Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Episode 1

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Episode 1 Summary – “Ryomen Sukuna”

The first episode of Jujutsu Kaisen introduces viewers to a dark and supernatural world where Cursed Energy, Jujutsu Sorcerers, and malevolent spirits exist. The story begins with the seemingly ordinary high school student Yuji Itadori, whose life changes dramatically after encountering a Cursed Object known as one of Ryomen Sukuna’s fingers.

Episode Overview

Setting the Tone

Introducing Yuji Itadori

The episode opens in a dimly lit room where Yuji Itadori is restrained by powerful seals. Satoru Gojo, a powerful Jujutsu Sorcerer, arrives and calmly informs him that he’s been sentenced to execution. This intense scene immediately establishes the anime’s dark fantasy and supernatural tone.

Yuji Itadori is introduced as a physically gifted high school student with an easygoing personality. Despite being part of the Occult Research Club, he has little interest in the supernatural — joining mainly to avoid sports club obligations. His strength and speed amaze his peers, hinting that Yuji is far from ordinary even before the curses appear.

The Cursed Object – Ryomen Sukuna’s Finger

When Megumi Fushiguro, a first-year student from Jujutsu High, arrives searching for a Cursed Object, the story takes a sharp turn. Megumi senses the presence of Sukuna’s Finger — a powerful relic that radiates dangerous cursed energy. Unfortunately, Yuji’s friends from the Occult Club have already unsealed the item, unleashing a swarm of Cursed Spirits upon the school.

The Battle Against Cursed Spirits

Yuji bravely rushes to save his friends, displaying remarkable courage and combat instincts. Alongside Megumi, he fights off grotesque curses drawn to the object’s energy. However, when Megumi becomes overpowered and the curses multiply, Yuji makes a desperate choice — he swallows Sukuna’s Finger to gain the power to fight back.

The Birth of Ryomen Sukuna

Yuji’s act awakens the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna, inside his own body. For a brief, terrifying moment, Sukuna takes control, laughing maniacally at his resurrection. Yet, to everyone’s shock, Yuji regains control of his body, suppressing Sukuna’s will — something no human has ever achieved. This astonishing event makes Yuji both a cursed vessel and a miracle in the world of Jujutsu Sorcery.

Ending Scene & Foreshadowing

After the battle, Satoru Gojo arrives, effortlessly subduing Sukuna within Yuji. Recognizing Yuji’s potential, Gojo proposes a choice:

• Be executed immediately, or
• Enroll at Tokyo Jujutsu High to help locate and consume all of Sukuna’s twenty fingers, after which he’ll be executed for good.

This sets the foundation for Jujutsu Kaisen’s main plot — Yuji’s journey as a Jujutsu Sorcerer, fighting curses while hosting the most powerful one of all.

Key Themes and Analysis

• Duality and Possession: Yuji and Sukuna represent light and darkness coexisting within one body.
• Courage and Sacrifice: Yuji’s decision to risk his humanity to save others defines his character.
• Supernatural Conflict: The concept of Cursed Energy, born from human negativity, underpins the series’ worldbuilding.

Main Characters Introduced

Ryomen Sukuna: The King of Curses, a legendary and malevolent spirit.

Yuji Itadori: The protagonist and Sukuna’s vessel.

Megumi Fushiguro: Jujutsu Sorcerer from Tokyo Jujutsu High.

Satoru Gojo: Teacher at Jujutsu High and one of the strongest sorcerers alive.

Conclusion

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Episode 1 – “Ryomen Sukuna” delivers a gripping introduction filled with action, mystery, and supernatural tension. The episode lays the foundation for the entire series, showcasing Yuji’s compassion, strength, and the dark world of curses that awaits him. With stunning animation by MAPPA and masterful storytelling, this debut episode instantly establishes Jujutsu Kaisen as a must-watch dark fantasy anime.