⚠︎ Warning: this article contains manga spoilers, so if you're not a manga reader, be careful.⚠︎
Hello everyone! We're back for another article on a rather surprising subject! You've probably watched Jujutsu Kaisen anime more than once, right? But have you really paid attention to the details? After all, there are plenty of hidden pop culture references, especially in the anime. That's right! I'm here to unearth a few gems for you, so let's get started!
We start with our favorite protagonist Yuji Itadori, who has a crush on a famous celebrity: Jenifer Lawrence. It's the same Jenifer as in our world.
Then there are cameos from other manga, such as Oikawa Torû, straight from the anime Haikyuu! Featured in episode 9 of the 1st season of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Haikyuu! in episode 9 in Jujutsu Kaisen
During his training with Gojo, Yuji also cites well-known nekketsu shonen moves such as Naruto's Rasengan, Bleach's Bankai and DBZ's various laser beams.
Shonen heroes
Here, reference is again made to another flagship shonen of the 90s: Digimon ! In his flashback, Gojo alludes to a loss of control when he talks about Tengen's merger. It's a reminder of SkullGreymon, who has also evolved badly and become uncontrollable as a result of a bad decision.
Gojo and Digimon
During his training, Yuji has to watch a lot of films to learn how to contain his occult energy. Guess what movie he's watching! I think some of you will have noticed, it's a scene from The Lord of the Rings with Sam & Frodo.
Yuji Itadori is watching Lord of The Rings
In fact, take a look at the multitude of films offered by our dear teacher Gojo Satoru to his pupil: a multitude of thrillers, horror films... Yuji must have had a good time watching all these films. Do you recognize any of them?
Satoru Gojo showing few movies
I've got a few more to show you: like the exorcist Momo Nishimiya, who's into actor Sebastian Stan. Very handsome man after all...
Momo's drooling over the actor Sebastian Stan
We have Director Yaga with Gojo in the same pose as certain characters from the manga/anime Neon Genesis Evangelion during the Juju Stroll (post-credits scene) in episode 11 of the 1st season.
Speaking of iconic poses, have you ever noticed that the fabulous Hakari looks a bit like Michael Jackson ? Take a look at this manga panel. We could add Sukuna, who recently struck a similar pose during his fight with Makora, in the unseen scenes of the Blu-ray. Our exorcists are fans of the King of Pop!
There's also an artistic reference in Jujutsu Kaisen's OP 1: during the scene with Jumpei, he depicts Edouard Manet's painting "Luncheon On The Grass" (1893).
Let's turn to the antagonists. What were Geto, Mahito & Choso gang doing in Season 1? Well, they were playing Life! the board game together. After all, just because we're bad guys doesn't mean we shouldn't have a little fun.
Geto, Mahito & Choso playing together.
Staying in the world of games, Nobara makes a reference to a well-known fighting game when she meets Maki and the others. She wants to fight the game "Super Smash Bros Brawl", released in 2006 for the Wii. It's a great game, which I'd recommend, as I've played it myself! In fact, she claims to be unbeatable at it.
Nobara wanting to play at Super Smash Bros
Jujutsu Kaisen makes numerous references to popular films from around the world. For a start, we have Yuji, who at a TV party with Jumpei and his mother, imitates Chuck Noland from the 2000 film "Alone in the World".
The fall of the Zenin clan is a reference to Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, starring Maki Zenin.
Then we have a more obvious reference from Professor Yaga, looking after his living stuffed animal. Here it's a reference to Winnie the Pooh. Touching, isn't it?
The mythical fight between Yuji and Chose was taken from the martial arts film Raid 2: Berandal, released in 2014. All the choreography was inspired by a scene from the film. Which, by the way, is one of my favorite fights from Jujutsu Kaisen season 2.
Finally, we'll end this article with a few more subtle references that may be open to interpretation. Let's go for the home stretch! In the first case, it's the beautiful Mei Mei doing the same pose as Hisoka from HunterxHunter. The shot is copied identically - is this a tribute from mangaka Gege Akutami to his first inspiration ?
Even more subtly, here Gojo is referring to the manga GTO: "The Great Teacher Onizuka".
Gojo refering to GTO
That's it, that's the end of this article. I hope you've enjoyed it, and look forward to showing you more. Of course, since the manga isn't finished yet, and there are still several seasons to come, Gege Akutami and his teams have many more surprises in store for us.
See you soon for more articles about Jujutsu Kaisen ! !
The mangas that do this have it all figured out. The immersion is so much deeper!
There's a lot I hadn't seen, thanks for the article 🙌
So funny😂😂 ty for the article!