It is speculated that Gege Akutami, the mangaka of Jujutsu Kaisen, actually favors the character Yuta Okkotsu over the protagonist Yuji Itadori. There have been a few key instances that suggest Yuta possesses qualities more typical of a main character.
Unlike Yuji, who often needs assistance from others like Sukuna, Todo, or the wider cast to overcome challenges, Yuta has proven self-reliant and resourceful when facing formidable enemies alone.
This was already demonstrated in the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film where, despite the odds, he persevered through willpower.
Furthermore, the overarching plot seems to grant more agency, development, and success to those supporting Yuji rather than Yuji himself.
Meanwhile, much of Yuta’s current presence hints at greater relevance for the future.
With the introduction of Yuta in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, his capabilities and independence as a jujutsu sorcerer parallel what one may expect from a protagonist.
Whereas Yuji continues to depend on allies, Yuta forges his own path undeterred, suggesting Akutami sees greater main character potential in the latter. It’s plausible Yuta embodied the original vision for the series hero.
When Yuta Started Acting Like A Protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuta Okkotsu has rapidly grown into one of the most pivotal figures in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Originally the main protagonist of the prequel film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, his long-awaited return in the Culling Game arc of season 2 has seen his role and presence dramatically increase.
Whereas early on, Yuji Itadori firmly held the spotlight as the lead protagonist, recently the momentum seems to be shifting more towards spotlighting Yuta.
During the Culling Game, Yuta has taken the initiative in battles against powerful foes, devised strategies progressing the wider plot, and landed critical attacks on central antagonists like Kenjaku.
Comparatively, Yuji’s development has somewhat plateaued – still struggling against Sukuna despite allies’ assistance.
This growing contrast invites speculation over whether Gege Akutami envisioned Yuta as originally being the one true protagonist. His rising importance and independence echo classic main character attributes.
With Yuta poised to play an integral part in the climax of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, the question lingers if he rather than Yuji better fits the role of principal hero that the story revolves around.
In any case, all signs point to his starring presence continuing to elevate moving forward.
Yuta Okkotsu, A Mirror to Sukuna in
Recent revelations indicate Yuji Itadori serves as a parallel to the antagonist Mahito. Both characters acknowledged this connection during their climactic battle in the Shibuya Incident arc.
Considering this, it positions Yuta Okkotsu as a mirror to Sukuna – the overarching main antagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen. This further suggests creator Gege Akutami continues to see Yuta as a protagonist on the same level as Yuji.
Additional parallels between Yuta and Sukuna reinforce this theory.
Gojo highlighted that the bond between Yuta and Rika represents the series’ strongest curse: love. Moreover, in a discussion with Kashimo, Sukuna himself admits comprehending love yet considers it worthless.
As the ultimate evil of Jujutsu Kaisen is aware of but disdaining love’s power, Sukuna’s perspective aligns with Yuta’s contrasting dependence on love through Rika.
This clear narrative link between the protagonist Yuta and antagonist Sukuna mirrors Yuji’s own connection to Mahito.
More About Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuji Itadori is an extraordinarily strong high school student who is driven by his grandfather’s dying words to “help others” and “dies surrounded by people”.
However, when Yuji’s friends tamper with a cursed seal, he intervenes to protect sorcerer Megumi Fushiguro by ingesting the rotten finger talisman, becoming the vessel of the powerful curse Ryomen Sukuna.
This creates a complex situation – all Jujutsu sorcerers should eliminate the evil Sukuna immediately, even if it kills Yuji. Yet Yuji exhibits self-control over his body, leading his mentor Gojo to propose postponing his death sentence so Yuji can train to consume Sukuna’s 20 fingers to destroy the curse once and for all.
Yuji subsequently enrolls alongside Megumi and Nobara Kugisaki at Tokyo’s Jujutsu High School while a group of curses secretly plots an attack on Jujutsu society.
During a mission gone awry, Sukuna seizes control over Yuji, forcing Yuji to let them die together. However, Sukuna resurrects Yuji, having developed an interest in Megumi.
Gojo hides Yuji’s resurrection so training can continue, though a personal tragedy involving student Junpei Yoshino drives Yuji to vow to defeat the manipulative curse of Mahito.
