“I wanted to reject you – convince myself that you were wrong. But that doesn’t matter now; I’m gonna kill you. Even if you come back as another curse, I’ll kill you. Change your name. change your form. I’ll kill you again.”

- Yuji Itadori 

From loudmouthed dreamers to determined underdogs, Shonen anime has always thrived on main characters who grow through struggle. Jujutsu Kaisen takes that formula and pushes it into a darker, more emotionally charged territory. While the series delivers plenty of jaw-dropping fights and high-stakes battles, what really keeps fans hooked is the emotional likeness and complexity of its characters. And at the center of it all is Yuji Itadori, a teenager caught between cursed spirits, moral dilemmas, and the weight of his own ideals.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at Yuji’s identity, background, and journey in order to understand how he grows, breaks, and still keeps going. From his early beliefs about life and death to the brutal losses that force him to rethink everything, we’ll explore what makes Yuji such a compelling main character.

SPOILER ALERT! | This article covers events that have not been seen in the anime!

Who is Yuji Itadori?

Yuji Itadori is the main character of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime and manga series that was created by Gege Akutami. He is the son of Sukuna’s reincarnated twin brother, Jin Itadori, the Kenjaku-possessed Kaori Itadori, and Wasuke Itadori’s grandson. Originally a normal high school student in Sugisawa Town High School, Yuji’s life turned around when his grandfather died. During a terrifying encounter with a cursed spirit, he swallowed one of Sukuna’s fingers in a bid to save his life and that of his friends. After this, he enrolled at the Tokyo Jujutsu High and became a first-year student alongside Nobara Kugisaki and Megumi Fushiguro. There, he started to learn about curses and controlling his new abilities.

Yuji Itadori | Character Background & Family

Yuji Itadori is the son of Kaori and Jin Itadori. He was born on March 20th, 2003 in Sendai City. Upon his birth, his mother sealed one of Sukuna’s fingers inside him to create the perfect vessel. This was because she was possessed by Kenjaku at the time and that was part of his great plan to reincarnate the King of Curses. Her strange actions had Yuji’s grandfather doubting her, to the point of warning his son that “her actions would one day kill you.”

Yuji was primarily brought up by his grandfather, whom he regarded as a father figure. He spent his early years in a small town. Around the age of six or seven, he relocated to Sendai because of his grandfather's job, experiencing a relatively ordinary childhood.

Yuji Itadori | Character Appearance

Yuji is a 15-year-old teenager with a lean, athletic build that showcases his background as a naturally gifted athlete. Standing at approximately 173cm (5’8”), he has a well-proportioned frame with defined muscles. His most iconic feature is his bright pink hair with a slight reddish tint, styled in a distinctive, slightly messy undercut. The sides and back are shaved short, while the top is longer and spiked upward. He has large, expressive, light brown eyes, sometimes depicted with a light amber hue (and is pink in the anime). 

He has a youthful, rounded face with smooth skin but subtle but noticeable faint scar-like markings which occasionally appear under his eyes, resembling small slits or cuts. Also, he’s always wearing a smile on his face, and this has become one of his defining traits. 

However, whenever Sukuna takes possession of him, his eyes may glow red or seem sharper. Elaborate, black, tattoo-like markings appear on his face, with lines on his forehead, cheeks, and chin. There are additional slits under his eyes which open to show another smaller eye.

Yuji wears a tailored version of the Tokyo Jujutsu High Uniform, which is black with gold buttons and accents. The uniform was custom-ordered specifically by Satoru Gojo after Yuji’s enrollment. It consists of a high-collared jacket with a red hood attached, matching black pants that are tucked into his shoes, and red sneakers with white soles.

Before enrolling at Jujutsu High, Yuji used to wear a light gray hoodie with a high collar, paired with dark pants and his signature red sneakers. Also, in downtime or in flashbacks, he often wears simple clothing like t-shirts, hoodies, or track pants, often in neutral or bright colors.

Yuji Itadori | Character Personality

Yuji is a person with a large heart, a strong sense of justice, and an overpowering desire to protect others, even at the expense of himself. He is fundamentally selfless and emphatic, and as a Jujutsu sorcerer, makes numerous decisions based on his strong belief that everyone deserves a dignified death. He’s also energetic, friendly, and often lightens the mood around him with his goofy charm and humor. He easily bonds with others, whether it’s his close teammates like Megumi and Nobara or someone he’s just met, like Junpei. 

