Jujutsu Kaisen has become one of the most influential and important works in the world of anime and manga. Much of its success is due to Gege Akutami’s ruthless approach to his characters and unexpected plot twists. It should also be noted that Akutami managed to avoid over-fostering Yuji Itadori’s rooster.
To bring this universe of witchcraft and curses to life, Akutami draws inspiration from shonen masterpieces of the past, creating a fresh and vibrant experience for a new generation. What works inspired the author’s work?
Image: MAPPA
Naruto and Bleach are great inspirations for Jujutsu Kaisen.
Recent statements by Gege Akutami, translated by soukatsu_ on AnimeHunch, have shed light on the fundamental influences that shaped Jujutsu Kaisen. The presence of Naruto and Bleach in the wizard universe is far from a coincidence, it is a strategic decision that laid the foundation for the series.
Image: Pierrot
It is no coincidence that Itadori and Sukuna’s relationship in Jujutsu Kaisen is compared to Naruto and Kurama’s relationship in Kishimoto’s work. Gege has admitted that he was inspired to create this duet by Masashi Kishimoto’s works, as well as Yuta and Rikka. Both Itadori and Naruto harbor a powerful being within them that they must coexist with and learn to control.
While Yuta and Rikka manage to reach a point of reconciliation similar to that of Naruto and Kurama, Akutami sought an irreparable conflict for Itadori and Sukuna. This solution corresponds to the author’s vision of the nature of good and evil, the impossibility of peaceful coexistence of both poles.
Image: Pierrot
Akutami also acknowledges the influence of Bleach on the narrative structure of his works. In both Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach, the story is driven largely by the protagonist’s initiative. Ichigo Kurosaki is drawn into the spirit world and voluntarily becomes a substitute Shinigami. Similarly, Yuji Itadori decides to become a sorcerer to exorcise curses after swallowing Sukuna’s finger.
The connection to Naruto in the dynamic between the protagonist and the supernatural entity was obvious, but Bleach’s influence on the narrative structure is more unexpected.
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