Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen has revolutionized the shōnen genre, celebrated for its complex characters and intense battle sequences. With standout protagonists and the enigmatic Satoru Gojo, the series quickly gained popularity. However, like many shōnen stories, Jujutsu Kaisen grapples with a recurring issue: the underdevelopment of its female characters. Despite featuring several women, only Maki Zenin has been afforded significant narrative attention, while other female characters, including the lead, Nobara Kugisaki, often fall into the background.
Promising Beginnings, but Missed Potential for Nobara Kugisaki
Nobara Kugisaki was introduced as a strong female lead, a rare standout in a genre often criticized for sidelining its women. Her initial portrayal distinguished her from counterparts like Naruto’s Sakura, who was frequently criticized for her limited impact on the plot. Nobara’s personality and abilities positioned her as a character with the potential to break free from shōnen stereotypes.
However, recent developments in Jujutsu Kaisen’s narrative have left fans divided. Nobara’s unexpected reappearance during the final battle against Sukuna, while initially thrilling, felt rushed and underwhelming. For much of the series, her fate was left in limbo following the events of the Shibuya Incident, a choice that, instead of building tension, appeared more like a narrative oversight.
Missed Opportunities with Nobara’s Arc
Nobara’s sudden return in Chapter #267 of the manga was shocking, but the lack of proper build-up or foreshadowing made the moment feel unearned. Fans were left questioning whether Nobara’s return was part of the original narrative plan or a last-minute decision to generate excitement. A more thoughtful approach could have seen Nobara’s arc developed over time, perhaps paralleling the main story as she recovered and trained in secret, preparing for a heroic comeback. This would have not only solidified her role as the female lead but also provided a much-needed balance in the story’s pacing.
Other Female Characters Fall Flat
Nobara’s handling isn’t an isolated issue. Jujutsu Kaisen features several female characters with great potential, but many are left underdeveloped. Kasumi Miwa, for example, had the makings of an inspiring character. Without innate curse techniques, she worked hard to master the Simple Domain technique, one of the most valuable tools in a sorcerer’s arsenal. Yet, despite her determination, Miwa’s efforts were ultimately sidelined. Her battle against Kenjaku during the Shibuya Incident ended in a swift defeat, her sword effortlessly shattered, symbolizing how the narrative seemed to abandon her character arc.
Miwa’s journey could have provided valuable insights into the harsh realities of the jujutsu world. Her perseverance and mastery of Simple Domain could have elevated her to a key role in the final arc, perhaps even aiding in battles against powerful enemies like Sukuna. Instead, her character remained in the background, a missed opportunity to add depth to the story’s female roster.
Romance and Character Depth
Utahime Iori, another female character with potential, could have filled a different gap in the story: romance. While Jujutsu Kaisen is not a romance-driven series, fans often shipped Utahime with Satoru Gojo, seeing in them the potential for a compelling relationship. A deeper exploration of this connection could have introduced a new dimension to the series, giving Utahime more significance and offering fans a unique dynamic within the typically action-driven shōnen framework.
The absence of strong romantic subplots, combined with the underdevelopment of its female characters, limits Jujutsu Kaisen’s ability to stand out even further. Incorporating these elements could have expanded the story, providing more balance between action, character growth, and emotional depth.
A Broader Issue in the Shōnen Genre
Jujutsu Kaisen’s struggles with its female characters mirror a broader trend in the shōnen genre. While many series excel at building complex male protagonists, women often serve secondary roles, their development sidelined or condensed. Though the series made strides with characters like Maki and Nobara, it still missed opportunities to create a more inclusive and fully realized cast.
As Jujutsu Kaisen draws to a close, the lack of meaningful development for its female characters stands as one of its most significant shortcomings. While the series has made its mark with intense battles and compelling male characters, the untapped potential of its female cast remains a missed opportunity to break free from traditional shōnen tropes.
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