Each and every character in Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen holds a certain significance to the story. Whether they stay for half a chapter or manage to stay throughout the course of the manga, they have an impact on the story regardless. Once their purpose is over, they may not return again or even be mentioned. However, they hold a purpose.
In the various characters introduced by Gege Akutami, individuality keeps them from appearing as flat characters, even though at times they would seem unexplored. The characters aren’t the only complicated aspects of the story. The power dynamics, the various cursed techniques, and the breakdown of how the power system of Jujutsu Kaisen works are no child’s play and that is something Tite Kubo too learned the hard way.
Gege Akutami Saw Jujutsu Kaisen Change with One Character
Cursed techniques in Jujutsu Kaisen are a vast array of untouched possibilities. Each of them in unique, matching their owners and becoming conjoined to them. Whether it is Gojo’s Infinity or Megumi’s Shadow Techniques; they are incredibly individual in their sense. Despite their range, they can become difficult to comprehend. Especially for those who have either just started the anime or the manga.
I also consider his introduction to be a turning point in the series.
According to an interview between Gege Akutami and Tite Kubo in the Jujutsu Kaisen Official Fanbook (via Edomonogatari), the authors discussed exactly that. This complicated structure that was set for the manga takes a lot of understanding to do. However, Kento Nanami’s introduction became a game changer.
Nanami’s introduction to the series stood as a point where the entire direction of the manga changed. Things started becoming more clear and concise.
Nanami Became Not Just Itadori Yuji’s Teacher
Tite Kubo found himself experiencing something very similar when reading through Jujutsu Kaisen. The power system was a chaotic mess for him, one that he could not decipher no matter how much he tried. Everyone’s techniques felt like there was more written in between the lines and he would be confused about what exactly that was.
The powers got more interesting around then. Early on, I wasn’t sure if Megumi Fushiguro’s technique had anything to do with shadow puppetry. I was growing impatient while reading ’cause even though he was fighting at night in a place with windows, he didn’t utilize shadows the way I expected him to. But after Nanami came along, the direction took a sharp turn; even the strangest techniques became easy to understand, and more standout characters like Aoi Todo joined the fray.
Kubo also found solace in the existence of Kento Nanami. His introduction made things simpler for everyone to understand. Cursed techniques weren’t a hassle anymore and more of an experience to figure out other fun variations.
Nanami wasn’t just an attraction for the fans but the role he played in the manga had more than just the value of a character. His technique was one of the most unique and still stands to be so. Seeing that his death left a gaping hole in the series, his impact stayed forevermore.
