Jujutsu Kaisen: The Meaning Behind Sukuna’s Tattoos, Explained

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Meaning Behind Sukuna's Tattoos, Explained

Key Takeaways

  • Sukuna’s tattoos differentiate him from Yuji when he takes control.
  • His tattoos reflect the marking of criminals in Japan’s history.
  • The markings symbolize Sukuna’s cursed energy and techniques.

As a devoted fan with countless hours spent immersed in the captivating world of Jujutsu Kaisen, I can confidently say that Ryomen Sukuna’s tattoos are not just intricate details, but rather, they are the heart and soul of this extraordinary series. The way Gege Akutami seamlessly weaves historical references and hidden nuances into his characters is nothing short of remarkable.


In the starring role of Jujutsu Kaisen, Ryomen Sukuna’s character is richly layered with subtle hints and veiled implications. From his background to his title as the Curse King, many aspects of Sukuna are shrouded in mystery, including the mysterious markings on his body. The tattoos on Sukuna play a crucial role in defining his character, for it is these distinctive markings that set Itadori Yuji apart from Sukuna.

Indeed, these tattoos serve a much greater purpose for both Yuji and Sukuna than simply serving as distinguishing features. The ink on their bodies is symbolic of yet another layer in their character development, one deeply rooted in Japan’s rich history. Gege Akutami masterfully weaves intricate details into his characters, and the tattoos on Sukuna are an excellent example of the complexity found within Jujutsu Kaisen.

What Is the Purpose of Sukuna’s Tattoos?

Sukuna’s Marks Differentiate Him From Yuji

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Meaning Behind Sukuna's Tattoos, Explained

Often, anime stories include characters who share a single physical form, each with distinct traits to help viewers identify who’s in control at any given moment. In the series we’re discussing, Sukuna’s tattoos function similarly, as they manifest when Sukuna assumes control over Yuji Itadori’s body.

Sukuna’s behavior and actions are a strong clue, but his tattoos also clearly show that he is in charge of the body. Furthermore, certain scenes necessitate a visual sign to help viewers distinguish between Sukuna and Yuji, making these tattoos an ideal way to keep the two characters distinct.

In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, there’s been much debate among fans regarding Sukuna’s distinctive tattoos. Some viewers think they are an essential part of his character, as portrayed in the series. Others suggest that these tattoos are merely for the audience’s benefit and hold no relevance within the storyline. However, certain instances in Jujutsu Kaisen seem to imply that Sukuna’s markings are indeed a substantial element, and the underlying meaning behind them strengthens the argument that they are an integral aspect of his character.

Good, the marks are still here – Jogo

The Markings of a Criminal

Tattoos Were Used to Mark Criminals in Japan

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Meaning Behind Sukuna's Tattoos, Explained

In the realm of Jujutsu Kaisen, Ryomen Sukuna, dubbed the Curse King, is regarded as a figure possessing god-like terror. Despite this, his origins stem from human life, yet one with extraordinary jujutsu abilities. As a mortal, Sukuna was involved in heinous acts, and it was his reign of crime that transformed him into an immensely powerful curse wielder. His ominous aura even bestowed upon him the chilling title of Curse King.

Ryomen Sukuna lived during Japan’s Heian Era, a historical period when lawbreakers were branded with tattoos as a permanent reminder of their criminal status. This marking was not merely a means of torment but also functioned as a cautionary signal for the general public to avoid these individuals.

Sukuna’s Tattoos Reflect His Crimes

Given that Sukuna lived during this period, it’s plausible that the numerous crimes he committed were marked on his body by these tattoos. Although it seems unusual for the strongest sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen to bear tattoos reserved for criminals, it might be that he used them to intensify his already intimidating aura.

As a gamer immersed in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, I can’t help but be captivated by Sukuna’s extensive body art. Each marking on his body seems to hold a significant story, and his arms in particular bear striking resemblances to the tattoos given to thieves during Japan’s Heian Era. These tattoos, etched deep into his skin, serve as a badge of honor for him, yet they also echo the criminal past associated with such tattoos.

The Tattoos Reflect Sukuna’s Strength

Sukuna’s Marks Could Possibly Represent His Cursed Energy

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Meaning Behind Sukuna's Tattoos, Explained

In the world of JJK, Sukuna’s tattoos generally represent his dark past as a human and the atrocities he committed. However, some of these markings resemble those found on several Jujutsu sorcerers. These specific tattoos seem to serve a different purpose – they boost one’s cursed energy. For instance, Inumaki’s mouth tattoos in JJK enhance his Cursed Speech technique.

Sukuna’s tattoos might symbolize his cursed abilities or boost his cursed energy in some way. Many ideas have been proposed about where these markings came from, with some suggesting they are an extension of Sukuna’s physical form since some of the tattoos alter based on his current transformation. The creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege, has not definitively explained the meaning behind Sukuna’s tattoos. However, the design of these markings is strikingly similar to those used as punishment during Japan’s Heian Era, which makes this theory the most likely explanation for one of the captivating enigmas in Jujutsu Kaisen.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2024-10-22 23:35