How Jujutsu Kaisen Redefined Friendship in Shonen

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How Jujutsu Kaisen Redefined Friendship in Shonen

Aside from its dynamic fights, dazzling sorcery, and otherworldly atmosphere, Jujutsu Kaisen is, in essence, a story about friendship. Although creator Gege Akutami is known for weaving a variety of external references and hidden insights into the narrative, perhaps his greatest “creative trick” is in confusing the story’s central theme, friendship, behind the flashy and exciting battles between powerful sorcerers and malevolent curses. .

The importance of friendship in Jujutsu Kaisen is more than just a setting for the series’ renowned action-adventure—It is the foundation on which all history is built. From start to finish, friendship drives the plot. For example, if it weren’t for Yuji Itadori’s concern for his friends in the Occult Research Club, he probably wouldn’t have rushed back to school to protect them. His desire to help, especially after they were attacked by a curse placed on Sukuna’s finger, led directly to him swallowing the finger, which finally put Kenjaku’s plan into action. Yuji’s friendship – in essence – begins the fight for humanity.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s trio of young sorcerers were more than just teammates

The bonds between Yuji, Megumi and Nobara made them family

Perhaps the best illustration of the series’ theme of friendship is the relationship between its three young protagonists – Megumi Fushiguro, Nobara Kugisaki and, of course, Yuji Itadori. At first, there was nothing in their personalities to suggest they would form such a close-knit group. In fact, combining Yuji’s brash enthusiasm with Megumi’s indifference and Nobara’s arrogant attitude seemed like a recipe for dysfunction. However, they came together in a way that no other group of wizards have, proving to be the most dynamic group in history.

Without a doubt, their contrasting personalities made them unlikely companions. Yuji, the charismatic athlete, was almost the opposite of Megumi, the reserved introvert. Meanwhile, Nobara, the rustic country girl, seemed very different from both of them. However, the imminent threat from Sukuna and his benefactor, Kenjaku, to the Jujutsu Society has placed the three young sorcerers in dangerous situations together. Shared life-and-death struggles forced us to rely on each other, fostering trust, understanding and, ultimately, a deep bond that bordered on familial love.


Yuji and Nobara's Black Flash

The series offers many examples of how their friendship has made them stronger, but none better illustrates their bond than Yuji and Nobara’s fight against the Cursed Womb brothers, Choso, Eso, and Kechizu. This battle highlighted how deeply they cared for each other, which allowed them to combine their forces, coordinate their attacks and defenses, and share a fierce determination to overcome a threat initially far more powerful than them combined. Furthermore, their bond helped them break through personal barriers – like Yuji’s struggle with the morality of killing and Nobara’s hesitation to use Resonance.

Once the trio’s deep connection was established, the world of Jujutsu sorcery changed forever. Without the bond between Yuji and Megumi, Yuji’s relentless determination to save his friend, and Megumi’s ultimate choice to trust him and embrace life despite her deep sense of worthlessness, Sukuna likely would have been able to put Kenjaku’s plan into action. to usher in the “New Era”. of Witchcraft.” In fact, their personal stories of hardship and pain informed how they would support each other during the personal trials they faced as sorcerers in training.

Gojo and Geto’s friendship was different but equally strong

One of the main relationships in Jujutsu Kaisen

In Jujutsu KaisenFriendship manifests itself in many forms, including brotherly love, guidance, and camaraderie. These relationships serve as a fundamental catalyst for character development, forging unbreakable bonds between friends through shared adversity. Ultimately, these bonds prove more important to success than any cursed technique or battlefield strategy. Notably, creator Gege Akutami explores friendship between diverse groups, transcending traditional notions of good and evil. By portraying friendships on both sides of the moral divide, Akutami highlights the universal power and meaning of these relationships and their influence on the characters.

While Satoru Gojo often presented himself as the last “lone wolf” on the outside, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, he was once part of one of the most significant and influential friendships in history—his bond with Suguru Geto. Their friendship grew from a shared experience as two of the greatest sorcerers of their generation, a status that set them apart from others and fostered a natural camaraderie. Only they could truly understand each other, at least in a way that no one else could.


Gojo and Geto are on a busy street.

In many ways, Gojo and Geto were opposites who attracted each other, and their contrasting views forged an unbreakable bond over time. As Gojo poignantly admitted after Geto’s death: “You are my best friend, my only one.” At its peak, their friendship was an extraordinary source of strength, fueling their growth as sorcerers and individuals. This enabled them to face fears and despair that alone would have been insurmountable. However, their mission to protect the Star Vessel Riko Amanai proved to be a crucible for their solid friendship, testing their limits.

For friends as close as Gojo and Geto, shared hardships often serve to strengthen and deepen the bond. In their case, these difficulties centered on their failure to save Riko from Toji Fushiguro, despite their renowned generational abilities. Gojo saw this tragic event as motivation to redouble his efforts to become the best sorcerer he could be for the public good. In contrast, Geto saw this as proof of the futility of sorcerers being required to protect the public from harm.. Thus, the opposing opinions that once characterized their relationship have resurfaced – but now with few, if any, shared beliefs to bridge their differences. This ideological clash became irreconcilable, as history illustrates.

Not even cursed energy can stop the power of friendship in Jujutsu Kaisen

Friendship is the strongest power in the series

Although Yuji, Megumi, Nobara, Gojo, and Geto are the most prominent examples of the meaning of friendship in Jujutsu Kaisenthey are not the only ones. Yuji’s bond with Todo also illustrates this theme. Unlike friendships formed through adversity or shared experiences, theirs grew from mutual respect and admiration. Through support and constructive criticism, they helped each other evolve beyond who they were before. Their relationship not only propelled Yuji to new heights, but also allowed Todo to overcome his doubts.

Their friendship was no different from that between Maki and Yuta. Yuta admired Maki’s ability to thrive in Jujutsu society despite her difficult family situation and her lack of cursed energy. On the other hand, Maki admired Yuta’s strength of purpose and ability to overcome stereotypes. Their bond, based on mutual understanding and shared values, helped, like Yuji and Todo’s, to inspire each other to be their best, always.


Mahito and the Curses of the Jujutsu Kaisen Disaster
Marcelo Verde

The power of friendship in Jujutsu Kaisen extends beyond sorcerers. If we look beyond their antagonistic roles, the friendship shared by Mahito, Hanami, Jogo, and Dagon also shines. Like Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara, they remained loyal to each other and provided mutual support in the face of a common enemy. Similar to Gojo and Geto, they showed that opposites don’t always clash; Sometimes unexpected friendships can emerge. Like Maki and Yuta, they demonstrated how shared values ​​can unite complex emotions and form the basis for friendship, especially in the midst of conflict.

Jujutsu Kaisen challenges fans to reconsider the nature of friendship and its various manifestations, even between adversaries. More than anything else, it demonstrates that friendship – regardless of its form – is important. The simple yet profound power of friendship portrayed in Jujutsu Kaisen Ultimately, it reveals that even in a world filled with darkness and despair, the strength of connection can illuminate the path forward.

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