Satoru Gojo, the immensely powerful and enigmatic mentor from the hit anime and manga series Jujutsu Kaisen, has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for his striking looks, laid-back attitude, and unparalleled strength, Gojo has become a cultural phenomenon. But, the question arises, was this iconic character entirely original, or was he perhaps inspired by a figure from a previous manga? Surprisingly, the answer points to a less obvious source than many initially suspected.
The Kakashi Connection: A Misconception
When discussing characters with covered eyes and white hair in anime, it’s almost impossible not to mention Kakashi Hatake from Naruto. Kakashi, with his signature mask and aloof demeanor, is a natural comparison to Gojo. Both characters serve as mentors to the main protagonists, possess immense power, and sport a similar aesthetic with their white hair and covered faces. This has led many to assume that Kakashi was the primary inspiration for Gojo. However, this is a misconception. While there are superficial similarities, the true inspiration for Gojo lies elsewhere.
The Real Inspiration: Tonbo Tobitake
Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, has revealed that the design of Gojo Satoru was actually inspired by Tonbo Tobitake, a minor character from Naruto. Tonbo, who appears during the Chunin Exams, is a shinobi with a bandaged face, concealing his eyes. This reveal came as a surprise to many, as Tonbo is far from a prominent character in the Naruto universe.
Why Tonbo?
Akutami stated that the design of Tonbo, particularly the bandages covering his eyes, left a strong impression on him. This design element, combined with the general sense of mystery and confidence that Tonbo exuded, resonated with Akutami and ultimately influenced the creation of Gojo. It’s not just the visual similarity of the bandaged eyes; Tonbo also displays a subtle arrogance and a belief in his fighting skills, traits mirrored in Gojo’s personality.
Superficial Similarities, Original Character
While Gojo draws visual inspiration from Tonbo, he is, without a doubt, an original character. Akutami masterfully blended this influence with other elements to create a character that stands out uniquely. Gojo’s personality, his fighting style, and his role in the Jujutsu Kaisen narrative are all distinct. He represents a new take on the powerful mentor archetype. The fact that Akutami took inspiration from such an obscure character demonstrates the creativity and originality that defines Jujutsu Kaisen.
Gojo’s Unique Design and Features
Gojo Satoru’s character design is a blend of coolness and mystery. His signature look includes:
- White Hair: A common trait in both Kakashi and Gojo that adds to their mystique.
- Blindfold or Sunglasses: Gojo often covers his eyes, either with a blindfold or dark sunglasses, which hides his powerful Six Eyes. This not only adds to his cool factor but also plays a crucial role in his abilities.
- The Six Eyes: This rare bloodline trait grants Gojo superhuman vision, allowing him to see cursed energy at a microscopic level and manipulate it.
- “Limitless” Technique: Gojo’s signature technique that allows him to manipulate space, creating barriers, slowing down time, and even inverting gravity.
- Glossy Lips: A subtle but significant detail that gives Gojo a unique look. Some fans have pointed out that this feature adds diversity to his character, moving away from the typical anime aesthetic.
More Than Just a Mentor
Beyond his striking appearance and immense power, Gojo is a complex character with a unique personality. He is portrayed as:
- Carefree and Playful: Despite his immense power, Gojo is often seen joking and acting lighthearted, a stark contrast to the serious situations he often finds himself in.
- Passionate About His Students: Gojo genuinely cares about his students, especially Yuji Itadori and Yuta Okkotsu. He pushes them to become stronger while acting as their protector.
- Arrogant and Confident: Gojo is well aware of his strength and often displays a level of confidence that can come off as arrogance, although he has the power to back it up.
- Lonely and Isolated: Despite his popularity and power, Gojo is shown to struggle with feelings of isolation, burdened by his immense abilities and the responsibilities he carries.
Gojo’s Impact
Gojo Satoru has had a profound impact on the anime and manga community. He has become a fan-favorite, admired for his strength, wit, and unique persona. His influence is seen in:
- Increased Popularity of Jujutsu Kaisen: Gojo’s character has undoubtedly contributed to the widespread popularity of the series, drawing fans from all over the globe.
- Shifting Perceptions: He has challenged the conventional portrayals of characters in anime, bringing in elements of diversity and representation.
- Inspiration for Cosplay: Gojo is a popular subject for cosplayers, with many fans recreating his iconic look, solidifying his status as a modern anime icon.
- Fan Theories and Discussions: Gojo’s actions and fate in the manga have sparked countless discussions and theories among fans, highlighting the deep emotional investment in his character.
Other Possible Influences
While Tonbo Tobitake is cited as the primary inspiration for Gojo’s design, there are other characters that share similar traits and may have contributed to his overall character:
- Kisuke Urahara from Bleach: Some fans have noted similarities between Gojo and Urahara, particularly in their personalities, as both are powerful, witty, and somewhat laid-back characters.
- Other Shonen Mentors: Gojo fits the archetype of the powerful and somewhat goofy mentor found in many shonen anime. Characters like Killua from Hunter x Hunter and Dazai Osamu from Bungo Stray Dogs are also cited as having similarities with Gojo.
Gojo vs. Kakashi: Who Would Win?
The debate over who would win in a fight between Gojo and Kakashi is ongoing. Both are incredibly powerful characters in their respective universes.
Kakashi’s Abilities
Kakashi possesses the Sharingan, a legendary eye that allows him to copy almost any jutsu, as well as the Kamui, a teleportation jutsu. He is a master swordsman and taijutsu expert, using his years of experience to adapt to any situation.
Gojo’s Abilities
Gojo, on the other hand, has the Six Eyes and the Limitless technique, giving him control over space itself. He can see and manipulate cursed energy, creating barriers, slowing time, and inverting gravity.
While Kakashi is a formidable ninja, Gojo’s ability to manipulate space with his Limitless technique, combined with his superhuman vision, gives him a potential edge in a fight between the two.
Conclusion
While the initial assumption that Satoru Gojo was inspired by Kakashi Hatake is understandable, the truth is more nuanced. Gojo’s design and some personality traits were drawn from a minor Naruto character, Tonbo Tobitake. However, Akutami masterfully blended this influence with other elements to create a truly unique and iconic character. Gojo’s impact on the anime landscape is undeniable, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved and influential characters in recent history. He is a testament to how creators can take inspiration from unexpected places and transform those ideas into something extraordinary.
