In Naruto, genjutsu is one of the Jutsu techniques created when a ninja channels their chakra through the nervous system into the brain of the target, allowing them to control chakra in the target’s mind, affecting their five senses. The effect of genjutsu is primarily mental. Instead of directly attacking the victim, genjutsu affects the chakra flow in the victim’s brain to create illusions or cause pain. Each genjutsu type has its unique method of trapping the target.
Below are 10 types of genjutsu featured in Naruto.
1. Sharingan Genjutsu – Eye Contact Communication
The Sharingan genjutsu is quite famous in the Naruto universe. The wielder of the Sharingan can effectively target their opponent with this genjutsu if they establish eye contact.
The Sharingan itself is one of the three powerful Dojutsu abilities in the ninja world, aiding Uchiha clan members in becoming formidable foes against any enemy with its unique genjutsu techniques.
2. Kokuangyo no Jutsu – Instant Blindness of the Target
This genjutsu is used by Hashirama in the manga, but in the anime, it is attributed to Tobirama. When activated, Kokuangyo no Jutsu instantly blinds the target, making them see only darkness, while other senses like hearing and touch remain active.
3. Magen: Jubaku Satsu – Creating Illusions of Being Bound by a Tree
Ninja Kurenai is known for her genjutsu techniques that create realistic illusions involving nature, with Magen: Jubaku Satsu being the most notable. With this technique, she creates an illusion where her target appears to be bound and trapped by a tree.
4. Mateki: Mugen Onsa – Ensnaring Enemies with the Sound of a Flute
Tayuya wields a flute that can ensnare enemies in genjutsu if they hear the sound produced by it. Once played, the target becomes trapped in a desolate area surrounded by ruins.
What follows can deeply affect the target’s mental state, potentially leading to severe psychological trauma or even death if they believe everything happening is real.
5. Raigen Raikochu – Ensnaring the Opponent with Blinding Light
Raigen Raikochu is a genjutsu technique related to the C rank in the Land of Rain. It uses elemental lightning to create a blinding light that disorients the opponent. If successful, the target will be ensnared in the genjutsu.
6. Kijō no Rōkaku – Water and Light Reflection Genjutsu
The Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki, is a powerful ninja specializing in genjutsu. He can summon a giant crab that enhances his genjutsu strength by creating illusions using water and mist, along with light refraction to manifest his physical form.
When performing this genjutsu, he creates illusions by manipulating water vapor and light, making his shadow appear as Gengetsu Hozuki. Due to the direct nature of this genjutsu, it can target multiple objectives effectively.
7. Gama Rinshō – Ensnaring through the Calls of Frogs from Mount Myoboku
Jiraiya and Naruto can use this genjutsu, aided by Fukasaku, a 800-year-old frog sage. The frogs on Mount Myoboku can ensnare targets in genjutsu when they hear the song produced by their croaking.
8. Izanagi – Altering Reality
Izanagi is an incredibly powerful genjutsu that falls under the forbidden techniques of the Uchiha clan. When activated, it alters the barrier between reality and illusion as if they are erased, allowing the user to manipulate their own existence within the surrounding space.
Obito used this genjutsu to escape death from a fatal attack by Konan, but at the cost of losing one of his Sharingan eyes.
9. Izanami – Eternal Loop of Fate
Izanami is a genjutsu created to counter Izanagi.
To activate this technique, after choosing a moment, the user employs Sharingan to record the physical sensations of the target’s body while bound in a moment of time as if captured in a photograph.
The person has to recreate the same physical sensations repeatedly, recording the moment within the target’s mind (represented as A). Izanami controls and connects two similar sensations (A and A’) to create an endless loop of events and trap the target within the consciousness of the mind.
The only way to escape Izanami is to accept the reality and move away from the repeated cycle that traps them in the illusion.
10. Mugen Tsukuyomi – Moonlit Genjutsu
Mugen Tsukuyomi, or Eternal Moon, is the most powerful genjutsu in the Naruto series. This technique allows the user to cast a massive illusion using the Rinne Sharingan on the moon, creating a realm where everyone is trapped in a never-ending dream.
The goal is to ensnare all living beings in the world, including those who are currently awake, into this illusion.
