The manga artist Gege Akutami has rapidly risen to fame as the creator of the dark fantasy series Jujutsu Kaisen. With its unique blend of Japanese occultism, emotionally complex characters, and intense action sequences, the manga and its anime adaptation have gathered a devoted following.
However, Akutami has also developed a reputation for dramatically killing off well-liked characters out of the blue. This unpredictable storytelling leads some fans to wonder if the artist actually cares about the characters he has brought to life through his vivid panels.
While such plot twists certainly retain readers’ attention, some speculate that Akutami relates to his creations more as narrative devices than individuals garnering empathy.
This armchair analysis of the author’s creative process and connection to his fictional players continues to stir debate within the active Jujutsu Kaisen fandom.
Gege Akutami’s Personal Connection to Jujutsu Kaisen’s Complex Characters
As the imaginative mind behind the dark fantasy hit Jujutsu Kaisen, manga artist Gege Akutami has conjured up an array of vivid personalities that readers and viewers have come to love.
![The Real Reason Why Gege Akutami Sets Yuji Up For One Final Power Up](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-7-1-scaled.jpg)
However, in various interviews, Akutami has hinted that among his wide cast of characters, there are a few that hold special meaning for him as their creator.
For example, when discussing the utterly merciless Ryomen Sukuna – the series’ chief antagonist – Akutami has revealed feeling an oddly close connection to this centuries-old embodiment of evil.
![The Real Reason Why Gege Akutami Sets Yuji Up For One Final Power Up](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-4-1-scaled.jpg)
It seems the cold-hearted Cursed Spirit’s unrelenting power and lack of empathy somehow resonate with the artist. Additionally, Akutami has singled out Nanami Kento, the tough-as-nails Jujutsu sorcerer whose backstory is still shrouded in mystery, as another personal favorite character.
And then there is the terrifyingly unstoppable Toji Zen’in, who though lacking any Cursed Energy whatsoever, is still able to overpower the series’ strongest sorcerers through pure fighting skill. Toji seems to occupy a special place in Akutami’s heart as well.
![These Hidden Details in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Finale Highlight MAPPA's Studio Success](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-MAPPA-1-1-scaled.jpg)
So while Akutami is renowned for unexpectedly killing off Jujutsu Kaisen icons, apparently he feels a bond with particular creepy or complex personalities that prevents their premature demise in the ongoing manga.
The reasons behind the artist’s special affection for these villains, antiheroes, and morally ambiguous figures continue to intrigue fans.
From Darkness to Redemption
As the progenitor of the dark world of Jujutsu Kaisen, manga artist Gege Akutami harbors special creative connections to certain characters that long predate the series’ success.
![What Happened To Mei Mei After The Controversial Scene?](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-MAPPA-1-9-scaled.jpg)
Ryomen Sukuna, the utterly merciless and absurdly powerful King of Curses, was actually the very first character Akutami conceived when initially developing the manga. So in many ways, this primal embodiment of evil still occupies a unique space in Akutami’s mind.
On the other hand, the tough yet compassionate Jujutsu sorcerer Nanami Kento was not originally intended to be so beloved by his creator. In the early stages, Akutami envisioned Nanami as an antagonistic figure whose mysterious past would cast him in a far more negative light.
![These Hidden Details in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Finale Highlight MAPPA's Studio Success](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-MAPPA-1-11-scaled.jpg)
However, as the story organically unfolded, Nanami’s character took on a heroic tone and complexity that resonated more with Akutami’s vision.
In retrospect, the artist has expressed great affection and creative satisfaction with Nanami, considering the sorcerer’s blend of quirks, convictions, and lethal combat abilities a personal artistic triumph.
![Can We Expect Tengen In Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-4-scaled.jpg)
So while the sinister Sukuna arose first in Akutami’s dark imaginings, the redemptive evolution of Nanami seems to have fostered an equally strong creative bond over time.
Their creator’s candid insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the organic development of these integral Jujutsu Kaisen characters.
Gege Akutami’s Enduring Affection for the Unyielding Force of Jujutsu Kaisen
Manga artist Gege Akutami has not been shy about expressing his enduring creative affection for the formidable Toji Zenin. Though lacking any ounce of Cursed Energy, Toji’s sheer physical power and combat skill still establish him as an apex fighter in the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers.
![Big Gojo Satoru Funko Pop Statue at California Mall](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jujutsu-Kaisen-0-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-5-scaled.jpg)
Akutami has confessed that whenever he has spare time, he enjoys sketching this dangerous man who can overwhelm even the strongest jujutsu users through brute force alone.
Despite meeting his initial demise in Gojo’s Past Arc of the manga, it seems Akutami’s attachment to the formidable Toji prevented him from permanently killing off the character. He found a way to resurrect Toji during the catastrophic Shibuya Incidents, once again allowing his favorite fighter to wreak havoc.
![Jujutsu Kaisen Creators Bring Sukuna vs. Gojo To Life Creatively](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-19-1-scaled.jpg)
Later, when Maki achieves her long-awaited power evolution to reach a level similar to Toji’s, Akutami spotlights an extended comparison between the two to highlight the unique talents of his cherished creation.
