Gege Akutami, the creator of the famous manga series Jujutsu Kaisen, has openly acknowledged the influence of several other manga artists, particularly Tite Kubo, the writer of Bleach. Akutami vividly recalls sneaking into his brother’s room to study Bleach’s pages. Kubo’s impact is evident in Akutami’s works, establishing a deep connection between the two mangaka.
However, it’s not just Kubo who has inspired Akutami. Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator of Hunter x Hunter, has also played a significant role in shaping the creation of Jujutsu Kaisen. This influence becomes particularly noticeable in the second season, specifically in the Shibuya Incident arc.
The relationship between Gege Akutami and the works of Yoshihiro Togashi, especially Yu Yu Hakusho and Hunter x Hunter, is one of profound admiration. This admiration is not limited to character design; Akutami actively collaborates with Studio MAPPA to adapt Jujutsu Kaisen into anime, seeking ways to integrate elements that pay homage to Hunter x Hunter.
For instance, the Shibuya Incident arc provided Akutami a platform to express this admiration, creating a dynamic interaction between characters and even using shared voice actors. The employment of techniques similar to those in Hunter x Hunter may not have been fully realized in Jujutsu Kaisen until the Shibuya Incident arc, where such elements have been adapted. Introducing these techniques into the Jujutsu Kaisen anime marks a new experimental phase, bringing fresh perspectives to the storyline.
Moreover, the thematic parallels between the foundational elements of both series, such as the importance of energy and its manipulation, serve to highlight the respect and depth of inspiration that Akutami has for Togashi’s work.
Additionally, the distinct characteristics of Gon and Itadori, as well as the playful yet dark nature of both series, are evident when facing antagonists like Pitou and Mahito, showcasing how Jujutsu Kaisen draws inspiration from Hunter x Hunter.
Reflecting Akutami’s sentiments, Yoshihiro Togashi has also expressed admiration for Jujutsu Kaisen. The mutual respect between these two renowned manga creators deepens the narratives and enriches both works. As the Shibuya Incident arc reaches its climax, the impact of Hunter x Hunter is not only acknowledged but also elevates Jujutsu Kaisen to new heights.
When observing Gege Akutami’s creative journey, one can see how intricately his works are interwoven with those that have influenced him.
This phenomenon is not unique to Akutami. Many other mangaka, such as Yuki Tabata—creator of Black Clover—have also drawn inspiration from predecessors like Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball.
Clearly, the act of referencing and drawing inspiration from previous generations is a common practice within the manga culture, fostering a rich tapestry of storytelling that evolves over time.
