Jujutsu Kaisen's best spinoff route is not a Heian era one

Ryomen Sukuna From Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Mappa Studios)
Ryomen Sukuna From Jujutsu Kaisen Heian Era (Image via Mappa Studios)

When considering potential spinoffs for Jujutsu Kaisen, many fans point to the Heian Era, a time of legendary sorcery and curses. This era offers a fascinating backdrop, filled with historical figures like Sukuna and the golden age of jujutsu sorcery. It’s a setting that could delve deeper into the origins of cursed techniques and ancient rivalries.

However, the best spinoff route lies beyond Japan, focusing on global sorcery and curses. This approach could expand the series’ worldbuilding, and introduce fresh, innovative concepts. By venturing into other cultures' diverse traditions and folklore, Jujutsu Kaisen can transcend its current narrative boundaries, offering fans a richer and more varied universe.

Disclaimer: This article is speculative and reflects the opinion of the author.


A global perspective on Jujutsu Kaisen's sorcery

A scene from Season 1 Episode 21 (Image via Mappa Studios)
A scene from Season 1 Episode 21 (Image via Mappa Studios)

Though mostly limited to Japan, Jujutsu Kaisen has skillfully created a universe of sorcerers and curses. Examining how sorcerers and curses appear in different cultures might give this franchise more nuance. From African rituals and European alchemy, to South American shamanism, the series could showcase diverse traditions, enriching its lore and storytelling.

By broadening its scope, a global spinoff could also address unanswered questions about how curses and sorcery operate outside Japan. This would provide opportunities to introduce unique curse designs, cultural interpretations of jujutsu, and new techniques.

Such additions would make the Jujutsu Kaisen universe feel more interconnected, appealing to fans eager for expanded worldbuilding.


Yuta Okkotsu as the perfect protagonist

Yuta Okkotsu in Season 1 Episode 14 (Image via Mappa Studios)
Yuta Okkotsu in Season 1 Episode 14 (Image via Mappa Studios)

A global spinoff needs a strong protagonist, and Yuta Okkotsu is the ideal candidate. As the lead of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Yuta is already an established mainline character. His special-grade sorcerer status and bond with Rika make him uniquely suited to uncover and navigate the mysteries of international sorcery.

Yuta’s journey could revolve around an assignment from the Jujutsu Society, or a personal quest to understand curses beyond Japan. His empathetic nature and adaptability would make him a compelling lens for exploring new cultures and challenges. Yuta’s popularity among fans ensures a strong foundation for such a spinoff, bridging new and familiar elements.


Unlocking new possibilities

A global approach to Jujutsu Kaisen opens up unprecedented creative opportunities. New curses, inspired by international folklore and legends, could introduce exciting challenges. Imagine battling European spirits like banshees, South American myths like La Llorona, or African deities. These fresh designs would contrast with the curses seen in the original series.

Foreign sorcerers could also bring innovative techniques, shaped by their cultural contexts. A Nordic mage wielding runes or a South African sorcerer invoking ancestral spirits would add variety to the series’ combat system. Such diversity ensures that battles remain dynamic and creatively engaging for both the characters and the audience.

A scene from episode 47 (Image by Mappa Studios)
A scene from episode 47 (Image by Mappa Studios)

Even legendary figures like Sukuna and Kenjaku may be unaware of certain international curses or techniques. This premise adds intrigue, suggesting that global sorcery traditions hold secrets that could challenge their dominance. Such revelations heighten the stakes, making the spinoff feel essential rather than a mere side story.


A creative and logical next step

A global spinoff aligns with this franchise's thematic core, emphasizing the generality of human fears and emotions that give rise to curses. Expanding this concept to a worldwide scale reinforces the idea that sorcery transcends cultural boundaries, creating a shared narrative of humanity’s struggles against darkness.

For creator Gege Akutami, this approach offers creative freedom. It allows the series to explore new lore and concepts without being bound by established canon. Yuta’s role as the protagonist provides continuity, ensuring the spinoff feels connected to the original narrative while venturing into uncharted territory.


In conclusion

While the Heian Era presents an intriguing setting for a Jujutsu Kaisen spinoff, it risks retreading familiar ground.

A global perspective, centered on Yuta Okkotsu, offers unparalleled opportunities to expand the series’ worldbuilding and explore new cultural interpretations of sorcery and curses. This direction not only honors the series’ roots, but also propels it into exciting, innovative territory, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal to a global audience.


Also read:

Jujutsu Kaisen made a fatal mistake with Heian Era, and fans will never forgive Gege

Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue finally shows one of the Heian Era flashbacks everyone wanted

Jujutsu Kaisen's modern sorcerers are superior to the Heian Era in one key area, and it seems intentional by Akutami

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Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay
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