So while other artists may tire of their characters over time, Akutami’s obvious ongoing fondness for sketching the infamous Toji shows that some personalities indelibly etched in imagination can’t be brushed aside so easily.
![MAPPA's Intense Schedule Stands Out in JJK Culling Game Sequel Reveal](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-11-2-scaled.jpg)
Through his candid comments, the mercurial manga author reveals that even his most destructive darlings still hold a precious place in his heart.
Candid Confessions on Jujutsu Kaisen Characters
As the mastermind behind Jujutsu Kaisen, manga artist Gege Akutami has shared intriguing insights into his creative connections, or lack thereof with certain integral characters.
![MAPPA's Intense Schedule Stands Out in JJK Culling Game Sequel Reveal](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-3-4-scaled.jpg)
Regarding protagonist Yuji Itadori, who ingesting Sukuna’s finger sets the entire dark series in motion, Akutami has admitted in the fan book Q&A that he has no particular affection or disdain for the character. However, he confessed to struggling at times with effectively handling Yuji’s personality and role.
Additionally, when interviewed by Mando Kobayashi, Akutami bluntly stated that in real life, he would unlikely get along with Yuji and his first-year Jujutsu High friends Megumi and Nobara. So while readers may adore these central heroic figures, their creator feels no close bond.
![Major Uproar in Jujutsu Kaisen Fandom as Animators Draw Controversial Art](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mei-Mei-Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-1.jpg)
However, Akutami did reveal that he designed the character of Geto, the morally ambiguous Jujustu sorcerer turned human-hating revolutionary, based heavily on his favorite fighter from the classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho.
But he clarified that, unlike the original inspiration, his own Geto character does not elicit the same creative attachment.
So in sculpting the sprawling world of Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege Akutami’s personal preferences among his cast of complex sorcerers, cursed spirits and fearsome fighters continue to provide fascinating commentary on the unpredictable artistic process.
His insights reveal that the bonds between creator and creation are not always so easily defined.
Gege Akutami’s Struggle with Satoru Gojo’s Overwhelming Power
While mega-popular Jujutsu Kaisen character Satoru Gojo seems beloved by fans for his irresistible power and cocky attitude, his own creator Gege Akutami has made remarks suggesting some professional frustration with the powerful sorcerer.
![Killing Spree Continues as Jujutsu Kaisen Kills Off Another Major Character](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-12-scaled.jpg)
Though never stating outright disdain for his creation, Akutami has dropped hints that Gojo’s overwhelming abilities have proven narratively problematic.
In retrospect, the artist admitted he made the mistake early on of inadvertently establishing Gojo as almost god-like compared to every other fighter in the Jujutsu Kaisen world.
![Big Gojo Satoru Funko Pop Statue at California Mall](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-3-2-scaled.jpg)
This huge and unintended imbalance of power levels then became an obstacle for Akutami as he tried to craft nuanced conflicts and advancement for other key characters. He felt constricted by the corner he had painted himself into with Gojo’s design.
So in a pivotal arc of the manga, Akutami made the drastic decision to abruptly sideline his purported strongest sorcerer by having him sealed away and removed from action.
![Sukuna's Voice Actor Goes On Hiatus](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-4-1-scaled.jpg)
While fans may have been shocked by this twist, for Akutami it represented a cathartic creative release, finally allowing him to progress the intricate plot without Gojo’s powers dwarfing every other combatant.
Though Akutami may have harbored some professional envy and irritation with his own dominating creation, his candid remarks illustrate how even the most inventive artists can fall prey to unforeseen challenges born of their own imaginations. And sometimes such predicaments necessitate ruthless remedies, much to fans’ dismay.
More About Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuji Itadori seems like a regular high school student, except for his extraordinary strength and drive to help others, values imparted by his late grandfather. But Yuji’s life takes an abrupt turn when his friends accidentally unleash a dangerous cursed talisman that attracts sinister spirits.