Beneath that kindness, however, is a young boy who is always troubled by tragedy and remorse, as he grows increasingly sober and reflective as he sees more violence and murder. Yuji never gives up on standing for what’s right, irrespective of the trouble or pain he has to go through. He is a go-getter. Even though he doesn’t consider his actions as heroic, he still loves to help people out, especially to save them from going through the things he’s gone through.

Yuji Itadori | Character Growth

At the beginning of the series, Yuji is a caring and lively teenager motivated by his grandfather’s last wish to help others, make friends, not die alone, and guarantee a “proper death.”  His self-sacrificial nature is evident when he consumes Sukuna’s finger to save Megumi, a stranger. This brilliantly showcases his belief in the sanctity of life. His extroverted nature as seen in how he playfully teases Nobara or enthusiastically trains with Gojo, conceals his lack of experience. Thankfully, his ability to learn swiftly enables him to adjust to the harsh realities of the jujutsu world.

An important moment in his life was when he met Aoi Todo during the Goodwill Event at the Kyoto Jujutsu High School. Todo showed him how to properly understand the flow of cursed energy. This allowed him to become a stronger sorcerer, perceive things and situations better, and become a  formidable combatant. Another one was after his first fight against Mahito when he found out that the seemingly cursed spirits he killed were actually transfigured humans. This affected him emotionally, almost making him depressed, save for Nanami’s presence and encouragement.

The Shibuya Incident signifies a harsh turning point.  Sukuna’s rampage while in Yuji’s body and Jogo’s killings of Nanami and Nobara destroy his optimism. This gives him a deep sense of guilt and self-hatred. His vow to kill Mahito, after recognizing their common essence, displays a concentrated, intense fury. After Shibuya, Yuji's perspective transforms, as he perceives himself as a cog in the battle against curses, tormented by his involvement in Sukuna's horrors. His warmth fades, evident in his initial harshness toward Hana Kurusu, but yet his kindness remains.

However, when Sukuna possessed Megumi, this rekindled Yuji’s determination, pushing him to train tirelessly to rescue his friend, pledging to “consume anything” to conquer the King of Curses. This time he strengthens his resolve while simultaneously improving his self-reflection. By the conclusion of the series, Yuji’s encounter with Sukuna in his domain showcases a remarkable transformation that exceeds expectations. By extending compassion to Sukuna and reminiscing about their childhood, Yuji discards his previous notion of life as a predetermined path. He adopts a fresh perspective: that the significance of life is found in ordinary moments and cherished memories, rather than in a set purpose. 

Ultimately, Yuji grew from being a regular high school teenager who was clueless about curses, cursed energy, and the Jujutsu world.  In the end, he was the strongest sorcerer in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga and anime series, as he earned the credit for killing Sukuna, a feat even Gojo couldn’t attain.

Yuji Itadori | Motivations And Critique

Yuji Itadori’s main driving force stems from his grandfather’s advice and last words, which are:

1. Live a meaningful life
2. Don’t die without having people around you
3. Ensure others experience a proper death
4. “You’re a strong kid, so help people.”
   

Itadori's motivation, rooted in his grandfather's final words and his desire to help others find peace in death, feels rather lacking compared to other themes in Shonen anime. Unlike characters such as Tanjiro Kamado, who has a clear and determined resolve for revenge against the demon that killed his family and to save his sister from the horrors of being a demon, or Kurapika, who is focused on retrieving the auctioned eyes of his slain clan members, Itadori's motivations have raised questions among other characters in the anime. He struggles to give meaningful answers.

First, he had an interview with Principal Yaga, who revealed the flaws in his ideals. There was also a mild confrontation with Megumi when he insisted on retrieving a dead inmate's body, putting their mission at risk.  Then Megumi said, "I know you're stuck on saving lots of people and guiding them to proper deaths. But what will you do when someone you saved kills someone else in the future?" He couldn't provide a response and only grew more frustrated by its logical nature. 

