Gege Akutami Reveals Why He Made His Villains “Different” From Other Shonen Antagonists

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Sukuna from 'Jujutsu Kaisen' (Left), Gege Akutami's Avatar (Right)

When Jujutsu Kaisen burst onto the scene in 2018, it immediately charmed fans with its intriguing cast of characters, particularly its villains.

Unlike many other series, where antagonists often have sympathetic backstories, Jujutsu Kaisen took a different approach, presenting villains with chilling motives yet undeniable charm.

Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, has a distinct philosophy when it comes to crafting antagonists. They eschew the use of sympathy to justify villainous actions, preferring instead to focus on the clash of ideologies between protagonists and antagonists.

Sukuna’s Domain Expansion in Jujutsu Kaisen

In an interview translated and shared by @soukatsu_ on X, Akutami elaborated on their approach, emphasizing the importance of creating conflicts based solely on characters’ convictions and motives.

Take, for example, Choso, whose sole motivation is to protect his younger brothers. When Yuji inadvertently causes their deaths, Choso seeks revenge. However, upon discovering his blood relation to Yuji, Choso’s loyalties shift, leading him to aid Yuji in his battle against Sukuna.

Choso’s Blood Manipulation Technique in Jujutsu Kaisen

Characters like Toji Fushiguro also resonate with fans for their unwavering convictions and fierce demeanor. The clash between these complex characters and the rest of the cast adds depth and intrigue to the series.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s villains are not defined by tragic pasts but by their resolute beliefs and their conflicts with the protagonists, making them compelling adversaries in a story filled with moral ambiguity and intense battles.

Verified since 2021 Senior Content Writer

Vaishnavi Kamble is a Senior Content Writer at OtakuKart specializing in anime and gaming, with a particular niche in manga creator profiles and behind-the-scenes industry interviews. Her work covers the personal journeys of major mangaka — from Isayama's exhaustion over Attack on Titan to Tite Kubo's near-abandonment of Bleach — currently pursuing her master's in economics.

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