by Gege Akutami Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most memorable shōnen series of all time, and a big part of its popularity is the number of memorable characters it has produced. Unlike many conventional shōnen stories, Jujutsu Kaisen offers a fresh perspective on character dynamics, creating a distinct identity within the genre. With the exception of protagonist Yuji Itadori's plot armor, no character is truly safe, adding to the tension and keeping fans deeply invested in each character, fearful that their favorite character could be killed off at any moment.
This sense of unpredictability allows fans to root for the characters in their defining moments, making those scenes important and unforgettable. From the strongest to the weakest, Jujutsu Kaisen has featured a diverse cast, and while each character brings something unique to the table, a few stand out, shaping the series into what it is today.
10 Mahito
Arguably the most hated villain in a Shōnen series.
Jujutsu Kaisen introduces Mahito, an undeniably hateful villain who is disliked by almost everyone in the audience. From his very first appearance, Mahito is made to leave a lasting impression with each bizarre action, gradually becoming more despicable. His manipulation of Junpei makes him one of the most hateful characters, but his defining moment comes during the Shibuya Incident arc.
During the height of this arc, Mahito killed thousands of people, including one of the series' most beloved characters, Nanami, and left the fate of the main female character, Nobara, to his own devices. The satisfaction of seeing Yuji finally end Mahito's reign of terror makes this a pivotal moment.t, with Mahito being brought to his lowest point, cementing his place as one of the series' most memorable villains for all the wrong reasons.
9 Megumi Fushiguro
Easily mistaken for the main character of the series
The supporting character, Megumi Fushiguro, is easily mistaken for the main character of the series, as the series intricately weaves multiple main storylines around him. Megumi possesses traits typically found in shonen protagonists, such as hidden abilities, a powerful lineage, and a father whose actions have a profound impact on his life. Unlike some of the other characters, Megumi has clear and compelling motivations for becoming a magician, making him a fascinating character to follow.
Additionally, Megumi has also become the subject of a running joke among fans, who note that he is quick to summon his trump card, Mahoraga, even in seemingly unnecessary situations. His importance is further emphasized when he becomes the vessel for Sukuna, cementing his importance in the series. With all these factors, There is no doubt that Megumi will remain one of the most memorable characters in Jujutsu Kaisen..
8 Nobara Kugisaki
The female lead will be memorable as wasted potential
While the Shonen genre often struggles with its portrayal of female characters, Jujutsu Kaisen takes this to a whole new level. Nobara Kugisaki, the female lead, initially seemed poised to be one of the strongest characters in the series. However, as the plot progressed, she was sidelined for nearly half of the story. Her fate in the Shibuya arc remains unclear, and with no return in sight, fans have even come to accept that she may actually be dead.
Near the end of the series, it is revealed that Nobara is still alive, but by then the opportunity to create a compelling storyline for her has long passed. Her portrayal feels oddly incomplete, and while she remains a memorable character, there are reasons that highlight the series' missed potential in developing its female protagonist. Still, there is no doubt that Nobara ranks among the strongest women in Jujutsu Kaisen.
7 Suguru Geto / Kenjaku
One of the series' most formidable villains, memorable for his complex portrayal
Jujutsu Kaisen has several villains, But few are as compelling or memorable as Suguru Geto.. The Hidden Inventory arc, which details Geto's tragic fall into the world of villainy, weaves a deep and emotional story around his deep relationship with Gojo Satoru. The shock of seeing Geto, once allied with the most powerful wizard, fall to the dark side and ultimately meet a heartbreaking end at the hands of his best friend makes this arc all the more impactful.
What makes Geto's story even more compelling is the revelation that Kenjaku, a thousand-year-old mage, has taken over his body. Kenjaku's centuries-old plans come to fruition, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to the story. With his extensive experience as a cursed user, Kenjaku emerges as one of the most compelling characters in the series, arguably even more compelling than Sukuna, so it's a shame the series doesn't address his origins.
6 Toji Zenin
Without Cursed Energy, Toji Challenges the Balance of the Jujutsu World
The power of characters in Jujutsu Kaisen is measured by the amount of cursed energy they possess. Therefore, for a character like Toji, who possesses zero cursed energy, that immediately puts him in a class of his own. With no cursed energy, Toji is blessed with a side effect that enhances all of his senses with superhuman strength. His depiction tends to lean towards the villainous, largely due to his complicated relationship with the Zenin family, which leads him down a dark path.
