The relationship between Jujutsu Kaisen and Onmyodo

Overview of Onmyodo

Onmyodo is a system of divination and magic that developed in Japan based on the ancient Chinese theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements. It combines the concepts of Yin and Yang and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) to aim for harmony between humans and natural phenomena. Onmyoji use these theories to perform divination, ward off evil, treat illnesses, and manipulate the weather. In Onmyodo, spiritual beings called Shikigami appear, which have influenced the setting of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Similarities between Jujutsu in Jujutsu Kaisen and Onmyodo

Sorcerers and Onmyoji:

Sorcerers who appear in Jujutsu Kaisen have the role of exorcising cursed spirits by manipulating cursed energy, just like onmyoji. Sorcerers use their cursed energy to perform various techniques and fight cursed spirits. This is similar to the role of onmyoji, who use Shikigami and spiritual power to exorcise evil spirits.

Shikigami and the Ten Shadow Technique:

The Ten Shadow Technique used by Fushiguro Megumi is a technique that uses shadows to summon shikigami. These shikigami move according to the summoner's commands, just like the shikigami in Onmyodo. For example, the shikigami summoned by Fushiguro, such as the Gyokuken and Gama, can be said to be a modern adaptation of the concept of shikigami in Onmyodo.

Cursed power and ki:

In Jujutsu Kaisen, the energy of cursed power forms the core of the story. This cursed power is born from people's negative emotions and is the source of the power of cursed spirits. In Onmyodo, the energy of "ki" plays an important role in the theory of Yin-Yang and the five elements, and is said to affect the natural world and human health. This concept of "ki" is reflected in the setting of cursed power.

Actual examples and comparison

Shikigami in Onmyodo:

Shikigami in Onmyodo are mainly in the form of dolls or animals made from paper, wood, and other materials, and are spiritual beings that follow the commands of sorcerers. Shikigami in Jujutsu Kaisen are also depicted as more diverse and powerful based on these traditional concepts of shikigami. For example, Megumi Fushiguro's Gyokuken functions as an entity similar to the Inugami of Onmyodo.

Cursed power in Jujutsu Kaisen:

The concept of cursed power depicted in Jujutsu Kaisen is similar to the ki and spiritual power of Onmyodo. Sorcerers control this cursed power to activate techniques and fight cursed spirits. In Onmyodo, there are techniques to adjust the flow of ki to improve fortunes and treat illnesses.

Conclusion

Jujutsu Kaisen incorporates elements of Onmyodo while building its own unique worldview as a modern battle manga. There are many similarities between the two, such as onmyoji and sorcerers, shikigami and the Ten Shadows Art, and ki and cursed power, and through these you can feel the respect for traditional Japanese sorcery culture. This setting makes Jujutsu Kaisen even more fascinating.