The line between good and evil is vague in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. As the series has long captivated viewers with its exploration of what it means to be right or wrong, it is well-known for its dark themes and morally grey characters. This ambiguous nature led to many fan theories and speculations that attempt to analyze Gege Akutami’s real intention throughout the story.
Fans have pointed out that despite being named as the main character, Yuji Itadori rarely gets the chance to shine and is often overlooked by other powerful and interesting characters. Even Yuta Okkotsu is often forgotten by the author for the major part of the story. These instances resulted in some interesting hypothesis that highlights that the true frontman of Jujutsu Kaisen has always been Ryomen Sukuna, not Yuta or Yuji.
Gege Akutami’s Philosophy on Jujutsu Kaisen
Through the narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege Akutami has always illustrated the moral ambiguities of human beings. From complex characters like Suguru Geto to Toji Fushiguro, most of them show a multilayered aspect through their actions and convictions despite committing heinous acts.
Gege Akutami explained their thoughts regarding Jujutsu Kaisen‘s characters in a French Culture Website, Le Figaro, in 2020. In this interview, they revealed the series has always been a journey to explore the line drawn between “Good” and “Evil”. They remarked,
If there was one thing worth mentioning, it’s that no one has the ultimate truth. The “good guys” and the “bad guys”. Some seek to kill the hero out of pure selfishness, but others are led to this decision by logical reasoning. If no one is really right, then no one is wrong either. Each character is guided by their own ethics.
The central idea is that every character in Jujutsu Kaisen is driven by their personal convictions on what is right and what is deemed wrong, making them morally complex and challenging the traditional hero-villain dynamic.
A universe in which there is no absolute right or wrong makes the idea of a villainous protagonist valid, if not necessary. Akutami’s rejection of absolute truths and his emphasis on moral ambiguity support this notion.
Sukuna as the Protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen
It’s not as far-fetched as it might seem to think that Sukuna is the real protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen. From the very first chapter, titled “Ryomen Sukuna,” the series places significant emphasis on Sukuna’s character.
This title selection is significant because the first chapter of any manga typically establishes the main themes and characters as well as setting the tone for the entire narrative. Akutami may have hinted at Sukuna’s key position in the plot early on by naming the first chapter after him.
Sukuna has also been a frequent character in the storyline. Since his introduction in the first episode, he has virtually always been present, although only briefly due to his grip over Yuji. As the show goes on, Sukuna’s significance to the storyline has been gradually increasing, such as taking possession of Megumi Fushiguro’s body and making an effort to resurrect himself in his original form from the Heian era.
Though Sukuna’s journey through Jujutsu Kaisen defies expectations by emphasizing the villain rather than the hero, in many respects it follows the pattern of a protagonist’s arc. And there are countless fan theories and reactions in favor of this idea.
These theories also fit with the series’ thematic exploration of power and its consequences. Sukuna’s quest for power, his manipulations, and his ultimate goal of reviving his full strength all drive the story forward. In this sense, Sukuna is not just a villain to be defeated, but the true focus of the story; he is a character whose journey shapes the entire world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Gege Akutami challenges readers to consider who the real protagonist is by putting Sukuna at the core of this series and challenging conventional ideas of heroism and villainy. As Jujutsu Kaisen continues to unfold, this particular notion remains a fascinating lens through which to view the story—whether Sukuna is the true protagonist or not.
You can watch Jujutsu Kaisen on Crunchyroll.