One of Toji's most defining moments was when he almost killed Gojo Satoru, the most powerful mage of the modern era who possessed a large amount of cursed energy and the Six Eyes. Although Toji was essentially killed in this battle, he became memorable for almost killing Gojo when not many people could touch the most powerful mage.
5 Yuta Okkotsu
The main character almost died.
Yuta Okkotsu, often considered by fans to be a more suitable protagonist than Yuji Itadori, actually fits every criteria for a Shōnen protagonist. His role in Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is particularly compelling, largely due to the clever plot that is built around him. Blessed with immense cursed energy, Yuta can not only hold his own in any battle, but often emerge victorious.
The Jujutsu Kaisen 0 manga is the prototype for the entire series, meaning Yuta was originally the main character of the series before Yuji.
What makes Yuta different is his unique cursed technique, which allows him to copy other people's abilities. and even uses their weapons against them. This versatility, combined with his raw power, makes him a standout character. It's safe to say that Yuta is one of the strongest characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, and in an action-heavy battle series like this, that gives him the edge to be memorable.
4 Yuji Itadori
The most unique main character of a Shōnen series
Watching Jujutsu Kaisen for the first time will leave the viewer with the impression that Yuji Itadori is not the main character of Jujutsu Kaisen. The depiction of Yuji is not what one would expect from a Shōnen hero, and he doesn't even have a main motivation to enter the world of a magician. It is only after an incident that Yuji is thrust into this new world, but from then on, Yuji has a remarkable journey.
Born with an extraordinary body, Yuji was able to nurture Sukuna within himself and has since then, done the best that was expected of him. Over time, the series flirts with the theme of the “chosen one,” hinting that Yuji may share a deeper connection with Sukuna. However, it’s not just this potential destiny that defines him—it’s his inherent uniqueness. This quality makes Yuji not only a standout character in Jujutsu Kaisen, but also a refreshing presence in the Shonen genre.
3 Ryomen Kuna Kuna
The series' final villain will be remembered as the one who killed Gojo.
Jujutsu Kaisen is essentially the most combat-focused manga in Shōnen Jump, so the popularity of the characters stems from the strength of the characters. Ryomen Sukuna, the main antagonist of the series, is arguably the strongest character in the series, with a power scale so high that even Gojo Satoru, considered the strongest, doesn't stand a chance. It was only through the cumulative damage inflicted by multiple mages and the fact that Sukuna had yet to regain his full power that he was finally taken down.
Sukuna's actions throughout the series were all driven by his own ambitions, and in the process, he sacrificed thousands of people without a second thought. Fans initially believed that Sukuna would play a similar role to Kurama in Naruto, helping Yuji in some way. However, Sukuna's goals were solely his own. Sukuna's ruthless nature and overwhelming power make him one of the most memorable and unique characters of the series..
2 Kento Nanami
A character loved all over the world
Among characters with incredible supernatural powers and villains with centuries-old plots, Kento Nanami stands out as the most relatable character in Jujutsu Kaisen. His down-to-earth presence brings a sense of authenticity and naturalness that draws viewers in. Unlike many characters with lofty dreams and aspirations, Nanami simply wishes to live a good, peaceful life.
As Yuji Itadori's mentor, Nanami brings a heartwarming dynamic to the series, making for arguably the best pairing. His reluctance to fully embrace the life of a mage, given the profession's association with death, makes his ultimate fate all the more heartbreaking. Written with a realism that's easy for Jujutsu Kaisen fans to relate to, Nanami is one of the most memorable and well-written characters in Jujutsu Kaisen.
1 Gojo Satoru
The Strongest Sorcerer is more popular than the series
Satoru Gojo, the strongest magician of modern times, also known as 'The Revered One' or simply 'The Strongest', has many names, and it is no exaggeration to say that his popularity is greater than the entire series. From the very beginning of the series, the series portrayed Gojo as the strongest, and since then, the fleet of the strongest magicians has become impossible. The image of Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen has become such an iconic element that his influence has influenced fans to act in real life.
When Gojo was first locked up in prison, an X (formerly Twitter) account was dedicated to counting the actual time he spent in prison. Meanwhile, when Gojo died in battle with Sukuna, fans in Chile even held a real-life memorial in his honor, tied to the promotion of the series. These actions from fans prove that Gojo made a splash, arguably making him the most memorable character in Jujutsu Kaisen.perhaps even more iconic than the series itself.
