Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji Wasn’t Planned as Main Character, Author Gege Reveals

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This article contains spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen.

Summary

  • Yuji was not intended to be the main character in the original plans for Jujutsu Kaisen.
  • Megumi was initially supposed to be the main character instead of Yuji in the prototype.
  • The story in the prototype is very different from the final production and could have changed drastically.

The anime series “Jujutsu Kaisen” has captivated numerous viewers since its debut, and the plot continues to enthrall audiences. Over time, it’s grown into a cultural phenomenon, with fans showing an immense affection for it, as evidenced by its widespread popularity. However, not all fans realize that “Jujutsu Kaisen” could have turned out quite differently from what it is today. Some fans might be unaware of the original plans Gege had for Yuji in the early prototypes, which are rather surprising.

Yuji Was Not Supposed to Be Jujutsu Kaisen’s Main Character

Revealed in the Jujutsu Kaisen Prototype

Previously, it emerged that Jujutsu Sousen served as a precursor to Jujutsu Kaisen, providing fans with insights into original concepts devised by author Gege Akutami and comparisons with the final version of the narrative. It’s evident from this comparison that significant variations exist. Most notably, Yuji’s character underwent a transformation. Unlike in the current storyline where Yuji is the central figure, he was initially not slated for this role. Instead, Megumi took on the primary character position in the prototype version of the series.

It could come as a surprise for many that Gege initially intended Megumi to be the primary character in Jujutsu Kaisen, rather than Yuji. Had Gege followed through with this plan, the storyline of Jujutsu Kaisen would have unfolded quite differently. In the original concept, Yuji wasn’t the main character and wasn’t chosen to be Sukuna’s vessel. Instead, that role was assigned to Megumi. However, in the final arcs of Jujutsu Kaisen, it is indeed Megumi who becomes Sukuna’s vessel, but this happens after Sukuna had moved from Yuji into him, which introduced new elements to the storyline.

If Sukuna had joined forces with Megumi right from the start, it would’ve significantly altered the narrative in various ways. For instance, Sukuna might have possessed Mahoraga from the outset, which wouldn’t bode well for Gojo and his team, as Mahoraga was the sole means for Gojo to surmount his Infinity.

Regarding Yuji Itadori, he initially appears as a secondary character in Jujutsu Sousen. However, it’s crucial to understand that while Yuji isn’t the main character or Sukuna’s vessel, his initial storyline shares many similarities. For instance, his relationship with his grandfather follows a similar path. The early stages of the plot unfold when Yuji and Megumi visit Tsumiki in a hospital, which differs significantly from the final version of JJK. This hospital setting serves as the backdrop for the story’s opening arc. Notably, both Yuji and Megumi hail from different schools, and this hospital visit sets the stage for the narrative’s beginning.

In essence, the narrative presented in the original draft of Jujutsu Kaisen varies significantly from the final version fans ultimately experienced. The final storyline commences at a more leisurely pace compared to the prototype. Interestingly, the prototype dives headfirst into the Culling Game arc, which in the main story appears much later and is one of the most thrilling arcs. To fully appreciate the intricacies of Jujutsu Kaisen’s universe, fans are encouraged to read the prototype themselves; it’s extensive, detailed, and an engaging read for enthusiasts of the series.

Would Megumi Have Been a Better Protagonist?

The Difference Wouldn’t Have Amounted To Much

In many instances, Yuji has been overshadowed by other characters within his own series. Firstly, it’s important to note that Gojo is the most beloved character in the series, followed closely by Megumi and even Yuta in certain circles, until Yuji gained more prominence in recent arcs.

In this sentence, the original text conveys a strong sense of determination and longing from the speaker (Megumi Fushiguro). The speaker wanted to create a world free from injustice and unhappiness for Tsumiki, but since they couldn’t achieve that, they wanted to preserve their fragile lifestyle as much as possible while still alive. They also expressed a desire to enjoy familiar comforts like eating food they were accustomed to making, hanging laundry out to dry, watching Tsumiki leave and spend time with someone like you in the afternoon light, and reflecting on their happiness.

Megumi Fushiguro deeply wished to create a world where Tsumiki wouldn’t suffer from injustice or unhappiness, but since that wasn’t possible, they wanted to hold onto their simple way of life as long as they lived. They also yearned for the simple pleasures like cooking and eating familiar foods, hanging clothes out to dry, watching Tsumiki walk by their side under the afternoon sun, and spending time with someone like you while reminiscing about their happiness.

Indeed, ultimately it boils down to individual preference, yet many viewers might have favored Megumi over Yuji as the primary character. However, Yuji performs satisfactorily in his role as the protagonist, and making Megumi the main character could have significantly altered the overall narrative’s conclusion.

Initially, Megumi played a significant role in the story. It’s quite surprising that he was completely absent from the plot after the Culling Game, right up to the end. Among all the main characters, Megumi and Nobara seem to have been treated the worst, which suggests that Jujutsu Kaisen was rushed towards the ending, resulting in the squandered potential of these two characters.

Yuji’s Potential Role As The Side Character

In terms of Yuji Itadori, viewers appreciated the development he exhibited towards the end of the tale, managing to defeat someone as powerful as Ryomen Sukuna. However, had he been a side character, Yuji might not have shone as brightly. It’s plausible that Megumi would have garnered more attention in the latter part of the story, despite Yuji initially being connected to Sukuna. The climactic battles between Yuji and Sukuna, as well as the larger fights in Shibuya, might have been assigned to Megumi in an alternate scenario.

Towards the close of the storyline, Gege revised his original concept because he found Megumi as the main character lacked excitement and opted for Yuji instead. Megumi was then moved to a supporting role. Fans continue to speculate on how the narrative would have unfolded had Megumi retained his position as the captivating lead character. Despite not fully realizing Megumi’s potential, fans remain deeply fond of him due to his popularity among the two characters.

Looking forward to another JJK exhibition next year, fans eagerly anticipate the author sharing further insights about his original concepts for characters such as Megumi Fushiguro, Yuji Itadori, and Nobara Kugisaki. Given their strong bond with these characters, any new details from the author would undoubtedly be a fantastic treat for fans.

Where To Watch and Read Jujutsu Kaisen?

Available on Crunchyroll And Manga Plus

In recent times, I’ve noticed that Jujutsu Kaisen, a captivating shonen series, has truly captured the hearts of many. This is evident in the widespread acclaim its anime and manga have received. The anime, from its initial season, was an immediate success, largely due to its exceptional animation and thrilling battles. Currently, there are two seasons available, with a third eagerly anticipated by fans. Crunchyroll is where you can stream this exhilarating series. As for the manga, it concluded last year in late 2024, with the final volume being released on Christmas. If you’d like to follow the story from the beginning, Manga Plus is where you’ll find it.

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2025-04-27 22:04