Why do sukuna and yuji look alike

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Sukuna and Yuji Itadori look alike because Yuji is the vessel for Sukuna's fingers, which contain fragments of the King of Curses' soul. In Jujutsu Kaisen, when Yuji consumes Sukuna's fingers, Sukuna's cursed energy manifests through Yuji's body, creating physical similarities like facial markings and shared features. This connection is central to the plot, as Yuji must host Sukuna while preventing his full resurrection, with Sukuna first appearing in Chapter 1 of the manga (published in March 2018).

Key Facts

Yuji Itadori consumed Sukuna's first finger in Chapter 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen (manga debut March 2018)
Sukuna is a legendary cursed spirit from the Heian period (794-1185 CE) with 20 fingers preserved as cursed objects
Yuji can host Sukuna due to his innate physical prowess, surviving the ingestion of Sukuna's fingers where others would die
Sukuna's markings appear on Yuji's face when Sukuna takes control, with four eyes and tattoos symbolizing their shared vessel
The series explores this duality through battles where Sukuna temporarily possesses Yuji's body, as seen in the Shibuya Incident arc (2020-2021)

Overview

In Gege Akutami's manga Jujutsu Kaisen (serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since March 2018), the resemblance between protagonist Yuji Itadori and the ancient curse Ryomen Sukuna stems from their supernatural bond. Sukuna, known as the "King of Curses," was a powerful jujutsu sorcerer during Japan's Heian period (794-1185 CE) who transformed into a cursed spirit upon death. His remains were divided into 20 indestructible fingers, each containing a fragment of his soul and immense cursed energy. In the story's opening, Yuji—a high school student with exceptional physical abilities—ingests one of these fingers to protect his friends, becoming Sukuna's vessel. This act links their fates, as Yuji must consume all 20 fingers to execute Sukuna permanently, while Sukuna seeks to fully resurrect using Yuji's body. The series, which has sold over 90 million copies globally as of 2023, revolves around this dynamic, with Yuji training at Tokyo Jujutsu High to control Sukuna's influence.

How It Works

The likeness between Sukuna and Yuji operates through jujutsu mechanics involving cursed energy and soul embodiment. When Yuji consumes Sukuna's fingers, the cursed objects merge with his body, allowing Sukuna's soul to reside within him as a separate consciousness. This creates a "vessel" relationship, where Sukuna's cursed energy can manifest physically, altering Yuji's appearance. Specifically, Sukuna's characteristics—such as the four eyes (two additional eyes appear on Yuji's cheeks) and tribal-like facial markings—emerge when Sukuna takes control, typically during life-threatening situations or by mutual agreement (e.g., Yuji allowing temporary possession in exchange for healing). The process is governed by binding vows, magical contracts in jujutsu that limit Sukuna's actions; for instance, Sukuna cannot harm others while in control unless Yuji consents. This duality is visually emphasized in battles, where Yuji's body shifts between his normal form and Sukuna's distinct features, symbolizing their shared existence. The mechanism highlights themes of identity and sacrifice, as Yuji risks his humanity to contain Sukuna's evil.

Why It Matters

The resemblance between Sukuna and Yuji is crucial to Jujutsu Kaisen's narrative and themes, impacting character development and plot progression. It drives the central conflict, as Yuji's journey to exorcise Sukuna while avoiding execution by jujutsu society creates moral dilemmas and high stakes. This dynamic explores ideas of good versus evil, with Yuji representing self-sacrifice and Sukuna embodying chaos, reflecting real-world debates about humanity's dual nature. In the anime adaptation (aired since October 2020), the visual contrast enhances storytelling, making their battles—like the Shibuya Incident arc—more intense and emotionally resonant. Culturally, the concept resonates with fans, contributing to the series' popularity and merchandise sales. The resemblance also serves practical purposes in the plot, such as allowing Sukuna to intervene in critical moments, which advances the story and deepens Yuji's character arc as he grapples with hosting a curse.