In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, villains are as fascinating as the heroes. Among them, one name carries both fear and intrigue Kenjaku. He is not just another cursed user or antagonist; he is an ancient mastermind who has shaped centuries of jujutsu history. With his ability to hop between bodies, manipulate bloodlines, and orchestrate large-scale chaos, Kenjaku stands as one of the most complex and mysterious sorcerers ever introduced in the series.
This article takes a deep dive into Kenjaku’s true identity, powers, relationships, and goals. We’ll unravel his long history, his chilling influence on the present, and why he remains such a dangerous figure in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Kenjaku’s Identity
At his core, Kenjaku is not defined by a single name or face. He is an ancient jujutsu sorcerer, believed to be over 1,000 years old, who uses a forbidden technique to survive across generations. His name, written as 羂索 in Japanese, signifies binding and restriction fitting for someone who has ensnared countless lives in his schemes.
Kenjaku’s cursed technique allows him to transplant his brain into other bodies, effectively hijacking them. By doing so, he inherits not only the vessel’s physical form but also their memories and abilities. This makes him both immortal and endlessly adaptable. Instead of existing as a static being, Kenjaku has lived countless lives by stealing them.
The Many Faces of Kenjaku
Over the centuries, Kenjaku has taken on several significant identities, each leaving a deep scar on history.
One of his earliest known vessels was Noritoshi Kamo, an infamous figure from the Heian period often called the “evilest sorcerer in history.” In this body, Kenjaku conducted horrifying experiments that resulted in the creation of the Cursed Womb: Death Paintings half-human, half-cursed beings that would later play a role in the modern era.
Later, he possessed Kaori Itadori, the mother of Yuji Itadori. Through her, Kenjaku not only influenced Yuji’s birth but also connected himself directly to the protagonist’s story. This revelation turned Kenjaku from a distant villain into someone personally tied to Yuji’s existence.
The body most fans recognize, however, is that of Suguru Geto. After Geto’s death in the events of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Kenjaku transplanted his brain into Geto’s corpse. This body became his primary vessel in the main series, serving as the face of his schemes during the Shibuya Incident and beyond.
Powers and Abilities
Kenjaku’s greatest weapon is not just his cursed energy but his forbidden cursed technique of body-hopping. By seizing new hosts, he ensures his immortality and gains access to their unique abilities. When occupying Suguru Geto, for example, Kenjaku inherited his ability to control cursed spirits, making him a formidable opponent who could command an army of curses.
Beyond techniques, Kenjaku is known for his strategic mind. He plans events decades or even centuries in advance. His manipulations extend to political maneuvering, experiments on humans, and orchestrating large-scale conflicts such as the Shibuya Incident. Unlike impulsive villains, Kenjaku’s power lies in patience, foresight, and manipulation.
He also has vast knowledge of jujutsu history, curses, and forbidden techniques. Combined with his ruthless ambition, this makes him an opponent who is nearly impossible to predict.
Kenjaku’s Role in the Story
Kenjaku is not merely a shadow lurking in the background; he is the puppeteer controlling some of the series’ darkest events.
During the Shibuya Incident, Kenjaku manipulated curses and sorcerers to trap Gojo Satoru, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer alive. By sealing Gojo, he shifted the balance of power entirely, plunging Japan into chaos.
Following that, he initiated the Culling Game, a deadly ritual designed to spread chaos across the nation and force humanity into evolving through cursed energy. These acts reveal that Kenjaku is not just concerned with defeating enemies he has a vision to reshape humanity itself.
Family and Connections
Though Kenjaku himself has no true family, his body-hopping has tied him to several characters in shocking ways.
Through Kaori Itadori, he became the mother of Yuji Itadori, giving Yuji a direct connection to him. This revelation complicates Yuji’s identity and adds layers to his struggle against curses.
Kenjaku also engineered the Death Paintings while inhabiting Noritoshi Kamo. These include Choso, Eso, and Kechizu, who are hybrids of human and cursed spirit. Choso, in particular, plays a recurring role in the series, driven by his bond with Yuji. In a twisted sense, Kenjaku is the “parent” of both Yuji and the Death Paintings, positioning him as a dark creator figure in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Personality and Motivations
What makes Kenjaku terrifying is not just his abilities but his mindset. He is calm, collected, and calculating, rarely showing fear or panic. Unlike villains who thrive on destruction alone, Kenjaku operates with cold logic.
His ultimate goal is the forced evolution of humanity through cursed energy. He believes that chaos, suffering, and transformation are necessary for progress. To achieve this, he is willing to sacrifice countless lives. His long history proves that he has no regard for human bonds only for the results of his experiments.
Age, Appearance, and Lifestyle
Kenjaku is ancient, with origins dating back more than a thousand years. While his true body is long gone, his continued existence through stolen vessels makes him functionally immortal.
In terms of height and build, his appearance depends on the body he inhabits. In Suguru Geto’s body, he appears tall and imposing, slightly shorter than Gojo Satoru placing him at just under 190 cm. His other vessels, like Kaori Itadori, looked entirely different, proving that Kenjaku has no fixed form.
His lifestyle is equally fluid. Because he shifts from one identity to another, he has no true personal life, preferences, or traditions. Instead, his existence is driven purely by his grand schemes. For Kenjaku, life is not about living it is about manipulating.
Why Kenjaku Stands Out as a Villain
In a series full of powerful antagonists, from the sadistic Mahito to the king of curses Sukuna, Kenjaku remains unique.
Unlike Sukuna, whose power is raw and overwhelming, Kenjaku thrives on manipulation and planning. Unlike Mahito, who grows through instinct and cruelty, Kenjaku is patient, almost academic in his pursuit of evolution. His schemes span centuries, and his influence stretches across generations.
He is not only a villain who battles the heroes he is a villain who shapes the world itself. His presence in Yuji’s lineage, the Death Paintings, and the major arcs of the story ensure that his shadow looms large over Jujutsu Kaisen.
Conclusion
Kenjaku is more than just a sorcerer; he is the embodiment of long-term manipulation, ambition, and chaos in Jujutsu Kaisen. With over a thousand years of schemes behind him, he has influenced bloodlines, created cursed beings, and reshaped the future of jujutsu society. His body-hopping technique ensures that his legacy will continue, and his vision for human evolution through cursed energy makes him one of the most dangerous villains ever written.
As fans look forward to the continuation of the story, one question lingers: Will Kenjaku’s centuries-old plan succeed, or will his schemes finally unravel? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear Kenjaku will remain one of the most haunting and fascinating figures in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
FAQs
Who is Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Kenjaku is an ancient sorcerer who has lived for over a thousand years by transplanting his brain into new bodies, shaping the history of jujutsu with his manipulations.
What powers does Kenjaku have?
Kenjaku’s primary ability is body-hopping. He gains the memories and techniques of those he possesses, making him incredibly versatile and dangerous.
Is Kenjaku related to Yuji Itadori?
Yes. By inhabiting Kaori Itadori’s body, Kenjaku became Yuji’s mother, giving him a direct connection to the protagonist.
Why is Kenjaku considered so dangerous?
His danger lies not only in his abilities but also in his patience and intelligence. Kenjaku orchestrates long-term plans that affect entire generations.
What is Kenjaku’s ultimate goal?
He seeks to evolve humanity by forcing them to adapt to cursed energy, even if it requires chaos and mass sacrifice.
