Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 is more than just a popular anime—it’s a carefully constructed entry point into a modern shōnen series that blends supernatural horror, martial arts, and philosophical ideas about fear, death, and responsibility. Released in 2020 and animated by MAPPA, the first season laid the foundation for one of the most influential anime franchises of the decade.
This guide explains what happens in Season 1, why it works, and how it fits into the larger Jujutsu Kaisen universe, with enough depth for serious fans and enough clarity for newcomers.
What Is Jujutsu Kaisen About?
Jujutsu Kaisen is based on the manga by Gege Akutami. The story revolves around Curses—malevolent supernatural beings born from negative human emotions such as fear, hatred, and regret.
To fight these Curses, specially trained sorcerers use Cursed Energy, a power source derived from those same negative emotions. The series explores a central tension:
Humans create the very monsters that destroy them.
Overview of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1
- Total Episodes: 24
- Original Run: October 2020 – March 2021
- Studio: MAPPA
- Source Material Covered: Manga Chapters 1–63 (with minor rearrangements)
Season 1 introduces the world, power system, main characters, and ideological conflicts that define the series.
Main Plot Summary (Spoiler-Light)
The story begins with Yuji Itadori, a physically gifted high school student who values human life deeply. His normal life ends when he encounters a cursed object—a finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna, a legendary and extremely dangerous Curse.
To save others, Yuji swallows the finger, becoming Sukuna’s vessel. Instead of being immediately executed (standard protocol), Yuji is recruited by Jujutsu High, where he trains as a sorcerer under the supervision of Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer alive.
The season follows Yuji and his classmates as they:
- Learn to control cursed energy
- Fight increasingly intelligent Curses
- Confront moral dilemmas involving death, sacrifice, and justice
Core Arcs in Season 1
Introduction Arc (Episodes 1–5)
This arc establishes:
- The concept of Curses
- Yuji’s pact with Sukuna
- The role of Jujutsu High
It also introduces Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, forming the central trio.
Cursed Training & Early Missions (Episodes 6–13)
Focuses on:
- Power mechanics (cursed energy control, techniques)
- Character dynamics
- The first hints of organized Curse antagonists
This section balances action with world-building.
Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc (Episodes 14–21)
A tournament-style arc that:
- Introduces rival students from Kyoto Jujutsu High
- Explores differing philosophies between sorcerers
- Deepens character backstories, especially Aoi Todo and Mai Zenin
Despite its structure, the arc avoids filler by advancing themes and power scaling.
Death Painting Arc (Episodes 22–24)
A darker, more emotionally grounded arc that:
- Introduces special-grade cursed wombs
- Raises questions about what qualifies as “human”
- Sets up major conflicts for future seasons
Main Characters Explained
Yuji Itadori
- Role: Protagonist
- Strength: Physical ability + empathy
- Conflict: Saving lives while carrying an irredeemable Curse
Yuji’s defining trait is not power, but moral clarity—a rare quality in a brutal world.
Satoru Gojo
- Role: Mentor
- Abilities: Limitless, Six Eyes
- Narrative Function: Power ceiling of the series
Gojo exists to show what absolute strength looks like—and why it creates fear in both allies and enemies.
Megumi Fushiguro
- Technique: Ten Shadows
- Theme: Potential vs self-worth
Megumi represents restrained power and internal conflict.
Nobara Kugisaki
- Technique: Straw Doll Technique
- Theme: Identity and self-respect
Unlike typical shōnen heroines, Nobara’s strength is both emotional and physical, with no reliance on others.
Ryomen Sukuna
- Role: Antagonist within the protagonist
- Nature: Pure malice, no tragic justification
Sukuna is not misunderstood—he is evil by choice, making him one of the most unsettling presences in modern anime.
Power System: How Cursed Energy Works
Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system is one of its biggest strengths because it is:
- Emotion-based (negative feelings generate energy)
- Rule-driven (binding vows, technique limits)
- Scalable (from weak spirits to special-grade threats)
Key concepts include:
- Cursed Energy: Raw power source
- Cursed Techniques: Individual abilities shaped by lineage or talent
- Domain Expansion: Manifestation of a sorcerer’s inner world, guaranteeing technique success
Season 1 introduces these ideas gradually, making the system easy to understand but deep enough for long-term storytelling.
Themes Explored in Season 1
Death and Responsibility
The series repeatedly asks:
Who deserves to live, and who gets to decide?
Yuji’s refusal to dehumanize others contrasts sharply with the pragmatic worldview of many sorcerers.
Fear as a Creative Force
Curses exist because humans fear. The stronger the fear, the stronger the Curse—making societal anxiety a literal weapon.
Strength Without Compassion
Through characters like Gojo and Sukuna, the series explores the danger of overwhelming power disconnected from empathy.
Animation, Sound, and Direction
MAPPA’s work on Season 1 is widely praised for:
- Fluid hand-to-hand combat
- Clear visual language during fights
- Cinematic camera movement
The soundtrack by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, Yoshimasa Terui, and Arisa Okehazama blends hip-hop, rock, and ambient horror, reinforcing the series’ modern tone.
Is Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Worth Watching?
Yes—for several clear reasons:
- It establishes a coherent power system
- Characters have ideological depth, not just abilities
- The story respects consequences and death
- Production quality remains consistently high
Season 1 succeeds because it doesn’t rush emotional investment. It earns it.
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Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
How many episodes are in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1?
There are 24 episodes in total.
Is Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 faithful to the manga?
Yes. The adaptation is highly faithful, with only minor pacing and structural adjustments.
Do I need to watch the movie before Season 1?
No. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel and can be watched after Season 1 without confusion.
What age rating is Jujutsu Kaisen?
It is generally rated TV-MA / 16+ due to violence, horror elements, and dark themes.
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