Summary

• Yuji Itadori's average nature in Jujutsu Kaisen actually makes him more relatable to the audience.
• His reactions mirror the viewers' experience, creating a strong connection between him and the audience.
• Yuji's hard work and unbreakable spirit prove that anyone can be a hero with the right mindset and dedication, giving viewers an irable standard to aspire to in their own lives.

Jujutsu Kaisen presents as a protagonist a character who does not fit the unattainably heroic standard of perfection, and instead appears more like an average person, but that's what makes Yuji Itadori stand out. Among unbelievably powerful heroes in anime, it can be difficult for the average viewer to picture themselves in the shoes of the mighty individuals they see on their screen.

These characters are still engaging to watch and aspirational in some ways, but certainly not universally relatable. In an interview, Gege Akutami describes Jujutsu Kaisen's protagonist, Yuji Itadori, as “a straightforward guy” and “a flexible character.” He verbalizes how he fully intended for Yuji to be an average person pushed into a fantastical and unbelievable situation who was forced to adapt to shocking circumstances.

"Another aspect of his versatility is being able to react to things in the story alongside the reader's perspective. When Itadori encounters something new, his reaction and that of the reader are generally the same. For example, the Culling Game setup may not have been completely understandable to the reader, but if Itadori says "I don't really get it," the reader will think "Oh, it's okay if I don't totally understand," which is useful." - Gege Akutami

Akutami also highlights Yuji’s role as “a universal protagonist” in Jujutsu Kaisen, or someone that makes it easy for every reader to picture themselves in his role. Yuji is a perfect portrayal of the “everyman” literary trope, the kind of character any reader can relate to and project themselves onto in the context of the story, because he is quite average.

Yuji’s “Average” Nature Actually Makes Him Even More Relatable to the Audience

His Reactions Are Similar to How Viewers Experience the Events Transpiring on Screen, Creating a Connection

Yuji being "normal" is actually a strength, not a weakness, as it helps readers feel more connected to him as a main character. Akutami also explains that Yuji’s responses to situations in the story mirror how most normal people would react, which only further enhances his relatability and viewers’ connection with him. It is more difficult to envision oneself in the place of truly godlike heroes in the series, like Gojo, for example. Yuji is average, while still being an incredible hero, giving readers someone to root for who feels similar to them and inspiring greater connection with the story.

Anyone could have found themselves in the same situation as Itadori, as Sukuna's unlucky host body. Yuji was an ordinary high school student who lived a fairly normal life: spending time with friends and family, attending school, and pursuing typical hobbies. However, he found himself in the midst of a truly unexpected situation and had to make a split second choice that would determine the course of the rest of his life. He chose the heroic path, consuming one of Sukuna's fingers to help save his friends and Megumi, unaware of the potential consequences this seemingly innocuous action would bring.

Yuji Starts His Sorcerer Journey as the Least Experienced Student at Jujutsu High

He Has To Work Hard To Catch up to His Comrades, Since Most of Them Have Powerful Advantages

Unlike many other heroes, though, Yuji did not instantly have clear superpowers or a high power level from birth. He unlocked these skills after consuming Sukuna's finger and, oftentimes, does not have control over how and when the King of Curses chooses to present himself to the world. This sets him apart from protagonists who showcase powers from the very beginning and are capable of incredible acts, wiping out villains instantly in the blink of an eye. Itadori is a typical human high schooler with a centuries-old curse lying dormant in his body, an unlikely predicament that he has to handle carefully.

As Akutami explained, Yuji's reactions align closely with the audiences' thoughts, and how a normal person may respond to horrifying circumstances involving supernatural curses. He expresses fear, dread, and confusion at many moments, working hard to hone his newfound powers but facing setbacks and physical injury along the way. Many of the other sorcerers around him, like Gojo and Megumi, have sured him in their skills, and it is not an easy journey for him to catch up with those around him and hone his technique. Yuji loses battles, watches friends die before his eyes, and becomes seriously wounded by the most evil villains.

Yuji Proves That Virtually Anyone Can Be a Hero With the Right Mindset and Dedication

He May Be “Average,” but His Mindset of Persistence and Dedication Is Far From Typical

In spite of any setbacks, Yuji is perseverant and determined, never giving up on his dedicated dream of keeping innocent humans safe from curses. His grandfather's dying words urged him to be a brave protector, and he never loses sight of this goal throughout Jujutsu Kaisen. Even though he is somewhat at a disadvantage, not born with incredible powers, not naturally gifted, and average in most ways, his hard work and unbreakable spirit take him further than just superpowers could. Even Sukuna comments on how "unbreakable" Yuji is, a trait that defines his very nature and decisions.

Although Yuji is the most normal of the series' characters and easy for viewers to project themselves onto and react along with, that is not to say he's a blank slate with no defined character traits. Yuji is smart, bold, courageous, and fiercely determined, bolstered by his love of others and his grandfather's encouragement to save people from harm at all costs. He is average in that he was not born superhuman, but his persistence is far from typical, giving viewers a motivational standard to look up to. Yuji Itadori is living proof that the most average and ordinary person can be a hero, adding a truly inspirational quality to Jujutsu Kaisen's story.