The Inspiration For Jujutsu Kaisen

Summary

This video explores the major inspirations behind *Jujutsu Kaisen* (JJK), specifically how *Bleach*, *Hunter x Hunter*, and *Yu Yu Hakusho* have influenced its creator, Gege Akutami. It highlights the direct connections in character designs, story elements, and power systems, showing Akutami's homage to his favorite works. Rather than being seen as copying, these influences add depth to JJK's unique narrative. The video emphasizes that blending inspirations with originality is common in storytelling and praises Akutami for skillfully integrating these iconic elements into his own work.

Takeaways

• 📈 Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular anime/manga series, standing alongside giants like One Piece and Attack on Titan.
• 📚 The author of Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege Akutami, has openly acknowledged being inspired by three specific manga: Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, and YuYu Hakusho.
• 🎨 Akutami often pays homage to these inspirations, incorporating design choices, character poses, and themes from these works.
• 🤝 Rather than diminishing Jujutsu Kaisen's originality, these influences enhance its storytelling and creativity, blending old ideas with new twists.
• 📖 Visual and thematic parallels exist between Jujutsu Kaisen and its inspirations, such as similar cover designs between Hunter x Hunter and Jujutsu Kaisen’s 11th volume.
• 🐍 Specific examples of influence include elements like a worm that wraps around bodies in Hunter x Hunter, similar to Toji's curse in Jujutsu Kaisen.
• 👊 Toge’s character design seems inspired by Kahn Doo from Bleach, showing how Akutami merges aesthetics from different manga.
• ⚔️ Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system, particularly cursed energy, borrows heavily from Nen in Hunter x Hunter, while blending in spiritual concepts from Bleach.
• 🌀 Domain expansions in Jujutsu Kaisen are inspired by Togashi's concept of 'territories' from YuYu Hakusho, creating a new spin on the idea.
• 🎭 Character arcs in Jujutsu Kaisen, such as Suguru Geto’s disillusionment with humanity, draw clear parallels with Sensui from YuYu Hakusho.

Q & A

What are the three main manga that influenced *Jujutsu Kaisen* according to the script?

*Jujutsu Kaisen* was heavily inspired by *Bleach*, *Hunter x Hunter*, and *YuYu Hakusho*.

How does the script describe fan reactions to inspirations in manga?

The script mentions that fans often react strongly to inspirations, either by accusing a creator of copying or refusing to acknowledge any influences, preferring to believe their favorite author is entirely original.

What example does the script provide to show a design similarity between *Hunter x Hunter* and *Jujutsu Kaisen*?

The script highlights that *Jujutsu Kaisen's* 11th volume cover, featuring Nanami, shares a similar pose with *Hunter x Hunter's* 11th volume cover, which was likely an intentional homage to Togashi's work.

How does the script compare *Jujutsu Kaisen's* cursed energy to Nen from *Hunter x Hunter*?

The script explains that cursed energy in *Jujutsu Kaisen* was inspired by Nen from *Hunter x Hunter*, with both systems revolving around spiritual energy. Domain expansions in *Jujutsu Kaisen* were compared to Nen techniques, with Gojou's sure-hit domain resembling a technique from a fight in *Hunter x Hunter*.

What design similarities are pointed out between Toge Inumaki and a character from *Bleach*?

Toge Inumaki’s design is compared to Kang Do from *Bleach*. Both characters share features like martial arts slippers, baggy pants, messy hair, and a facial scar, indicating that Akutami was inspired by Kang Do’s aesthetic.

What thematic inspiration does the script attribute to *YuYu Hakusho* in relation to Suguru Geto's character arc?

Suguru Geto’s character arc is compared to Shinobu Sensui from *YuYu Hakusho*. Both characters were once heroic but became disillusioned with humanity after witnessing its darker aspects.

In what way does the script argue that *Bleach* influenced *Jujutsu Kaisen*'s character deaths?

The script mentions that Gege Akutami was influenced by Tite Kubo’s habit of killing characters when he felt they had outlived their narrative purpose, leading Akutami to adopt a similar approach in *Jujutsu Kaisen*.

How does the script explain the influence of power systems from *YuYu Hakusho* and *Hunter x Hunter* on *Jujutsu Kaisen*'s cursed energy?

The script points out that domain expansions in *Jujutsu Kaisen* were inspired by the territories in *YuYu Hakusho* and the sure-hit concept from a fight in *Hunter x Hunter*, blending both ideas into something unique for cursed energy.

What example does the script give of character similarities between Hisoka from *Hunter x Hunter* and Mahito from *Jujutsu Kaisen*?

Both Hisoka and Mahito share a love for battle, displaying ruthless tactics and amorality in pursuit of their goals. They also enjoy watching their opponents grow, only to defeat them when they are at their peak.

How does the script describe Gege Akutami’s philosophy on taking inspiration from *Bleach*?

Gege Akutami acknowledges being influenced by *Bleach* but believes intentionally trying to replicate Tite Kubo's style would be a mistake, as it would hurt his own work. Instead, Akutami borrows elements in a more subtle and respectful manner.