The Real Legends Behind Jujutsu Kaisen: A Traveler’s Guide
Japan is often celebrated as the land of eight million gods, known as kami, who reside in everything from towering mountains to whispering streams. However, where there is light, there is shadow. For centuries, Japanese folklore has also whispered of noroi (curses) and the sorcerers who wield them. The global explosion of the anime and manga Jujutsu Kaisen has reignited interest in these esoteric traditions.
For the culturally curious traveler, the series is more than just entertainment; it is a gateway into the Heian Period’s occult history, specifically the world of Onmyodo (The Way of Yin and Yang). This guide peels back the layers of fiction to reveal the fascinating, and sometimes terrifying, real-world legends behind the hit series.
Origins: The Golden Age of Sorcery
To understand the roots of Jujutsu (sorcery or magical technique), we must look to the Heian Period (794–1185). This was an era where the boundary between the human world and the spirit world was considered famously thin. The capital, Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto), was believed to be plagued by demons and vengeful spirits.
In this environment, Onmyoji—masters of yin and yang—were not rogue fighters but essential government officials. They practiced divination, protected the capital from spiritual pollution, and performed rituals to pacify angry spirits.
One of the most significant figures referenced in both history and the anime is Sugawara no Michizane. In the series, he is mentioned as one of the “Big Three Vengeful Spirits.” Historically, he was a brilliant scholar and politician unjustly exiled in 901 AD. After his death, the capital was struck by plague and lightning storms, killing his political rivals. The court, terrified that Michizane’s angry spirit was responsible, deified him to appease his rage. Today, he is worshipped as Tenjin, the god of learning—a perfect example of how a powerful curse was transformed into a blessing through ritual.
The Legend of Ryomen Sukuna
Central to Jujutsu Kaisen is the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna. While the anime depicts him as a purely malevolent entity inhabiting a human vessel, the historical accounts paint a more complex picture.
The Two-Faced Specter
According to the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), compiled in 720 AD, Sukuna was a being who appeared in Hida Province (modern-day Gifu Prefecture). He was described as having two faces on the front and back of his head, four arms, and four legs. The imperial narrative labels him a rebel and a monster who refused to obey the Emperor.
A Local Hero?
However, if you travel to the Hida region in Gifu, the story changes drastically. Here, Sukuna is not a villain but a local hero and a benefactor. Local folklore suggests he introduced Buddhism to the region, slew harmful dragons, and protected the local people from imperial overreach. Several temples in Gifu, such as Senko-ji, worship Sukuna as a guardian deity rather than a curse.
Modern Culture: Anime Pilgrimages
The blurred line between folklore and pop culture has given rise to Seichi Junrei (anime pilgrimage). Fans now flock to sites associated with the series, revitalizing interest in ancient shrines.
For example, while not explicitly featured in the show, the Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates, perfectly captures the aesthetic of a Domain Expansion and the spiritual density of the series. Furthermore, interest in Tok级 (Special Grade) cursed objects has led to a spike in curiosity regarding museum exhibits displaying “mummified demons” or cursed swords, artifacts that have existed in Japanese temple collections for centuries.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking the Supernatural
If you wish to trace the path of these sorcerers, here are the top destinations for your itinerary:
1. Senko-ji Temple (Gifu Prefecture)
To see the “real” Ryomen Sukuna, head to Takayama in Gifu. Senko-ji Temple houses statues of Sukuna depicted in a benevolent light. The region is mountainous and misty, offering an atmosphere thick with ancient mysticism.
2. Kitano Tenmangu (Kyoto)
This is the head shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. While it is now a popular spot for students praying for good grades, its history is rooted in the fear of his vengeful spirit. Visit during the plum blossom season in February to see the beauty that arose from a tragic history.
3. Etiquette is Key
When visiting these sites, remember that they are active places of worship. Wash your hands at the chozuya before entering, bow at the gates, and keep your voice low. If you buy an omamori (amulet), treat it with respect; it is not just a souvenir, but a vessel of protection.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the primary texts that inspire modern anime folklore, consider reading:
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): For the imperial account of Ryomen Sukuna.
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For the origin stories of Japanese gods and early myths.
- Konjaku Monogatarishu (Tales of Times Now Past): A collection of Heian-period tales featuring demons, ghosts, and spirits.
By exploring these legends, you bridge the gap between the screen and the sacred, discovering a side of Japan that has enchanted—and frightened—people for a millennium.