Anime is not only a mere source of entertainment, many popular series today contain valuable life lessons to live by. Jujutsu Kaisen, arguably the most acclaimed shonen series in recent years, boasts stellar animation, unforgettable characters, and a well-balanced blend of humor and action. However, the anime also has another notable quality fans may not expect: its life advice.
The wisdom imparted by Jujutsu Kaisen’s characters and situations is often subtle, but definitely there for those who look more deeply into the words spoken by heroes and the events of the story. Positive messages like perseverance through obstacles and helping those who are in danger show up over and over, and without these themes, Jujutsu Kaisen would not have quite the emotional impact and resonance that it does. The shonen can be quite dark and overshadowed by death and pain, but these inspirational teachings add a glimmer of hope and positivity back into the narrative.
5 Protect Those Who Need It Most
Younger Characters like Choso and Yuji and Teachers Like Gojo and Nanami Consistently Look Out for Others
Close
One of the most prominent overarching morals in Jujutsu Kaisen is the idea of protecting those who are vulnerable or being harmed by evil forces. For example, Yuji Itadori, the series’ protagonist, leaped into action to become Junpei Yoshino’s first friend when he was being bullied, mistreated, and preyed on by the evil cursed spirit, Mahito. This quality makes Yuji such an admirable hero, arguably even more than his physical strength. Yuji is never too proud to protect and befriend those who need his encouragement or protection, and will willingly throw himself into harm’s way to keep his friends safe.
Perhaps Yuji learned this valuable lesson from his mentors, Gojo Satoru and Nanami Kento. Both of these powerful figures devote nearly all their time and energy to not just shielding the youth from harm, like when Nanami gave up his life to ensure Mahito did not kill Yuji Itadori or his friends, but also, training the next generation to carry on this legacy of saving others.
Gojo spent tireless hours taking his students on missions and instructing them, while Nanami made a point to prohibit the Grade 1 sorcerers from fighting in the Shibuya Incident arc, stating “this isn’t a mission for the first years.” Another character, Choso Kamo, committed his life to his brothers and even died at Sukuna’s hands to ensure his one surviving brother, Yuji, could live. Although the real life situations fans encounter might not be as dire and violent as the ones in the series, looking after others is a valuable idea that translates to real-life and makes the world a better, more hospitable place.
4 Never Give Up on Your Goals Even if They Seem Impossible
Characters Like Gojo and Yuji Never Gave up on the Fight Against Evil, Regardless of What It Cost Them
Close
“Never give up” has become somewhat of a cliché phrase, but the heroes in Jujutsu Kaisen do not just parrot this statement without backing it up, they embody this lesson through their actions, which makes it more powerful. Gojo Satoru, the strongest sorcerer, conveys this life lesson best of all, because his life’s work is the very definition of refusing to succumb to evil. Gojo devoted his life to fighting curses. Even when his best friend, Geto Suguru, turned to evil and became ensnared in a cult, Gojo did not let this heartbreak sway him from fighting evil, and even mustered up the will to kill his dearest friend for humanity’s sake.
Related 10 Biggest Plot Twists in Jujutsu Kaisen Jujutsu Kaisen is filled with astonishing twists and turns, and some of the series’ biggest plot twists still shock fans years later.
Gojo struggled with the tragedies that occurred in his life, but never buckled under the pressure. He guarded Yuji, Megumi, Nobara, and his other students from villains like Sukuna, and even right before his death at Sukuna’s hands, he never cowered or even considered ending the fight. Nanami’s last fight also cost him his life, but he passed away in peace, with the knowledge that he gave up his life in a noble manner that contributed to the seemingly endless war against evil.
On a smaller scale, the Jujutsu High and Kyoto Jujutsu High students are just as persistent, continuing to pursue a dangerous career and even fight in a war, when any of them could have given up. The death toll in Jujutsu Kaisen is sky-high for a reason, but the hero’s efforts paid off and Sukuna was eventually defeated due to their determination to fight until the goal was completed. None of these heroes ever viewed giving up as an option and their perseverance is a motivational lesson for all who watch them.
3 Genuine Friendship Is One of the Greatest Gifts of All
Friendship is Complex, but It Is One of the Most Beautiful Parts of Life, and Certain JJK Bonds Illustrate That
Close
Most fictional series discuss the importance of friendship and Jujutsu Kaisen is no different. Among all the anime series out there, Jujutsu Kaisen contains some of the healthiest, most loving, and most caring friendships, giving viewers an accurate depiction of what these amicable bonds can look like. The series does not just paint a purely positive portrayal though, and acknowledges the fact that interpersonal relationships can be complex and fraught with conflict, best illustrated through the tumultuous and heart-wrenching breakdown of the relationship between Gojo and Geto.