![Gege Akutami, the creator of the hit manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, has reached incredible popularity these days as one of the top names in the industry. With the series' success comes more opportunities for Akutami to directly engage with and respond to an enthusiastic fanbase that feels connected to the characters and story. However, Akutami has also garnered attention for bold and sometimes controversial plotting decisions, notably a willingness to kill off well-liked characters. This has sparked intense reactions from readers. But it also keeps things unpredictable and impactful. Fans feel invested in the stakes knowing their favorites aren't necessarily safe. These kinds of shocking twists and turns have led to some hugely talked-about moments for Jujutsu Kaisen. Even if fans don't always agree with where Akutami takes the story, they remain passionately interested and tuned in to see what happens next. Jujutsu Kaisen (Credits: Gege Akutami) The engaged community around the manga series is a testament to how Akutami has crafted a compelling world that inspires such devoted attention, even when difficult choices surrounding beloved characters leave readers reeling. However, that just speaks to the connection between Akutami's work and his dedicated audience. Is The Creator of Jujutsu Kaisen Really The Villain Of The Story? Building on that idea, a fun recent example of fans engaging with Gege Akutami's controversial plotting was when one creative Jujutsu Kaisen enthusiast put together a viral meme depicting Akutami as the actual villain of his own series. This sprang from the ongoing jokes and debates within the passionate community about Akutami's willingness to imperil or eliminate well-liked characters just as things seem to be going smoothly for them. Given some of the shocking losses and dark twists woven through the Jujutsu Kaisen story so far, a segment of readers humorously or perhaps half-seriously started pointing fingers at Akutami himself as the merciless threat lurking behind the scenes for these beloved fighters and sorcerers. The meme brought that fan's perspective vividly to life. Jujutsu Kaisen (Credits: Gege Akutami) Of course, it's all in good fun and appreciation of the suspense Akutami has built within the series - the fact these narrative risks provoke such strong emotions in the fans just shows how invested they are. But it does speak to an ongoing playful dialogue about the creative choices with the characters that people have come to care about so deeply, especially when trajectories seem ominous. A New Fan Edit Makes Gege Akutami The Main Villain of Jujutsu Kaisen Recently, a creative Jujutsu Kaisen fan named Jovzkie Animation posted an amusing video on social media platform X depicting author Gege Akutami in his signature cat caricature. However, this time the cartoon cat uses mystical powers to slice popular character Satoru Gojo in half - poking fun at Gojo's sudden, unexplained death in the manga. The video humorously portrays Akutami as a magical Shikigami cat summoned by villain Ryomen Sukuna to assassinate Gojo, leaning into jokes from fans that the unpredictable author himself is the series’ “true antagonist” for his willingness to abruptly kill off beloved characters. Jujutsu Kaisen | Still (Credits: Gege Akutami) This trend, after all, isn’t limited to just Gojo - Akutami has built suspense in part by showing no hesitation around potentially axing or sidelining fan favorites, no matter how popular or seemingly crucial they are. Gojo, Nobara, Nanami, Kashimo, Yuki, and even threats of jeopardy for Aoi Todo and Megumi Fushiguro have sparked reactions. So the video cleverly plays with the ongoing meta-commentary from the Jujutsu Kaisen community around Akutami subverting expectations and keeping readers anxious over whether admired figures are safe. The mystically empowered cartoon cat comedically bringing the mighty Satoru Gojo down a peg encapsulates fans grappling with affection for the series’ icons paired with nerves about their fate under Akutami’s unpredictable pen. Gege Akutami Sometimes More Frequently Kills Characters Jujutsu Kaisen has rightly earned praise for its unpredictable, high-stakes storytelling under author Gege Akutami's guiding hand. Akutami has confronted readers by demonstrating a willingness to kill off characters, both major and minor, or abruptly remove them from the central narrative. This keeps tension crackling and cements real threats. However, some fans have also noted this tactic creates missed opportunities at times. While the emotional impact of abrupt loss is potent, in a few cases build-up suggests some defeated or sidelined figures could have brought more to the table before their demise or exit. Jujutsu Kaisen | Still (Credits: Gege Akutami) In essence, the story foundation seems strong enough that Akutami could ease up on utilizing fatal twists in every arc. Allowing specific characters to fully flourish before facing their fates could have enriched world-building or character tapestries even more. Prominent examples like Nanami and Nobara stick out as fan favorites who perhaps had more untapped potential, based on what readers glimpsed, before they fell in battle or ambiguous injury. Of course, premature loss also resonates deeply when executed well. But balancing that with allowing some characters to develop depth across multiple arcs might strengthen engagement. As the manga continues, readers speculate if Akutami will stick firmly to his ruthless reputation or bend by extending some life spans - especially among protagonists - to reap more reward from their completed arcs. The series is better when favorites aren’t always living on borrowed time.](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-3-scaled.jpg)
To protect a sorcerer named Megumi, Yuji makes the fateful decision to swallow the talisman, becoming the vessel of a centuries-old evil curse named Ryomen Sukuna possessing formidable power.
By protocol, Jujutsu sorcerers must now execute Yuji for this breach. However, the talented Megumi’s mentor, the formidable Satoru Gojo, sees potential in Yuji’s unique ability to suppress Sukuna’s possession over his body.
![Sukuna's Voice Actor Goes On Hiatus](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-5-scaled.jpg)
Gojo convinces his superiors to spare Yuji to train him to one day consume and eliminate Sukuna’s 20 fingers, vanquishing the threat forever. Meanwhile, a sinister cabal of wicked spirits secretly plots catastrophic attacks to destabilize the world of Jujutsu magic and order.
At Tokyo’s Jujutsu High School, Yuji trains to harness his strange situation alongside Megumi and fierce Nobara Kugisaki under Gojo’s tutelage. During a harrowing mission, Sukuna forcibly possesses Yuji, though Yuji somehow regains control, intriguing Sukuna.
![Does Maki Die In Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained](https://otakucart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Maki-Zenin-Jujutsu-Kaisen-Credits-Gege-Akutami-1-scaled.jpg)
To hide this incident from authorities, Gojo continues training Yuji, who later befriends a student manipulated into violence, spurring Yuji’s quest for revenge.
As evil plans unfold, these young apprentice sorcerers must harness their burgeoning abilities to protect both worlds from impending calamity.