Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular Shonen manga of recent times.
The story is set in a world where curses are piled up due to negative human emotions. Only a small percentage of people can see and fight them. There are two specialized high schools to train the next generation of Jujutsu masters to fight the curses. However, the story was not always like this. Before Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was released, Akutami had a very different vision than the current story.
The manga editor thought the original premise of the story was interesting, but the setting was too old and dark. Therefore, author Gege changed the story's setting according to the editor's wishes.
This information comes from a fanbook related to Jujutsu Kaisen 0, in which Gege reveals his interactions with his first editor.
A Jujutsu Kaisen fan on Twitter/X has now shared the translated version, which reads as follows: “But even now, when I think about this moment, what comes to mind is my personal criticism of my first editor, Yamanaka, so let's forget about that and move on.”
The plot of a horror manga born out of despair was the prototype for the first chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen.
“There are no changes to Okkotsu and Rika-chan's character composition; the proposed plot is about going to haunted places and searching for vengeful spirits that can overpower Rika and exorcise her, to prevent her from murdering Okkotsu's relatives (especially his sister) out of jealousy.
In order to maintain public safety, there is a secret government agency responsible for exorcising evil spirits in various places using people like Okkotsu. After being recruited by someone from that agency, Okkotsu will begin his journey to eliminate Rika-chan (and the person who will appear to recruit him will be Maki).
I admit that, even now, I still prefer this version. That's because I feel like I can continue it consistently, even after finishing the first chapter.”
Jujutsu Kaisen begins with a prequel volume introducing Yuta Okkotsu as the main character. Gege Akutami then continues the story with Yuji as the main character, taking place one year after Yuta enters Jujutsu High School.
The manga author had to change the story setting to high school because of his editor. Jujutsu Kaisen was Gege Akutami's first manga and the author still prefers his original vision. And it's clear that the mangaka still has regrets about how his story turned out.