Gojo and Geto were best friends for years and braved high school together, but a difference in opinion on how best to handle the problem of cursed spirits fractured their relationship beyond repair. Until Geto’s last moments, their love for one another was abundantly clear in spite of the rift between them. Not every friendship in Jujutsu Kaisen is so complicated. Best friends Yuji Itadori and Todo Aoi show off a purely supportive bond that helps them both unlock the best version of themselves by heeding the others’ sagacious advice.
Related “My One and Only”: How Jujutsu Kaisen Redefined Friendship in Shonen Jujutsu Kaisen’s unbreakable bonds transform and redefine friendship in a Shonen Jump battle manga series.
There are many friend groups in Jujutsu Kaisen, such as Yuji, Nobara, and Megumi, Gojo, Geto, and Shoko, and Yuta, Maki, Toge, and Panda. These small clusters of friends train together, laugh together, and enjoy life despite the fights occurring around them. Friendship offers these heroes a peaceful respite from the difficult battles they face, as well as a reminder that there is still good in the world. These beautiful ideas about friendship prove how important reciprocal friendships are, both in real life and in anime.
2 Don’t Be Afraid To Take Chances, So You Always Live Life Without Regrets
Bold Risks Are Terrifying, but Sometimes Lead To the Best Payoff, Proven by Characters Like Yuji and Nanami
Close
It is no mistake that there are multiple quotes in Jujutsu Kaisen discussing regret. On his decision to pursue jujutsu sorcery, Yuji Itadori stated, “I don’t want to regret the way I lived!” When he ate one of Sukuna’s fingers, the higher-ups wanted to execute him immediately since he was a threat to society with the cursed spirit, Sukuna, in his body.
Yuji could have refused to fight, but Gojo vouched for him and convinced the higher ups to let Yuji live until he could eat all of Sukuna’s fingers. This decision to fight curses led Yuji to a scary life, but as he himself stated, he did not want to look back and regret his own cowardice, so he agreed. Nanami Kento made a similar remark as Yuji did, telling someone he helped that her thanks were not necessary.
Related Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Liked the Series for the Wrong Reasons, and I Can Prove It Jujutsu Kaisen is a once-in-a-lifetime series, and fans who are let down by its conclusion have missed one of the ideas making it so unique.
After returning to his old job of exorcising curses, Nanami never once wished he had made a different choice, stating, “I have no regrets.” Both Yuji and Nanami chose to be sorcerers, knowing the danger they would face, but realizing that the regret of choosing another path would feel worse. Sometimes the choices in life that seem the most frightening lead to the greatest success and fulfillment, and Yuji and Nanami’s lives both provide proof that, in life, the sting of regret is often worse than taking a risk.
1 Anyone Can Become Strong
Even Characters With No Cursed Energy or Other Struggles Became Powerful Through Creativity and Hard Work
Close
Many of the characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, like Gojo Satoru, were born strong. However, even more of these heroes are not naturally powerful and have developed their skill through hard work, training, and resolve. Two characters that succeeded in the sorcerer world despite setbacks are twin sisters, Mai and Maki Zenin. Mai had almost no cursed energy, and Maki had none at all. Although odds were against them, Mai became talented at marksmanship and using a gun, while Maki practiced combat and became well-versed in using cursed tools. These sisters are proof that even without cursed energy, a character can become an accomplished sorcerer through other means.
Yuji Itadori’s willpower also took him from an average high schooler to the most respected sorcerer who brought down Ryomen Sukuna. Yuji was weak and struggled to control Sukuna’s presence in his body, but with time, practice, and advice from those stronger than him, like Gojo, Nanami, and Todo, he began destroying the most menacing cursed spirits like Mahito.
Related 15 Strongest Jujutsu Kaisen Women, Ranked One of Jujutsu Kaisen’s greatest accomplishments is its impressive cast of powerful women, and ten in particular stand out among the bunch.
Not all sorcerers have equal techniques or cursed energy. Kokichi Muta, for example, could not even attend school in person due to the weakness of his body, but was tenacious enough to still become an experienced fighter by using a robotic suit. Other characters, like Shoko, are not talented at combat, but use healing techniques as invaluable weapons that save lives. This range of Jujutsu Kaisen characters with vastly different strengths and weaknesses proves that anyone can become powerful in their own way by relying on their gifts and working diligently, which is an inspiring lesson.