While his character is indeed interesting, his motivation is nearly absent. This flaw is somewhat masked by various elements, particularly the main character armor, along with his skills and character development.

Just a minute into his battle with the finger bearer, he admitted to himself that he doesn't want to die. This clearly contrasts with the bold declaration he once made to Satoru Gojo, when he chose to live in order to consume more of Sukuna's fingers before ultimately facing death. It's clear that he didn't have a choice, but the hero shield he's receiving throughout the series isn't due to any "grand" desire. One might even say his lack of a germane motivation is one of the reasons why despite being the show's main character, he still gets sided in popularity polls, especially as even the story dedicated entire arcs (and a movie) that tells "pre-Itadori" stories.

Yuji Itadori | Relationships And Interactions

Yuji is Jujutsu Kaisen’s main character and one of its most interesting characters, in that his relationships with other characters in the story shape his character in one way or another. Below are the characters Yuji mainly interacted with, and an analysis of their relationship.

With Satoru Gojo

Yuji and Gojo have a crucial relationship that’s based on trust and admiration. As his instructor, Gojo sees Yuji’s potential and stands up against the Jujutsu authorities to keep him safe after he becomes Sukuna’s vessel. As the two are often playful, they share a lighthearted relationship, with Gojo’s fun taunts balancing his intense protectiveness. Yuji idolizes Gojo’s strength and charisma. His mentor’s death in his fight against Sukuna profoundly affects him, serving as a huge motivation to defeat the King of Curses.

With Megumi Fushiguro

Yuji and Megumi have a close, brotherly bond based on respect for one another and complementary qualities. Yuji’s stupid but noble deed of consuming Sukuna’s finger earns him Megumi’s respect and trust. They really hit it off when Megumi rescues Yuji from a curse. Yuji's optimism counterbalances Megumi's stoicism as seen by their cooperation at the Kyoto Goodwill Event and Culling Game. After Sukuna possesses Megumi, Yuji, in response to Megumi’s plea to save him, becomes determined to liberate him, leading to their last encounter in which Yuji puts everything on the line to save Megumi’s soul.

With Nobara Kugisaki

Yuji shares a lively, sibling-like bond with Nobara, often involving playful teasing and steadfast encouragement. Her boldness complements Yuji’s tenacity, making her, Yuji, and Megumi a powerful trio. However, her seemingly tragic demise in Shibuya leaves Yuji heartbroken, removing a crucial emotional support from his life. Her death intensifies his feeling of guilt and influences his more somber perspective, almost to the point of making him depressed.

With Ryomen Sukuna

With Sukuna, Yuji’s life embodies an intense, internal struggle. As Sukuna’s vessel, Yuji serves as both his cage and target, enduring the curse’s taunts and sometimes brutal takeovers, like in the Shibuya massacre. Yuji’s original intention to end his life after gathering and consuming Sukuna’s fingers transforms into a deeply personal quest for revenge, particularly following Sukuna’s possession of Megumi. Their final encounter in Yuji’s domain shows a new and unhinged version of the young sorcerer, as he expresses pity for Sukuna, extending an offer of redemption through shared memories, yet he firmly vows to kill him if he continues holding Megumi captive. 

With Kento Nanami

Nanami didn’t spend as long time with Yuji as Gojo did, but he played a critical role acting as a guiding force during Yuji’s formative experiences as a Jujutsu sorcerer. Unlike the eccentric and carefree Gojo, Nanamin (as Yuji fondly called him) provided him with a grounded, pragmatic outlook on the sorcerer world. This showed him a more realistic look at the brutality of their work, but also helped him stay committed to their cause. He was instrumental in helping Yuji better navigate the ethical weight of being a sorcerer, drawing clear lines between duty and personal values, and also understanding what it means to carry the will and burden of others.

With Mahito

Born out of humanity’s fear and hatred of one another, Mahito embodies pure evil and malevolence, contrasting with Yuji’s compassionate nature. Their encounters deeply scarred Yuji, first through the manipulation and death of Junpei Yoshino, and later through the murder of Nanami Kento and Nobara.

