Tokyo, Japan – The anime world is no stranger to drawing inspiration from its predecessors, and “Jujutsu Kaisen” is no exception. Fans have long speculated about the various influences that have shaped this popular series. From iconic characters to unique techniques, “Jujutsu Kaisen” pays homage to several beloved anime.

A Tapestry of Inspirations

Creator Gege Akutami has masterfully woven elements from different anime into the fabric of “Jujutsu Kaisen.” The series is a rich tapestry of references and inspirations, making it a unique blend of familiar and new.

Domain Expansion: A Nod to Bleach

One of the most hyped moments in “Jujutsu Kaisen” is the Domain Expansion. Fans can’t help but draw parallels to the iconic Bankai from “Bleach.” The intense battles and the sheer power displayed during these moments are reminiscent of the epic showdowns in “Bleach.”

Yuta Okkotsu: The Copycat Technique

Yuta Okkotsu’s ability to copy techniques is another fascinating aspect of “Jujutsu Kaisen.” This concept seems to draw inspiration from Shirou Emiya’s Unlimited Blade Works in the “Fate” series. The visual similarity and the idea of replicating techniques make Yuta’s abilities stand out.

Reddit Discussion

The cleverness of explaining techniques. Here

Explaining technique makes it stronger? Here

Why does revealing one’s cursed technique make it stronger. Here

Sukuna and Gilgamesh: Kings of Their Worlds

The character of Sukuna bears a striking resemblance to Gilgamesh from the “Fate” series. Both are powerful kings with an air of invincibility.

Sukuna’s Black Box, which stores cursed techniques, is akin to Gilgamesh’s Gates of Babylon, where he stores his vast arsenal of weapons.

Gojo Satoru: Inspired by Urahara Kisuke

Gojo Satoru, with his enigmatic personality and immense power, reminds fans of Urahara Kisuke from “Bleach.” Both characters possess a mysterious aura and play pivotal roles in their respective series.

Team Dynamics: A Nod to Naruto

The team dynamics in “Jujutsu Kaisen” also draw inspiration from “Naruto.” The trio of Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki mirrors the iconic Team 7, consisting of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

The blend of personalities and their growth as a team is a familiar and beloved trope.

Buddhist Symbolism: Inspired by Evangelion

Gege Akutami incorporated Buddhist themes in “Jujutsu Kaisen,” a narrative choice heavily inspired by “Evangelion.” The series uses Buddhist symbolism and explores concepts like the Death Painting Wombs. Fan theories suggest Gojo Satoru’s return is tied to Buddhism in the show.

In an interview with Edomonogatari, Gege Akutami and Bleach creator, Tite Kubo, discussed their primary inspirations. Akutami listed three incredible series: Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, and Evangelion. These works are wildly popular and represent some of the best anime of all time.

“Bleach was my initial source of inspiration in elementary school, then Hunter x Hunter and Evangelion were added to the mix in middle school… Since Evangelion was steeped in mythology, I concluded that I should take a different approach by turning to Buddhism instead.” – Gege Akutami, Edomonogatari

These manga pushed Akutami to take “Jujutsu Kaisen” in a different direction, inspired by the use of mythology in these works, particularly “Evangelion.” Evangelion is rife with religious phrases and imagery, incorporating these themes into the story.

Conclusion

“Jujutsu Kaisen” is a testament to the enduring legacy of anime. By drawing inspiration from various sources, it creates a rich and engaging narrative that resonates with fans. As we continue to enjoy the adventures of Yuji and his friends, it’s fascinating to see how the past influences the present, creating a vibrant and interconnected anime universe.

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