3 Criminally Underused Jujutsu Kaisen Characters Who Deserved More Spotlight

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Gege Akutami’s manga “Jujutsu Kaisen” concluded in September 2024, and even a year later, fans are still yearning for more. Unfortunately, the manga won’t be returning, but the creator is already working on a new project for Shonen Jump. Despite the unsatisfying conclusion, “Jujutsu Kaisen” made a significant impact on its fans. However, many felt that the abrupt ending came too soon, as there were several characters who deserved more attention and could have further developed the series.

If the backstories of these particular characters had been delved into more deeply, “Jujutsu Kaisen” might have delved deeper into its mythos, as a significant portion of it was merely suggested in the narrative and left for viewers to fill in the blanks about past occurrences. Although numerous characters could have benefited from their own story arcs to enrich and extend the plot, we feel that these three were woefully underutilized. Each character had the potential to contribute something distinctive to the series, thereby enhancing its already intricate narrative even further.

3) Utahime Iori

The anime series titled “Jujutsu Kaisen” showcases an unusual take on the Shonen genre, featuring oddities not commonly found within its typical narrative patterns. However, much like many Shonen series, it faces a recurring criticism – the scarcity of captivating female characters. Fans are left pondering Nobara Kugisaki’s impact on the storyline, while Maki Zenin, who gained prominence after the Shibuya arc, doesn’t quite have a standout moment during the final battle. Despite being underused, it’s Utahime Iori whose unrealized potential could have brought an original perspective to the series.

Through Utahime’s entrance, there was an immediate spark of interest among fans regarding her relationship with Gojo Satoru, leading some to even imagine them as a couple. Yet, this possible storyline was never fully developed within the series. Had the narrative delved into this direction, it would have introduced a romantic aspect to Jujutsu Kaisen, and more importantly, provided Gojo, a sorcerer frequently depicted as more of a beast than a man, with a touch of humanity. Gojo’s character often gives an impression of being detached from reality due to his aura-driven nature, but depicting him with romantic vulnerability could have made his character seem more tangible and human-like. Such a change might have made audiences connect with him on a deeper level, perceiving him as a more relatable “Superman.

2) Yuji Itadori

In a more conversational style, here’s how you might rephrase the text:

The main character of Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori, is unlike many typical shonen protagonists. While he isn’t conventionally problematic, his role as the lead seems somewhat questionable. Throughout the series, Yuji lacks some of the classic qualities we often associate with a central hero. However, towards the end, we learn that a piece of Sukuna’s soul resides within him, which makes him powerful enough to stand against Sukuna and eventually vanquish him in the final battle.

Unfortunately, Yuji’s role as the protagonist is often overshadowed throughout the series, making his eventual victory over the main antagonist feel less earned. Although he manages to defeat Sukuna in the climax, the journey leading up to their confrontation lacks the necessary buildup.

One way to rephrase this passage in natural and easy-to-read language is:

One major reason for the disconnect in the storyline is that Yuji lacks a strong, driving ambition, unlike many other shonen heroes. His only stated goal is to be surrounded by friends and loved ones when he dies. This rather vague motivation often makes Yuji seem detached from the main plot. In comparison, Megumi Fushiguro seems like a more fitting protagonist because he plays a crucial role in many key events within the series.

However, the real problem lies with Jujutsu Kaisen not establishing a solid foundation for Yuji’s journey. They had an excellent opportunity to do so when they revealed that Kenjaku had taken control of his mother. This revelation could have given Yuji a powerful motivation – a deep desire to uncover the truth behind his mother’s fate. Unfortunately, this aspect of the story was not fully explored, leaving fans feeling underwhelmed by Yuji’s role as the main character.

1) Kenjaku

One significant reason why “Jujutsu Kaisen” seems unfinished to some is because it lacks a clear main antagonist. Amongst all the adversaries, Kenjaku appears to be the most villainous, even surpassing Ryomen Sukuna in this regard. Initially portrayed as a powerful warrior from the past, Sukuna was eclipsed by Kenjaku’s manipulations. It was Kenjaku who masterminded the Shibuya Incident and imprisoned Gojo. His true malevolence became evident during the Culling Game Arc, a plot he had been concocting for centuries. This setup strongly suggested that despite Sukuna’s resurrection, Kenjaku would be the final challenge for the sorcerers, with a shocking revelation hinted at-that Sukuna’s return was part of Kenjaku’s plan all along.

In the final arc of Jujutsu Kaisen, Kenjaku doesn’t receive a climactic moment that truly defines his character, despite being portrayed as the mastermind. His scenes with Fumihiko Takaba were enjoyable, but they seemed to diminish Kenjaku’s significance in the story. Instead, it would have been more impactful if Kenjaku had been the main antagonist, allowing the story to continue and delve deeper into the Heian era, a period known for its intriguing sorcery history. This approach could have provided fans with valuable insights into Sukuna’s origins, revealing how he transformed into the monstrous being we know today. By making Kenjaku the central villain, his character development and role in the narrative would have felt more coherent. Unfortunately, this opportunity was missed, leaving many viewers to feel that Kenjaku is one of the most overlooked characters in Jujutsu Kaisen’s storyline.

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2025-08-30 03:10