunter X Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho being the most prominent. For example, the character Suguru Geto was influenced by the villain Shinobu Sensui from Yu Yu Hakusho, and Akutami has also expressed how Hunter X Hunter has impacted his writing.

In addition to these influences, Fate/Zero has also played a major role in shaping Akutami's magnum opus. The author has mentioned it and even named Gilgamesh, the main antagonist of Fate/Zero, as his favorite character in that story. This is seen as a direct influence on Ryomen Sukuna, especially considering their roles as the strongest villain, their sadistic personalities, and how they both have a human they prefer (Megumi and Kirei, respectively).

The use of Domain Expansions in Akutami's series can be likened to Fate/Zero's Reality Marbles, with the former being more accessible to the characters in the series than the latter. Additionally, there is a possibility that Gilgamesh and Enkidu's friendship influenced Suguru Geto and Satoru Gojo's, but this is open to interpretation.

The series' nature as a shonen story

The main cast in the series (Image via MAPPA).

Jujutsu Kaisen stands out from its contemporaries by cleverly twisting shonen tropes, making the story unpredictable and unique. The Shibuya Incident arc marks the beginning of a series of unexpected turns and surprises, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat.

In this series, the protagonist's new friend isn't rescued and doesn't become part of the team, the main character isn't always the strongest or victorious in every battle, the aloof rival doesn't become more powerful or achieve his goals, and the female lead doesn't survive past the halfway point of the series. These unexpected plot developments constantly leave the audience guessing about what will happen next.

Final thoughts

Jujutsu Kaisen draws from various influences, yet it manages to carve out its own unique and successful identity, as exemplified in the captivating story of Yuji Itadori. Additionally, the underrated influence of Fate/Zero has played a significant role in the development of this franchise.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I find it incredibly exciting to learn about the surprising inspiration behind Jujutsu Kaisen. The revelation that Fate/Zero had a major influence on the series adds a new layer of depth to the story and characters. It's fascinating to see how Akutami has blended elements from different sources to create something truly unique and captivating.

Akutami's openness about his influences is also refreshing and inspiring. It shows that he is not afraid to draw from other works and that he is willing to experiment with different ideas. This willingness to take risks has resulted in a series that is both original and engaging. I am excited to see how Jujutsu Kaisen continues to evolve and grow in the future, and I am grateful to Akutami for sharing his inspirations with us.