The story of Jujutsu Kaisen is quite dark, featuring numerous tragedies and characters who must make sacrifices. One of the most chilling arcs of the series is the “Shibuya Incident.” This arc has been adapted into the content of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, which is currently airing. Just thinking about what will happen in the upcoming episodes is enough to make anyone feel anxious.
One of the standout elements is the character Nanami. The most shocking aspect is that Gege Akutami has done all of this with a character beloved by fans and intricately woven into the fabric of Jujutsu Kaisen.
The desire to help others is a remarkable trait that must exist in the dark world of Jujutsu Kaisen. Nanami also cares for Yuji, as he often guides him to Yu Haibara. Therefore, what Gege Akutami has done with Nanami Kento, a character that the author loves, has become one of the most tragic moments in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Episode 18 of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has vividly portrayed the final moments that deeply showcase Nanami’s pain.
So, why did Gege Akutami decide to have Nanami sacrifice himself in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Gege Akutami has removed Nanami because he no longer has any role in the story as a character in Jujutsu Kaisen.
According to Comic Book, Gege Akutami shared in a panel discussion before 2022: “Initially, I loved Sukuna the most. I was primarily interested in his character’s combat style, which inspired me from the very first moment I created him. However, Nanami is the first character I created and developed. Therefore, he is my favorite character at this time.”
However, the author did not hesitate to conclude Nanami’s journey in Jujutsu Kaisen.
In the Jujutsu Kaisen fanbook Q&A, Gege Akutami was asked: “When did you decide to conclude Nanami’s arc in the Shibuya Incident?” The author replied: “When I thought about making the Shibuya Incident arc, to be honest, I love the character Nanami and he is very relatable. However, considering his role in the story and the development of other characters, I had no other choice.”
Additionally, Gege mentioned the “unintentional” conclusion of Nanami’s character while the author intended to make him lose an arm. Jujutsu Kaisen is a story with a high mortality rate, and nothing is more horrifying than Nanami’s fate. He had to endure too much and for too long.
He was crushed by a part of Dagon’s body and was then injured by Jogo’s flames before ultimately dying at the hands of Mahito. Mahito had torn off a part of Nanami’s body right before Yuji’s eyes. Yuji was utterly devastated after witnessing the person he cared about being lost in such a horrifying manner.
