Summary
All the characters inJujutsu Kaisenhave significance to the story and connect with viewers, but protagonist Yuji is arguablythe most important and unique partof the series. The plot follows his growth into a sorcerer who can stand on his own, however, author Gege Akutami revealed that Yuji was not supposed to be the protagonist of his story and, unlike what most fans think, this wasn’t supposed to be Yuta either.
Gege Akutami revealed in the Q&A for the recentJujutsu Kaisenexhibition, translated andposted on X by @soukatsuthatMegumi was actually created before Yuji.This is surprising since Yuji is the main character who the entire story is centered around. In the original concept for the series entitledJujutsu Sousen, Megumi was planned to be the main character and the host body for Sukuna, rather than Yuji.
“Originally,Jujutsu Sousen(abbreviated to justSousen) had a character that became the prototype for Fushiguro. InSousen, that young boy ended up housing Sukuna, and the setting was similar to the Culling Game, with Itadori in a supporting role.” - Gege Akutami
While most fans are familiar with Yuta being the protagonist of what is now known asJujutsu Kaisen 0, the original short story that was then turned into a full series, in this other concept the role of protagonist went actually to Megumi. This would have drastically changed the story as fans know it, placing Yuji into a side character role instead of that of the prominent protagonist. Due to Yuji’s greater relatability to the audience, Akutami pivoted and chose to make him the main character instead of Megumi.
Megumi Was Originally Planned To BeJujutsu Kaisen’sMain Character
InJujutsu Sousen, the Original Concept for the Series, Megumi Was the Host Body for Sukuna
Megumi Fushiguro, son of Toji, is a fairly reserved, quiet character, with remarkable powers deep down. Although he does not display his emotions freely like many of the other characters, he has outbursts of anger and passion like the others do. His intelligence, Ten Shadows Technique, and Divine Dogs make him a very powerful jujutsu sorcerer capable of defending himself and others effectively. Megumi is not perfect and goes through struggles like anyone else, buthis generous nature and aloof personality do make him more distinct and structured as a character, with less opportunity for the average viewer to connect with him.
Yuji became a sorcerer mostly by chance, protecting his friends. He made the conscious decision to continue his career as a Jujutsu sorcerer. However, since he had already eaten Sukuna’s finger, the higher-ups did not give him another option other than immediate execution. Arguably, because the only other alternative was death, Yuji was forced to go down the path of a sorcerer. He did choose to eat Sukuna’s finger during the earlier fight, but did not necessarily know all it would entail. This makes himcloser to the average person than the other more seasoned sorcerersinJujutsu Kaisen.
Jujutsu Kaisen: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Megumi Fushiguro
There’s a lot to Megumi Fushigruo besides his stoic nature and rank as one of the most powerful Jujutsu sorcerers.
Yuji’s Relatability Allows Him To Connect With Fans
His Similarities to the Average Person Make Him Easy To Connect With
Most fans would agree thatmaking Yuji the protagonist was a wise choice, since his story of an average high schooler developing unbelievable powers is entertaining, unique, and in some ways, even relatable. Yuji is easier for viewers to see themselves and their own experiences in than a character like Megumi, although aJujutsu Kaisenwith Megumi in the starring role could certainly have been interesting. Megumi and Yuji work well together as a pair in the story, along with Nobara Kugisaki, so it makes sense that Akutami created this core friend group first and then fleshed out the rest of the story.
Yuji’s experience as a jujutsu sorcerer has not been easy and was not a way of life he intentionally sought out, he was essentially pushed into this situation and had to adjust to this brand-new world. Akutami himself describesYuji as a “universal protagonist"in the same interview, explaining that the key to the hero’s appeal is his ability to connect with fans of all ages and genders, since his character traits and reactions resonate with the average person. This is not to say that Megumi does not connect with viewers, but Yuji is definitely much more relatable.
Megumi Is “Set in Stone” While Yuji Is “More Adaptable”
The Malleability of Yuji’s Character Gives Him More Opportunities To Grow and Change
Choosing Yuji as the main character was also an excellent choice on Akutami’s part, because the way the friend group is currently configured works phenomenally. Megumi and Nobara, characters with more defined, distinct traits, play an important part in supporting Yuji and developing his character, while Yuji plays the part of an average person in an unfathomable situation,growing and adapting to his changing circumstancesand the struggles this new way of life at Jujutsu High brings. Each member of this integral trio all has a vastly different personality and outlook, which helps them all learn from one another.
Yuji is a fairly young protagonist with a lot to learn, making his story very intriguing to watch, as more experienced sorcerers like Gojo and Nanami mentor and train him and help him become accustomed to his new job. Akutami elaborated on this malleable quality of Itadori’s identity, explaining thatMegumi is “set in stone” as a character, while Yuji is “more adaptable.“Yuji is flexible and able to change easily,developing new skills and strengthsover time inJujutsu Kaisen.His moral compass and dedication to protecting others never change, but his skillset and outlook on battles certainly does.
AllJujutsu Kaisen’sCharacters Are Excellent, but Yuji’s Journey Is Particularly Inspiring
His Growth Throughout the Story Is More Apparent and Motivational Than Any Other Characters'
While watchingJujutsu Kaisen,it becomes clear thatno character is better suited for the starring role than Yuji Itadori. His uniquely versatile personality allows viewers to bond with him and see themselves in his story, as well as giving him a lot of opportunities for growth and maturation as he goes through arduous circumstances battling demons.
One of the most difficult but crucial aspects of writing any good story iscreating a main character that viewers can relate toand be entertained by. No hero is better suited than Yujito eventually take down Sukuna, and his shift froman inexperienced young student to a powerful and independent jujutsu sorcereris one ofJujutsu Kaisen’sbest and most inspiring qualities, proving his rightful status as the series' main character.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Cast
Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary strength, who becomes intertwined with curses after ingesting a cursed object. Under the guidance of sorcerer Satoru Gojo, Yuji joins Tokyo Jujutsu High School to combat malevolent forces and navigate his new, perilous existence.
