Jujutsu Kaisen’s protagonist Yuji Itadori has often been criticized for his lack of prominence in the story. In a recent exhibition of the series, author Gege Akutami revealed that Yuji wasn’t originally intended to be the main character.
While many might assume that the original plan was for Yuta Okkotsu or Satoru Gojo to take the lead, the intended protagonist was actually Megumi Fushiguro.
At Anime Expo 2024 in Tokyo, Japan, Akutami disclosed several interesting facts about the series’ development, including the initial choice of protagonist.
This revelation suggests that the story could have been significantly different with Megumi as the main character. It also explains how the reversal of this original idea influenced certain elements of Megumi’s and Yuji’s stories.
According to Akutami, Megumi’s sister Tsumiki was going to be introduced in the first chapter of the manga, and Yuji was meant to be a supporting character with a minor connection to Ryomen Sukuna.
This insight might resonate with fans who feel that Yuji has struggled for relevance and has not received enough focus in the manga. While Yuji is generally well-liked, there is a sense of disappointment over his limited attention in significant portions of the series.
Gege’s revelation also sheds light on why Megumi has so many connections to the main plot points of the series. He is a member of the Zen’in clan, was raised and trained by Satoru Gojo, and is the son of Toji Fushiguro, who has influenced many events in the story.
Additionally, Sukuna’s interest in Megumi’s abilities with the Shikigami and Megumi’s motivation to save his sister, Tsumiki, give him a central role that could have supported him as the protagonist.
The idea of Megumi as the Jujutsu Kaisen protagonist offers a new perspective on his role in the story. While he remains a significant character, some fans view him as underwhelming and feel that his potential was not fully realized.
This sentiment is partly due to plot points such as his relationship with his sister and the lack of exploration of Toji Fushiguro being his father, which are seen as missed opportunities in Akutami’s writing.
The revelation that Megumi Fushiguro was originally intended to be the Jujutsu Kaisen protagonist provides an intriguing “what if” scenario for the series. It highlights the significant impact of narrative choices and how different the story could have been if Megumi had taken center stage instead of Yuji Itadori.
