Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy work set in the modern day, but the traditional Japanese concepts of Onmyodo and sorcery are strongly reflected in its background. In this article, we will focus on the relationship between Jujutsu Kaisen and Onmyodo, and consider how the work sublimates traditional Japanese culture into a modern battle action.
1. What is Onmyodo? Its history and concept
First, a brief explanation of Onmyodo. Onmyodo is a philosophical system based on the theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements that was transmitted to Japan from ancient China, and explains all phenomena in the natural world and human society in terms of the opposing dualism of "yin" and "yang". It was also said that the world is made up of the circulation of the elements of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water).
In Japan, Onmyodo developed during the Heian period and became used as part of sorcery and astrology in the imperial court and aristocratic society. In particular, experts called onmyoji were responsible for warding off disasters and fortune telling. Legendary onmyoji such as Abe no Seimei and Ashiya Doman are passed down as symbols of the mysticism of onmyodo.
2. The influence of onmyodo in Jujutsu Kaisen
The concept of onmyodo can be seen everywhere in Jujutsu Kaisen. In particular, it is believed that onmyodo has had a profound influence on the existence of sorcery and cursed spirits, as well as the way the characters handle their cursed energy.
The balance of cursed energy and yin and yang
In onmyodo, yin and yang should always be in balance, and if they are too one-sided, misfortune and disaster will be brought about. In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, cursed energy is depicted as this "yin" energy, and human negative emotions are materialized as cursed spirits. When these cursed spirits go out of control, they bring chaos to the world, and sorcerers fight to calm them down.
The existence of Sukuna, who is the object of protagonist Itadori Yuji's fate, also overlaps with the dualism of onmyodo. Itadori himself is a young man with excellent physical abilities, a pure heart, and a strong sense of justice, but inside his body resides the overwhelming power of "yin" called Sukuna. This inner conflict is an important element in depicting how Itadori faces his own true nature and grows.
3. Onmyodo and the characters of "Jujutsu Kaisen"
Let's take a look at some characters to see how Onmyodo has influenced the characters of "Jujutsu Kaisen".
Megumi Fushiguro and the Ten Shadows Technique
The "Ten Shadows Technique" used by Megumi Fushiguro is a technique that strongly reflects the influence of Onmyodo. The Ten Shadows Technique is a technique that uses shadows as a medium to summon and fight with Shikigami. The concept of Shikigami comes from the "Shikigami" that Onmyoji use in Onmyodo. Shikigami are said to summon and control spirits and deities in sorcery and onmyodo, and Fushiguro's sorcery similarly controls shadows and has the power to summon shikigami.
Furthermore, Fushiguro's personality can also be said to symbolize the balance of onmyodo. He is calm and collected, but he also has a strong will to care for his allies. In this way, his character's tendency to maintain a balance between yin and yang is delicately expressed in battle.
Ryōmen Sukuna and the influence of demons
One of the most powerful and fearsome characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, Ryōmen Sukuna is deeply connected to onmyodo and ancient Japanese demon legends. Sukuna is a type of "onigami" in Japanese folklore and is depicted as a being with overwhelming destructive power. Ryōmen Sukuna's unique characteristic of being "two-faced" can also be considered a symbol of dualism and opposing energies in onmyodo.
Sukuna's character symbolizes the power of the complete "yin", and by integrating with the "yang" presence of Itadori, a fierce conflict is depicted in the jujutsu battle. This duality is one of the elements that makes the story of Jujutsu Kaisen complex and interesting.
4. Revival of Onmyodo in modern jujutsu battles
What makes "Jujutsu Kaisen" particularly unique is that it sublimates traditional Onmyodo elements into modern battle action. In traditional Onmyodo, jujutsu and shikigami were purely ritualistic and dealt with supernatural powers. However, in modern battle anime, this concept of jujutsu is incorporated into combat techniques and strategies.
Domain expansion and barrier techniques
In particular, the "domain expansion" that appears in the battle scenes of "Jujutsu Kaisen" has something in common with Onmyodo barrier techniques. Barrier techniques are techniques that seal off a specific space to isolate enemies or gather powerful jujutsu, but domain expansion is a further evolution of this. Domain expansion is the ability of a magician to materialize his or her own inner world and exert overwhelming power within it. This technique is not just a magical battle, but also reflects psychological tactics and character growth, adding depth to the story.
Strategies in magical battles and the influence of Onmyodo
Furthermore, the influence of Onmyodo can be seen in the strategies used by magicians in battle. In Onmyodo, the balance of the natural world, the movement of the stars, and direction were important, but in Jujutsu Kaisen, this is related to the flow of magical energy and the activation of magic formulas. Characters fight with an awareness of the Onmyodo-like "balance of harmony and destruction," such as determining the nature of their opponent's magical energy and changing their fighting style.
5. Summary: Jujutsu Kaisen is a symbol of the fusion of tradition and modernity
Jujutsu Kaisen is not just a battle anime, but it revives the traditional Japanese concepts of Onmyodo and magic in the modern era and reinterprets them in a novel way. One of the biggest attractions of "Jujutsu Kaisen" is that while the influence of Onmyodo is strongly reflected in the characters' sorcery and fighting styles, it is also sublimated into modern battle action.
Through this work, you can experience traditional Japanese sorcery culture and Onmyodo, while also enjoying the intense battles and characters' growth stories. The Onmyodo elements of "Jujutsu Kaisen" give the story depth and profundity, which is what attracts fans. Expectations are high for new developments in Onmyodo and sorcery in the story to come.
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