Hunter X Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho, jujutsu Kaisen inspiration
The author of the well-known manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege Akutami, has freely admitted how much other great manga series inspired him. While Jujutsu Kaisen stands on its own, Akutami has been inspired especially from the works of Yoshihiro Togashi, the author of Hunter X Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho, not from any one manga.
From its power system and battle choreography to some characters, Akutami's respect of Togashi's work permeates many facets of Jujutsu Kaisen. He has especially said that Shinobu Sensui, the antagonist in Yu Yu Hakusho, inspired the antagonist Suguro Geto.
The shocking moment inspired by Hunter X Hunter
According to Akutami, a scene from Hunter X Hunter directly inspired one of the most powerful and startling events in Jujutsu Kaisen. This event happens in the Culling Game arc, more especially in Chapter 212 when the strong curse Sukuna takes over Megumi Fushiguro's body.
Breaking his vow to Yuji Itadori, Sukuna feeds one of his fingers forcefully to Fushiguro, so grabbing control of his friend's body. A moving and emotional moment is the panel showing Yuji's agonizing expression as he sees his friend die while Sukuna tues him.
Influence of Hunter X Hunter on Yuji's Expression
Akutami has verified that a particular Hunter X Hunter, Chapter 333 panel inspired Yuji's heartbroken expression in this scene. Hunter X Hunter's Killua, a character on this panel, holds Gon's hand as he lies in a hospital bed, greatly weakened from using his future potential to exact retribution. The way Killua shows suffering and anxiety while clutching Gon's hand strikes a strong resonance with the feeling Yuji's panel communicates.
Although the events of both scenes are quite different, Akutami's decision to allude to Hunter X Hunter emphasizes the universal theme of close friendship and the emotional upheaval of seeing a loved one suffer. Killua's expressive strong images most certainly helped Akutami to convey Yuji's great suffering and helplessness in a manner that would appeal to readers.
Hunter X Hunter Notes Throughout Jujutsu Kaisen: More Than One Inspiration
Akutami also made reference to Hunter X Hunter in Jujutsu Kaisen. One particularly noteworthy passage comes from Chapter 132: "An arm is merely a decoration, the act of applause is an acclamation of the soul." This quotation exactly replays a well-known passage uttered by Hunter X Hunter's strong character Isaac Netero during his fierce fight with the Chimera Ant King.
Hunter X Hunter inspired elements of storytelling seen in Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Incident arc. Akutami's use of narrative in this arc captures Togashi's inclination for immersive storytelling.
Jujutsu Kaisen: An Original Combining of Inspiration and Originality
Akutami has admitted how Togashi's work—especially Hunter X Hunter—has shaped his artistic vision and narrative technique. Jujutsu Kaisen is still a singular and original series, though, that stands alone. Akutami's skill as a manga artist is demonstrated by his capacity to find inspiration from other works while yet keeping his own unique style. Inspired by Hunter X Hunter and other works, his deft use of emotional charged events and visual storytelling has made Jujutsu Kaisen a beloved series among viewers.
