Why Toji Fushiguro Became a Jujutsu Kaisen Fan Favorite Without Redemption

Summary

Toji Fushiguro‘s popularity in Jujutsu Kaisen is attributed to his visually appealing design.
Toji defies expectations by being an underdog with zero cursed energy, making him likable.
Toji’s actions play a central role in shaping the narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen despite his short-lived presence.

Jujutsu Kaisen has earned a timeless reputation within the shonen genre, with a significant part of its success owing to Gege’s exceptional character design and development. This is underscored by the array of beloved characters found in Jujutsu Kaisen. Toji Fushiguro, for instance, exemplifies this trend, as he stands out as one of the series’ most popular figures, even though his background includes being a criminal and a significant antagonistic force.

In the second season of “Jujutsu Kaisen”, Toji Fushiguro was not particularly notable at first, but he set the stage for many significant events within the series. Despite his character having no redemption arc, Toji has managed to gain immense popularity among the characters in the series, which is a strange yet fascinating phenomenon. With depth to his character and an appealing visual design that is both straightforward and captivating, Toji Fushiguro’s characterization makes him an ideal beloved antagonist.

In season 2 of “Jujutsu Kaisen”, Toji Fushiguro was initially unremarkable but played a crucial role in setting up major events. Despite his lack of a redemption arc, Toji has become one of the most popular characters, which is an unusual yet intriguing occurrence. With layers to his personality and a compelling visual design that combines simplicity and magnetism, Toji Fushiguro’s character development makes him a perfect choice for a beloved villain.

A Visually Appealing Design

Toji’s Appearance Plays a Key Role in His Popularity

First Appearance	Episode 25 “Hidden Inventory”
Air Date	July 6, 2023

The way a character looks in any form of media, be it anime, movies, or live-action, significantly impacts their level of popularity. This is something that even “Jujutsu Kaisen” acknowledges through its distinctive character designs, as seen in characters like Gojo Satoru and Sukuna. Toji Fushiguro is another example of this, with his appearance contributing significantly to his popularity. Although he wears modest clothing, Toji’s appearance is highly praised within the fandom. His muscular physique, broad frame, and star-studded face make him visually appealing, earning him much admiration from fans.

Interestingly, despite Toji’s notorious actions against Jujutsu sorcerers, including attempting to kill Gojo Satoru and destroying the Star Plasma vessel, his popularity remains undiminished among the Jujutsu Kaisen community. This seems to be partly due to his distinctive appearance, but it is also influenced by the unique characteristics that define his character, making him a highly appealing figure.

The Underdog Within the World Of Jujutsu Sorcery

Toji Possessed Zero Cursed Energy

In many anime, particularly those classified as battle shonen, fans tend to rally behind the underrated characters, especially those who challenge societal norms and are considered heroes. A prime example is Rock Lee, an unconventional character who had no ability in ninjutsu whatsoever. His underdog status and his remarkable ability to surpass expectations were significant factors contributing to his popularity. Toji Fushiguro finds himself in a similar predicament, as he lacks any cursed energy – a crucial element in the power system of the series. Without even a trace of it, Toji would be deemed entirely useless according to the norms of this anime world.

However, despite your extraordinary skills, which surpass mine in areas such as jujutsu, never underestimate the importance of humility and remember that longevity could be within your grasp if you choose to respect even those who may seem less capable.

Nevertheless, he bucked the trend by acquiring the moniker Sorcerer Killer and confronting Gojo Satoru and Geto, two Jujutsu sorcerer phenoms famed for being the strongest in their era. These accomplishments undeniably validate the buzz surrounding his character. To be a person without any cursed energy yet challenging two of the strongest sorcerers of their time effortlessly certainly warrants respect.

Beyond being laid-back, Toji stands out for his intense involvement during fights. This contradictory nature makes him fascinating to watch, because he engages in battles purely for the excitement of combat. This aspect further amplifies the anticipation surrounding his power and status, as he’s an exception to the norm – born without any cursed energy in a world where Jujutsu sorcerers are abundant. Despite this handicap, Toji consistently outmatches sorcerers like Gojo and Geto, while maintaining his carefree demeanor. This unique combination makes him a character that viewers find particularly appealing.

A Central Role in the Narrative

Toji’s Actions Played a Major Role in Jujutsu Kaisen’s Overall Narrative

Although Toji’s character may not have been the primary reason for his high popularity within Jujutsu Kaisen, it’s crucial to recognize that he is one of the key characters in the series. This importance becomes even more captivating when we consider that he only appeared for a single arc and was subsequently brought back as a puppet during the Shibuya Incident. Despite his brief tenure in the storyline, Toji’s influence extends far beyond these appearances. His actions, which led Geto to develop a hatred towards non-sorcerers and humanity at large, significantly shaped the foundation of the series.

It can be reasonably assumed that Toji played a significant role in molding Megumi’s character, given that several aspects of his personality stem from his absent father and his upbringing with his sister. Similarly, it is apparent that Toji impacted various characters within the series, including his son and even Gojo and Geto’s viewpoints regarding the Jujutsu world.

In the Jujutsu Kaisen series, Toji stands out as a particularly notable character because he was the first one to engage in combat on equal terms with both Gojo and Geto. The only reason he didn’t prevail against Gojo was that the former had become proficient in the Reversed Cursed Technique and Purple Hollow at the point of death, which allowed him to defeat Toji with a single strike.

An Overall Likable Persona

Toji’s Character Differs From Most Antagonists

The charm of a personality significantly contributes to a character’s appeal, and this holds particularly true for villains. Yet, it’s unexpected that Toji gains popularity given his initial portrayal as an absent father and a negligent assassin with little time for hygiene. His exterior, dressed in simple clothes with an unremarkable appearance, only reinforces this picture. However, the real character of Toji emerges by the end of the Hidden Inventory Arc, revealing that there’s far more depth to him than initially perceived.

Despite appearing carefree, Toji Fushiguro demonstrates a deep commitment to his profession. Notably, he stands by his promises, making him a more appealing adversary. Unlike characters like Mahito who will stop at nothing to attain their goals and stay alive, Toji is steadfast and never yields. This determination is evident in his fights, as he refuses to flee from a battle.

In the intense battle against Gojo Satoru, I vividly displayed an aspect of my character that sets me apart: when he unleashed Purple Hollow, I knew it was game over for me. Yet, rather than fleeing for my life, I stood my ground and stared death right in the face. This resilience, this unwillingness to compromise my convictions, is what endears me to many – making me a relatable antagonist who stands firm by his beliefs, earning me a devoted fanbase.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

2025-04-15 19:56