Mahito’s actions forced Yuji to face the brutal nature of the world, stripping away his innocence and compelling him to realize that he cannot save everybody. Through Mahito, Yuji experienced an overwhelming wave of guilt, hatred, and an undeniable urge to get revenge, all of which are emotions he never meant to accept. Ultimately, Mahito’s cruelty forced Yuji’s psychological transformation from an idealistic boy to a more logical sorcerer who may not flinch at the thought of making a few sacrifices for the greater good. Subtly put, Mahito is the only opponent that truly troubled Yuji, especially as he’s a sadist and derives great joy in toying with Yuji and anyone he cares about.

With Aoi Todo

Aoi Todo’s relationship with Yuji starts off comically but develops into a strong connection that includes brotherhood and mentorship. At first, Todo assesses Yuji's abilities in combat and quickly acknowledges his skill, deciding to mentor him.  He corrects Yuji’s attack methods, guides him on the mastery and application of Black Flash, making him a stronger sorcerer barely minutes after they met.  Todo's unwavering confidence in Yuji and comic close friendship significantly boosts Yuji’s self-belief during crucial moments, particularly in intense battles such as the one against Mahito. 

In addition to his physical prowess, Todo’s emotional support during Yuji’s breakdown in the Shibuya Incident plays a crucial role in bringing him back from the brink of despair.  His tough-love approach, encouragement, and unwavering trust position him as a crucial influence on Yuji’s growth as both a sorcerer and an individual. But honestly, their “best friend” vibes seems to be a forced thing from Todo, as he started referring to Yuji as “my besto friendo” only because they share similar tastes in tall girls with big butts.

With Yuta Okkotsu

Yuta is one of Yuji’s seniors whom he had never met until after the Shibuya Incident, as Yuta was called by the higher-ups to eliminate him because of the devastating damage that Sukuna caused at Shibuya. However, Yuta kills him and, right away, brings him back from the cold grips of death, fulfilling his mission and also honoring Gojo’s trust. In the Culling Game and Shinjuku Showdown, they fight as comrades, each complementing the other’s skill.

With Choso 

After Shibuya, Choso's relationship with Yuji, who is identified as his "brother" due to Kenjaku's Death Painting experiments, changes from hostility to fierce loyalty.  Choso provides Yuji with a unique unconditional ally because of his protective instincts, which are demonstrated by his sacrifices during the fight against Sukuna.

Yuji Itadori | Skills, Abilities, and Techniques

By the end of the Jujutsu Kaisen series, Yuji Itadori became one of the most powerful Jujutsu sorcerers with a wide range of skills and abilities that put him on par with other special grade sorcerers like Yuta Okkotsu. Below is a deeper look into each of his physical, intellectual, and cursed abilities and techniques:

Physical Abilities

Superhuman Strength

Without using cursed energy, Yuji Itadori's tremendous physical strength allows him to throw vehicles, bend goalposts with thrown shots, and crush walls. His strength is even more fearsome when he uses techniques like Black Flash and Divergent Fist, which enable him to eliminate strong curses. He can harm tough opponents like Hanami and Choso using only brute strength, which is comparable to that of grade 1 sorcerers like Kento Nanami.

Poison Resistance

Yuji is resistant to all types of poison since he is Sukuna's host. Although Yuji is often unscathed, he will still experience the discomfort of the poison. He displayed this ability when he was able to withstand the Moon Dregs' poison during his battle with Junpei and showed resistance to the effects of Kechizu and Eso's Decay.

Peak Durability

Yuji Itadori is incredibly tough, much more so than other sorcerers, with many instances to prove this. He survived Choso's vicious attacks, such as Piercing Blood, without suffering any immediate injuries. Despite being hit repeatedly, Yuji stood his ground in his fight against Mahito's true form. Even after Sukuna punched him through several buildings and survived multiple slashed from Dismantle, Yuji lived to kept fighting.

Close Combat 

Yuji Itadori is one of the most skilled martial artists in Jujutsu Kaisen, showcasing combat abilities that can compete with even Aoi Todo. His close combat skills allow him to easily defeat semi-grade 1 curses and stand his ground against special grade enemies, relying solely on physical abilities and cursed energy. Yuji also displays remarkable control, as he can stop enemy punches mid-strike to redirect the force into precise counters.

