Jujutsu Kaisen – Exploring the Meaning Behind the Title! A Prelude to Time Leaps and Reincarnation?
- Category : Anime
- Tags: anime, jujutsu kaisen, 呪術廻戦
The title of the popular manga “Jujutsu Kaisen” is thought to hold a special meaning. The word “Kaisen” in the title, a coined term, has led to speculation that it may indicate a foreshadowing of time leaps or reincarnation themes in the story. In this article, we will delve into whether the title of “Jujutsu Kaisen” hints at any underlying storylines or represents concepts like the cycle of rebirth.
What is Jujutsu Kaisen?
“Jujutsu Kaisen” is a hit battle manga series currently popular among readers. The use of the unusual kanji “廻” in its title has sparked discussions and theories about its potential deeper significance. We will explore various interpretations of the title’s meaning.
Overview of Jujutsu Kaisen
Before diving deep into the meanings and potential foreshadowings of the title, let’s first introduce the basics of “Jujutsu Kaisen.” This manga series, written by Gege Akutami, has been serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” since 2018. It builds on a prequel, “Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical School,” serialized in “Jump GIGA” in 2017.
As of January 2024, “Jujutsu Kaisen” has released up to 25 volumes, with over 90 million copies in circulation, including digital editions. The series was also adapted into a TV anime, airing its first season from October 2020 to March 2021.
Synopsis of Jujutsu Kaisen
The story revolves around Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary physical abilities. Raised by his grandfather, who passes away, Yuji’s life takes a turn when a cursed object at his school unleashes a malevolent spirit known as a Curse. Teaming up with a sorcerer named Megumi Fushiguro, Yuji becomes entangled in a dark fantasy world where negative human emotions give birth to Curses that can lead to death.
Delving into the Meaning and Foreshadowing of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Title
Is “Kaisen” a Coined Term?
The title of the popular battle manga series “Jujutsu Kaisen,” currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, is believed to be imbued with deep meanings and foreshadowing. Let’s explore what the title’s “Kaisen” might signify. While the term “Jujutsu” clearly refers to curse techniques, the meaning of “Kaisen” is not immediately apparent.
It is speculated that “Kaisen” is a coined term, not found in standard dictionaries. The character “廻” implies a sense of rotation or returning to the same place, suggesting a cyclical nature. Considering this, “Kaisen” could be interpreted as a “recurring battle.”
In “Jujutsu Kaisen,” the ongoing struggle between Curses and Jujutsu Sorcerers is a central theme. This leads to the speculation that “Kaisen” might represent an endless or eternal conflict between these two forces.
Does “Kaisen” Imply Time Leaps?
The unique term “Kaisen” in “Jujutsu Kaisen’s” title has led to theories about time leaps. It’s theorized that the specific choice of this term hints at a character experiencing time leaps. One character thought to be involved in time leaps is Satoru Gojo.
In “Jujutsu Kaisen,” Gojo is capable of utilizing the techniques of absorbed Curses, including potentially time-manipulating abilities. In “Jujutsu Kaisen 0,” during a battle between Gojo and Yuta Okkotsu, Gojo summons a special grade Curse. Despite its lack of significant action in the battle, it’s speculated this Curse may have had time-leap capabilities.
Is “Kaisen” About Reincarnation?
Another interpretation of “Jujutsu Kaisen’s” title is its connection to the concept of reincarnation. “Kaisen,” being a made-up term using the rare kanji “廻,” might be linked to the idea of reincarnation, as seen in the term “reincarnation cycle” (輪廻転生) in Buddhism.
The story includes characters like Kenjaku possessing Gojo’s body and Tengen, who has lived for centuries by swapping bodies. Also, characters from hundreds of years ago appear in the series. These aspects support the theory that “Jujutsu Kaisen’s” title reflects themes of life’s cyclical nature and reincarnation.
Scenes in Jujutsu Kaisen Relevant to Its Title
Scene ① Words Spoken to Jogo by Noritoshi Kamo
In “Jujutsu Kaisen,” there are scenes that relate to the title’s significance. First, there’s a line spoken by Noritoshi Kamo to Jogo, where the word “cycle” is used. According to Kamo, souls cycle independently of people, suggesting that even the spirits of Curses undergo reincarnation.
Scene ② Conversation Between Mahito, Hanami, and Jogo
In Volume 14 of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” there’s a conversation between Mahito, Hanami, and Jogo, which touches on reincarnation. Hanami states that people fear death because there are others “beyond” it, hinting at rebirth or reincarnation. This dialogue could be interpreted as discussing the cycle of life and death. Furthermore, Mahito is described as embodying ‘death’ itself, which may reference his ability to alter the soul’s form.
Scene ③ Yuji Itadori’s Words During Mahito’s Exorcism
In a scene where Yuji Itadori exorcises Mahito, he mentions the repetitive nature of their battles. Itadori vows to keep killing curses, even if they continue to reincarnate, implying an endless cycle of combat, akin to the concept of reincarnation.
Scene ④ Yuji Itadori’s Role
In a scene discussing Yuji Itadori’s role, Kenjaku (Noritoshi Kamo) mentions that as long as Itadori lives with Sukuna inside him, curses will never cease. Itadori, being the vessel for Sukuna, is also described as the epicenter of a new era. This indicates that Sukuna’s existence continues to generate curses, suggesting Sukuna himself is part of the cycle of reincarnation.
Summary of the Meaning Behind Jujutsu Kaisen’s Title
In this section, we’ve summarized the meaning behind the title of the popular battle manga, “Jujutsu Kaisen.” The term “廻戦” in the title is a neologism, incorporating the rare character “廻,” which is believed to represent the concepts of reincarnation and perpetual battles. The use of this unique character hints at the eternal cycle of fights between sorcerers and Curses, as well as the reincarnating souls within this universe. Be sure to check out “Jujutsu Kaisen” and pay special attention to the recurring battles between Curses and sorcerers, and the journey of reincarnating souls.
Nazuna Profile
I’m a 17 year old otaku girl living in Japan!
I’m trying to send out various otaku information to people overseas, so if you’d like to follow me on SNS!
No Comments