When the two icons of the manga industry, Tite Kubo, and Gege Akutami, exchange their views on their creations, it gives fans a rare glimpse into the inner workings of their genius. Bleach‘s author Kubo and Jujutsu Kaisen‘s creator Gege Akutami may come from different generations, but their mutual regard for each other’s work is clearly visible.
Similarly, Tite Kubo acknowledged his love for the fan-favorite character, Kento Nanami from Jujutsu Kaisen after being frustrated with the series’ direction for a long time. As both Kubo and Akutami agreed, Nanami’s introduction was a dramatic turning point in the story that permanently altered its course.
Tidbits of Tite Kubo and Gege Akutami’s Exchange
The Jujutsu Kaisen Official Fanbook, released in 2021, shared the face-to-face talk session between Tite Kubo and Gege Akutami. The session was later translated into English by Viz Media. In this interview, they shared lots of fascinating details from their personal lives to the creative process. It was revealed that they first met at a Jump Exhibition.
When Kubo was asked about his favorite character from Jujutsu Kaisen, he revealed that it is none other than Kento Nanami. Nanami’s arrival in Jujutsu Kaisen did not only change the course but also shifted Kubo’s perspective on the series. Prior to this, he found himself puzzled by the powers of the characters, specifically Megumi Fushiguro’s technique.
Fushiguro’s Ten Shadows Technique; initially appearing to involve shadow puppetry, left Kubo confused. Even in moments where shadows could play a key role, such as fights set at night with ample opportunity for shadow manipulation, the technique didn’t seem to align with Kubo’s expectations. As he remarked,
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 all of this changed once Nanami was introduced. His character brought order to the otherwise chaotic world of Jujutsu Kaisen, making the complex powers and techniques easier to understand. With his no-nonsense attitude, practical mindset, and rigid work ethic, Nanami brought a level of clarity and purpose to the story that Kubo had been craving. In his own words,
After Nanami came along, the direction took a sharp turn; even the strangest techniques became easy to understand.
Akutami also acknowledged Nanami’s introduction as an important turning point in the trajectory of Jujutsu Kaisen. The character made it possible for other remarkable characters, such as Aoi Todo, to stand out, enriching the cast of characters and bringing up new storylines for the series.
Tite Kubo’s Reaction to Kento Nanami’s Death
Nanami’s tragic death during the Shibuya Incident Arc left many fans heartbroken, including Kubo. Having said that, as someone who has created and discarded countless characters in his own series, Kubo understood Akutami’s decision. He stated,
I was like, “Aw man, he died.” But I wasn’t shocked, since this is the type of manga that doesn’t shy away from killing off characters.
In Bleach, Kubo often relied on his gut to determine when it was time for a character to leave the stage. Particularly during the Arrancar Arc, a large cast of characters was created and quickly killed off. Gege Akutami also cited Bleach as a major influence on the creation of Jujutsu Kaisen.
While Nanami’s time in Jujutsu Kaisen was cut short, his impact on the story, even on Kubo, cannot be overstated. Nanami’s legacy continues to influence the series long after his death, particularly in the way Jujutsu Kaisen handles its characters and their powers.
The exchange of words between Gege Akutami and Tite Kubo displayed the respect that both of the greatest manga artists in history have for one another. Their works are evidence of the power of character design and how even a single character can shift the tone of the story.
Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen are currently available to read on Viz Media.