His acrobatic fighting style enables him to strike from various angles while dodging attacks, providing him with both offensive and defensive flexibility. Even when his first strike is thwarted, Yuji swiftly counters with a series of kicks, punches, or knee strikes. He is skilled in Taido Martial Arts, utilizing the Knee Release technique to guide his body into fluid, unexpected movements. This ability allows for sophisticated techniques such as the Manji Kick, which is a powerful, cursed energy-laden blow that he often aims at his opponent’s head.

Lightning Speed & Reflexes

Yuji demonstrates impressive speed, completing a 50-meter track in just 3 seconds, which suggests he can run at a remarkable pace of 37.3 MPH. His reflexes are remarkable, as shown when he dodged attacks from the five students of Kyoto Jujutsu High who tried to take his life. He is also able to avoid Choso's Piercing Blood, a technique that moves at the speed of sound, showing that his reflexes are exceptional. In Yuji and Maki’s fight against Sukuna, Yuji managed to match their incredible speed and reflexes, even though he was seriously injured from his earlier battle.

Intelligence

Yuji is a proficient learner, as he picks things up quickly and gets better because of his innate interest and sincere approach to learning. He demonstrated remarkable improvement in real time as he swiftly adjusted to Satoru Gojo's "Watching Movies Training," which he used to learn to control his cursed energy output. He completely understood Todo's advice while they were engaged in combat. He even became powerful enough to take on special grade curses after fusing martial arts with cursed energies seamlessly. 

Shortly after learning about Black Flash, Yuji used it four consecutive times, demonstrating an impressive aptitude for the technique. For two months, he trained under Yuta Okkotsu and Atsuya Kusakabe to prepare for his fight against Sukuna. He quickly became proficient in the reinforcement of cursed energy and also gained a useful grasp of how to use the reverse cursed technique. This gave him the ability to heal himself during combat effectively. 

Cursed Energy Techniques

While Yuji naturally had a strong body and incredible physical abilities, he lacked cursed energy until he ingested Sukuna’s finger, the extent of which only grew as he consumed more of the cursed digits. Hence, he lacks innate techniques, but he has shown a great aptitude for learning how to use and control it efficiently.

After a series of trainings centered on his cursed energy, especially from seniors and mentors like Satoru Gojo, Aoi Todo, and Nanami Kento, Yuji learned and mastered the flow of cursed energy, and learned to infuse it into his physical attacks for greater effect. This, combined with his superhuman abilities, made him a formidable sorcerer whom even Choso regarded as a “demon god”, for he could now perform some feats that were considered impossible for most sorcerers, including Satoru Gojo.

Kokusen – Black Flash

This is one of the techniques that Yuji picked up in his first encounter with Aoi Todo. It is activated whenever Yuji applies cursed energy within a microsecond of delivering a physical hit, producing a distortion in space, which makes his cursed energy glow black and increases its destructive power by 2.5 times. While Satoru Gojo holds the record for most Black Flash hits by a sorcerer, Yuji holds the record for delivering the highest number of consecutive Black Flash hits.

Keiten Ken – Divergent Fist

Divergent Fist is very similar to Black Flash, in that it’s also a physical hit that’s imbued with cursed energy. However, it is a technique that Yuji created when he couldn’t properly control his cursed energy output. When throwing a punch that’s supposed to be infused with cursed energy, the speed of his punch outpaces his cursed energy output, thereby creating a lag in his strike. Simply put, the moment his physical strike hits his opponent, his cursed energy also follows barely a second afterwards, making it a two-in-one attack technique. 

Mizushi – Shrine

Following a Black Flash that he landed on Sukuna, a heightened state was triggered, unlocking Sukuna’s cursed technique imprinted within Yuji, though with distinct variations. Unlike Sukuna’s precise slashes, Yuji generates dashed lines resembling scissor cuts on anything he contacts, which then slice along those lines. As he has only recently awakened this ability, his proficiency is limited, resulting in a weaker output.

Kai – Dismantle

This technique unleashes a cutting strike that is effective against both cursed spirits and sorcerers, and is executable via touch or from a distance. In contrast to Sukuna, Yuji must make physical contact to perform this attack/technique. By forming a binding vow, Yuji enhanced the technique’s ability to also touch and split souls, focusing its precision on the divide between Sukuna’s and Megumi’s souls for greater impact.

