Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021)

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021) – Movie Overview, Plot Summary & Characters

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a Japanese anime film based on the manga prequel written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. The story takes place before the events of the main Jujutsu Kaisen series and focuses on Yuta Okkotsu, a young student haunted by a powerful and tragic Curse.




Jujutsu Kaisen 0 – Overview

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 serves as both a prequel and an important narrative foundation for the main series. With darker emotional undertones and a tight story structure, the movie introduces new key characters and builds up major plot elements later explored in the anime.

Manga Origins

  • Serialization: Originally published as Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School in 2017 (compiled later as Jujutsu Kaisen 0).

  • Volume: Collected into a single volume (1 tankōbon) as a standalone prequel.

  • Relevance: Became the launching point for the full Jujutsu Kaisen manga due to its popularity.

Movie Details

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen 0

  • Release Date: December 24, 2021 (Japan), March 2022 (global)

  • Studio: MAPPA

  • Director: Sunghoo Park

  • Runtime: ~105 minutes

  • Animation: High-quality action sequences, emotional storytelling, and strong character animation—hallmarks of MAPPA’s work.

Story Summary

Yuta Okkotsu is a shy, isolated high schooler cursed by the vengeful spirit of his childhood friend Rika Orimoto, who died tragically in a car accident. Her spirit, however, returned not as a gentle soul but as a monstrous Curse that fiercely protects Yuta—often violently.

Unable to control Rika and fearing he might hurt others, Yuta is taken in by Satoru Gojo and enrolled at the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School. There, he meets first-year sorcerers Maki Zen’in, Toge Inumaki, and Panda.

As Yuta begins training to harness his cursed energy and learn exorcism, he gradually forms bonds and gains confidence. However, an ominous threat looms: Suguru Geto, a powerful Curse user and former student of Gojo, plans a mass attack on non-sorcerers.

In a climactic battle, Yuta confronts his own trauma, taps into Rika’s terrifying power, and ultimately learns to let her go—bringing her spirit peace. Through this journey, he matures into a formidable Jujutsu Sorcerer.

Main Characters

  • Yuta Okkotsu – The protagonist; a cursed boy who evolves from timid to powerful, fueled by love and grief.

  • Rika Orimoto – Yuta’s childhood friend, whose soul manifests as a terrifyingly powerful Curse.

  • Satoru Gojo – Yuta’s mentor; charismatic, immensely powerful, and determined to protect Yuta.

  • Suguru Geto – The main antagonist; believes only sorcerers should exist and plans to eradicate non-sorcerers.

  • Maki Zen’in – A strong-willed weapon specialist with no cursed energy.

  • Toge Inumaki – A quiet sorcerer whose words carry cursed energy.

  • Panda – A kind-hearted, talking panda created through Cursed Corpse techniques.

Importance to the Series

  • Introduces Yuta Okkotsu, who becomes a key figure in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (especially post-Shibuya arc).

  • Expands the world-building of Cursed Spirits and Jujutsu society.

  • Deepens the relationship between Gojo and Geto, giving emotional weight to Season 2’s “Hidden Inventory” arc.

Where to Watch

Final Thoughts

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 stands as a powerful standalone film with emotional depth, thrilling action, and essential lore for fans of the series. Whether you're new to Jujutsu Kaisen or a longtime fan, this movie is a must-watch to understand the heart of the story and its key players.

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