Jujutsu Kaisen characters: Jujutsu Kaisen characters' deaths prove the biggest flaw in Gege's writing

Jujutsu Kaisen has become a global sensation. With the manga concluding this year and season 3 set to release in 2025, it's hailed as one of the best new-generation series. Mangaka Gege Akutami crafted a gripping story that kept fans guessing. However, despite its acclaim, the series has faced criticism for its handling of character deaths.

While the story has made a name for itself for its brutual storytelling, the actual character deaths seem to be a weak point. Though there have been 42 total deaths in 271 chapters, more than two-thirds of them do not affect the story and even major characters deaths seem to have been written improperly.

Disclaimer: This article contains the sole opinion of the author.

Blemishes in Akutami's writing are visible through Jujutsu Kaisen character deaths

Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

A considerable flaw in mangaka Gege Akutami's writing is visible in the way they handled/portrayed Jujutsu Kaisen character deaths. As mentioned, the series witnessed a total of 42 deaths of both major and supporting names. But even with a number like this, the story was not impacted in a very significant manner and these deaths were relegated to the background soon after.

The manga's expert writing has earned it widespread popularity. Each character is uniquely crafted with distinct motivations, incredible techniques, and impressive designs.

But the crux of this feature lies in the impact of character deaths. Among major characters to die, Gojo Satoru stands as one whose passing impacted the fandom the most. Behind him are Kento Nanami, Toji Fushiguro, Suguru Geto, Choso and Jogo. The rest, like Wasuke Itadori, Nagi Yoshino, Eso, Kechizu, etc. barely impacted the story and gained brief sorrow from the fandom.

Kento Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

This is where the flaw in Akutami's writing can be pointed out - a lack of emotional depth in regards to deaths. The biggest consequence of a death seemed to be the respective character never appearing on screen again. Other than that, the story progressed as is. Akutami was more focused on world-building, foreshadowing and mind-bending abilities rather than delving into the characters themselves.

Apart from the likes of Gojo, Toji, Geto, Nanami and Jogo, the rest of the character deaths weren't as effective. The story actually portrayed the mentioned characters and their motivations before killing them off, hence allowing audiences to feel despair upon their passing. Gojo's dream, Toji battling his fate, Geto's loneliness, Nanami's Malaysia trip and Jogo's want for equality were relatable.

It is only moments that Akutami really delved into, but otherwise not so much. The other death which was significant was Choso's, since it pushed Yuji Itadori's evolution further. When looking at the series as a whole, viewers were not given much time to process character deaths. Granted, they happened in intense scenarios, but even so, deaths were immediately followed by action sequences.

Choso in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Citing Choso's example itself - Choso died protecting Yuji from Sukuna's flames. There was a tiny window where Yuji was shown broken, distraught and unable to continue before Todo Aoi stepped in. Yuji's condition mirrored viewers' emotions, i.e., fans were given the smallest opportunity to process a death before the story flung them back into the adrenaline-pumping action.

Gojo's death was tragic, but the story quickly shifted to Hajime Kashimo confronting Ryomen Sukuna. Similarly, after Nanami's heartbreaking death, the focus immediately moved to Yuji battling Mahito.

Jogo's death can most likely be seen as an exception. When he passed, he had a brief conversation with the Demon King who acknowledged his strength and praised him. Viewers were not given time to properly process his passing. Instead of a sad moment, it became something viewers were content with. While this might be expert writing, it also underscores the flaw being spoken about.

Final Thoughts

Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Jujutsu Kaisen character deaths could have been handled better, which would definitely have taken the stroy to an even more dizzying high. Again, not to be mistaken, the dark fantasy series is an amazing piece of work and will live on for ages as a top-rated manga/anime to tune into.

But its lack of emotional depth connected to the demise of characters throws of the efforts put into creating and introducing them. Characters like Nanami, Toji and Jogo were well-loved by fans, from designs to abilities to motivations. But their deaths felt underwhelming and forgotten too quickly.

Looking back, each of the major names had a unique profundity which made their characters all the more special (for instance, Toji and "The Chains of Fate"). But succeeding their passing with immediate story progression and action disallowed appropriate acceptance of it.