Sekketsu Sojutsu – Blood Manipulation

Consuming the Death Painting Wombs granted Yuji the ability to use the Kamo Clan’s inherited technique, Blood Manipulation, which allows him to manipulate his blood and use it as projectiles or even weapons in fights.

Byakuren – Convergence

This enhancement technique uses cursed energy to collapse and shrink Yuji’s blood to its utmost limit, creating a small orb of blood that also serves as the first step in using other techniques like Supernova and Piercing Blood. However, due to inexperience, Yuji cannot use this technique to its fullest potential yet. 

Senketsu – Piercing Blood

Following Convergence, the user launches a blood beam that moves at the speed of sound while clasping their hands on the blood orb.  During their clash, Yuji injured Sukuna's face by using this technique. Since he couldn't fully use Convergence, he performed Piercing Blood using a compressed blood orb that Choso had made.

Hanten Jutsushiki – Reverse Cursed Technique

Before his fight against the King of Curses during the Shinjuku Showdown, Yuji learns to use the reverse cursed technique as part of his training regimen. This technique involves negating the negative energy of cursed energy, thereby turning it into positive energy that can be used to heal injuries and regenerate flesh in oneself (and sometimes, in others). 

Kokyo no Yuisei – Hometown Domain

Thanks to his substitution training with Kusakabe, Yuji gained foundational knowledge of barrier techniques, which enabled him to perform a domain expansion. His domain manifests as an exact replica of his childhood hometown, featuring recognizable sites like a familiar statue, a park he frequented, a department store, and a nearby farm. It even generates animals such as horses, crayfish, and geese. The domain’s guaranteed-hit effect allows Yuji to strike his enemies with different techniques like his soul-severing Dismantle, bypassing the need for direct physical contact.

Shin Kageryu: Kan’i Ryoki – New Shadow Style: Simple Domain

Yuji learnt this anti-domain technique from Atsuya Kusakabe through soul-swapping.  It is used to neutralize a domain's barrier and prevent the guaranteed-hit effect.  In reaction to Sukuna's spontaneous Malevolent Shrine, Yuji activated it, enabling him to withstand its attacks for about 99 seconds before collapsing.

Cursed Tools

Tozama – Slaughter Demon

This is the cursed tool that Satoru Gojo gave to Yuji on his first exorcism mission with Nobara. It originally belonged to Maki Zen’in, but was later broken by the Finger Bearer cursed spirit that Yuji fought against in the correctional facility. It’s a big, sharp knife with two circular holes in it, with a brown leather handle with black fur on the bridge between the handle and blade. It’s often carried inside a brown leather scabbard and sometimes strapped to the user’s waist with a belt.

Yuji also used a Cursed tool that looked like gauntlets and ended in gloves that resembled claws. In order to conceal from Sukuna the fact that Yuta had duplicated Shrine from him using Yuji's finger, Yuta gave Yuji these cursed tools to cover up the fact that some fingers were missing on his left hand.

Yuji Itadori | Reception and Popularity

Jujutsu Kaisen’s main character, Yuji Itadori, has won the hearts of many fans globally with his tragic heroism, unrelenting spirit, and sincere compassion. He is the typical Shonen protagonist because of his selflessness, seen in many of his actions, like swallowing Sukuna’s fingers to save someone he doesn’t even know, and emotional depth and resonance, particularly after the events at Shibuya. 

Fans also admire his growth from a naïve teenager to being the strongest sorcerer in the series, with his personality perfectly balancing humor with profound guilt, as seen in his interactions and battles against opponents like Mahito and Sukuna.

In Weekly Shonen Jump Popularity Polls, Yuji consistently ranks high. He secured first place in the First Poll with 21,735 votes, third in the Second Poll with 13,265 votes, second in the Third Poll with 24,038 votes, and second in the Fourth Poll with 48,131 votes. This is a testament of his unwavering universal appeal despite fierce competition from Satoru Gojo who stole the show later on, up till he was locked up.

Also, Yuji’s emotional resonance has earned him nominations like the Crunchyroll Anime Awards’ Best Main Character. His universal relatability, coupled with his moral struggles and dynamic action scenes, cements his status as a beloved character in the anime universe.