Summary

• Jujutsu Kaisen excels in exploring deep relationships between characters, with meaningful connections behind every given moment.
• The friendship between Aoi Todo and Itadori Yuji challenges stereotypes of male friendship based on vulnerability, trust, and mutual growth.
• The series presents a positive model of masculinity and friendship, focusing on genuine love and care rather than dominance and competition.

Jujutsu Kaisen is a gem among contemporary shōnen, partly because of the depth of the relationships between its characters. For example, the bond between Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto illustrates some of the key themes of the series. In Jujutsu KaisenGiving a relationship time to flourish can guarantee that the time you spend on it has meaningFor me, however, one of the most meaningful relationships was between Aoi Todo and Itadori Yujithat challenge prejudices about male friendship.

Todo and Yuji were originally enemies, but met during the Kyoto Goodwill Event arc. Todo is a student of the Kyoto Wizard School who came to Tokyo so that the students of the two schools meet and measure their skills against each other. The event also serves to reintroduce Yuji to the main cast and introduce Mahito, who proclaims a rivalry with Yuji, the vessel of Sukuna.

Todo plays with irony and sincerity in a convincing way.

Although Todo is a silly character, he plays with irony and softens the hearts of the people around him

The hook that introduces the friendship between Todo and Yuji could be polarizing for many fans. Todo asks his opponent what romantic “type” he is and answers accordingly. On one hand, this is undoubtedly objectifying, but on the other hand, it’s a fact of life that people have different types and can connect over them. To me, it’s actually interesting for two other reasons.

First, Todo is very open-minded in some ways: when he asks Megumi the question, he adds that it’s “okay” if Megumi likes men. This could be interpreted as homophobic comedy, but I think it also reflects Todo’s sincerity. Todo legitimatedoes not care about the interests of his opponentand he has no intention of passing judgment; what interests him is whether his interests coincide with those of his opponents.

The second is that it underlines the strange nature of his relationship with Yuji. Yuji replies that his “type” is “big girls with big butts”: also Todo’s type. In response, Todo completely changes his mind in his favor and immediately declares them best friends. In many ways, this reminded me of my own male friendships: a shared interest without much more that forges a resilient unit. Although Todo is portrayed as a “himbo,” this also belies a kind of purity and simplicity. The friendship softens Yuji and provides some of his best moments.

This connects tangentially with Todo’s love for idol Nobuko Takada. Although it fits with Todo’s “himbo” portrayal to have a silly “female” interest, it realistically shows how men have interests they can be insecure about. In my case, one of my best friends in high school was an avid Lego fan, which was considered an “uncool” hobby at the time and remains so to this day. My respect for her hobby was one of the reasons we bonded. Todo embodies positive masculinity through to openly display one’s interests without insecurity, even those who are “uncool”.

Todo and Yuji show a rare sincerity

Their care for each other overcomes even the most difficult situations

This unusual friendship between Todo and Yuji develops into a deep and genuine care and a very intuitive understanding for each other that makes up some of Jujutsu Kaisen’s most intense fights. To get to this point, however, it is important to acknowledge how Todo and Yuji would help each other. When Yuji was struggling to find his footing as a jujutsu wizard, Todo willingly helped him improve and taught him the Black Flash technique This would shape his style for the rest of the series.

Mutual trust quickly develops and Todo and Yuji develop a deep bond through their skills as magicians. Todo’s displacement technique, Boogie Woogie, wins several battles alongside Yuji as the two flutter around in unexpected ways, confusing enemies. His willingness to believe in Yuji causes Todo to lose an arm and disappear, which he does not complain for a moment.

This camaraderie and fellowship allows them to defeat enemies that would otherwise be impossible to defeat. The first major example is Mahito, whom the two are able to defeat even after Mahito goes on a rampage that ruthlessly kills countless other wizards and civilians. Without giving too much away about the series after the anime ends, Todo’s unexpected return is also crucial in one of the series’ ongoing conflicts, as it serves to revive Yuji, restore his faith, and provide crucial support in battle.

Todo and Yuji show a different kind of male camaraderie

The couple serves as a vehicle for Jujutsu Kaisen to show another way for men to connect

I believe there is something truly valuable here that can be emulated: a masculinity that is not based on dominance and oppression, but on genuine love and care for one another.

Jujutsu Kaisen is perhaps best known for how it masterfully challenges common shonen tropes. While the friendship of rivals or comrades is common in shonen, the way in which Todo and Yuji are specifically approached is different. In a way, it shows a very positive model forMasculinity and friendships between male people. No matter how convoluted the plot becomes or what philosophical arguments about “authenticity” arise after Todo is implanted with positive memories of Yuji, the sincere core of their friendship remains.

Their mutual trust anchors the series from the moment Yuji and Todo meet each other and is crucial to resolving some of the series’ biggest conflicts. At the same time, this happens without a hint of jealousy or competition and, what’s even more confusing, without any good reason. A chance coincidence of interests brought the pair together. In the future, they help each other become stronger and constantly encourage each other. Beyond combat support The emotional support that Todo gives Yuji is crucial.

I think there’s something really valuable here that can be emulated both for me and for male viewers: a masculinity that isn’t focused on dominance and oppression, but on genuine love and care for one another.Odo and Yuji offer a model for a male friendship based on vulnerability, trust and mutual growth. The sincerity with which Jujutsu Kaisen can portray this perspective is what makes it unmatched.