Cursed Spirits Born from Negative Emotions
Jujutsu Kaisen, created by Gege Akutami and serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, is a dark fantasy battle story depicting the fight of sorcerers who exorcise “Cursed Spirits” — beings born from negative human emotions such as hatred, fear, and sorrow.
The story begins with Yuji Itadori, a high school student blessed with extraordinary physical abilities. Guided by his grandfather’s final words — “You are strong, so use that strength to save others” — Yuji lives a seemingly ordinary life until he is dragged into a terrifying incident surrounding a cursed object: the “Sukuna’s Finger.” In a desperate attempt to protect others, Yuji swallows the cursed finger, awakening the fearsome King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna, within himself.
Though condemned to death, Yuji’s fate changes when he encounters Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer. Instead of immediate execution, Yuji is given a mission: to collect and absorb all of Sukuna’s fingers before ultimately being executed. Thus begins his new life as a student at the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School — a specialized institution where sorcerers train to exorcise curses. There, he meets Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, forming bonds of friendship and camaraderie as they confront powerful Cursed Spirits and dark sorcerers. The story deepens through Yuji’s struggles with destiny, his moral dilemmas, and the growth of his connections with his teachers and comrades.
The next Jujutsu Kaisen film is set for release in Japan on November 7, 2025 — an announcement that has thrilled fans. Beyond anime and film, there are even live stage adaptations of the series.
Anime Pilgrimage Spots in Kyoto
As with Blue Exorcist (which also depicted Kyoto), fans of Jujutsu Kaisen enjoy connecting real-life places with scenes from the series. While unofficial, these “anime pilgrimage” spots allow visitors to feel closer to the world of curses and sorcery.
- Kyoto Tower: Located in front of Kyoto Station’s Hachijo exit, it once featured collaboration decorations with Jujutsu Kaisen 0, making it a recognizable landmark for fans.
- Hanamikoji Street and Fushimi Inari Taisha: These atmospheric areas evoke the mysterious, otherworldly mood reminiscent of the cursed world in the anime.
Such sites serve not only as imagined backdrops for the story but also as reminders of Kyoto’s rich cultural and historical atmosphere — a real-world narrative interwoven with fiction.
Other Anime Set in Kyoto
Kyoto’s streets and traditions have been featured in many beloved works, enhancing their depth and mood. According to Kyomafu (Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair) surveys, Kyoto ranks as the top anime setting in Japan. Here are some notable examples besides Jujutsu Kaisen:
Tamako Market: Highlights the lively Demachi Masugata Shopping Street, home to the beloved rice cake shop “Demachi Futaba.”
The Eccentric Family (Uchouten Kazoku): Featuring Shimogamo Shrine and the city itself as part of its fantastical yet distinctly Kyoto setting.
Rurouni Kenshin: The historical Kyoto arc includes iconic landmarks such as Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge.
K-On!: Nanzen-ji Temple and its aqueduct appear in the school trip episodes; particularly popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Holmes of Kyoto: Based on the real-life antique shop “Wright Shokai,” where fans can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the story.
Hello World: Showcases Kyoto Prefectural Office, Horikawa High School, Kyoto Tower, and the Five-Storied Pagoda of To-ji Temple.
Sound! Euphonium: A youth ensemble drama set in Uji City, celebrating the local scenery along with music.
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Too: Features famous Kyoto tourist sites such as Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, Toei Kyoto Studio Park, and Fushimi Inari Taisha, even ending with ramen at the original “Tenkaippin.”
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Opened in 2006 as a joint project of Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University, this was Japan’s first comprehensive manga museum. It preserves and exhibits around 300,000 items, from Edo-period caricatures to contemporary works and international comics, functioning as both a museum and a library.
The building itself is a renovated pre-war elementary school, with wooden hallways that retain their nostalgic charm. Rather than feeling like a traditional museum, the facility blends the experience of a multilingual library, seasonal exhibition hall, and interactive learning space. Visitors can even find nationwide anime pilgrimage maps here.
In Kyoto, fans often seek out “anime pilgrimage” spots—real-world locations that echo the atmosphere of their favorite stories. Although not official, certain places have been embraced as linked to Jujutsu Kaisen.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum, opened in 2006 through the cooperation of Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University, is Japan’s first comprehensive manga museum. Housing around 300,000 items, it combines the functions of both a museum and a library. From Edo-period caricatures to modern works and international comics, it provides a vast archive for study and enjoyment.
The building itself is a renovated prewar elementary school, giving the museum a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors encounter the Wall of Manga, a towering collection of about 50,000 manga volumes accessible for reading. On sunny days, people can relax on the lawn or benches outdoors, immersing themselves in stories under the open sky.
Workshops and live drawing sessions by professional manga artists are also available, allowing visitors to learn directly how to create characters and expressions (advance reservation at that day required or time is set already). Seasonal exhibitions highlight not only Japanese works but also overseas traditions, making it a hub for international cultural exchange.
Families are welcome: children’s picture book areas and family-friendly reading spaces ensure everyone can enjoy themselves. However this section at the museum is a shoes-off area, it feels both homey and respectful of the building’s schoolhouse roots. So be careful not to wear stinky socks if you would like to lay down and relax at that area!
Adults rediscover beloved classics, children explore new worlds, and generations share in the joy of manga together.
When you get hungry, you can take a break at Maeda Coffee, located on the same grounds as the museum, where they serve pasta and sandwiches. It’s the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your exploration of manga culture.
Additionally, at Maeda Coffee’s Meirin branch, near the Kyoto Art Center, you can enjoy unique and beautifully presented drinks such as the Aorani Float made with butterfly pea, a crystal candy (kohakutō) cream soda, and even a whimsical fishbowl soda. These creative beverages add a touch of Kyoto flair to the museum visit, making the experience not only cultural but also delicious.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum embodies the essence of “reading, learning, drawing, and feeling” manga—making it an unforgettable destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and storytelling.
知蓮 Chiren
President, Japanese Institute of St. Louis
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(References)
Official (Jujutsu Kaisen)
https://jujutsukaisen.jp/shibuyashimetsu/
https://jujutsukaisen-movie.jp/news/2021_1207_3.html
Wikipedia (Jujutsu Kaisen)
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%91%AA%E8%A1%93%E5%BB%BB%E6%88%A6
Plot Summary (arasuji-summary.com)
https://arasuji-summary.com/%E3%80%90%E6%BC%AB%E7%94%BB-%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A1%E3%80%91%E3%80%8E%E5%91%AA%E8%A1%93%E5%BB%BB%E6%88%A6%E3%80%8F%E3%81%AE%E3%81%82%E3%82%89%E3%81%99%E3%81%98%E3%82%92%E3%82%8F%E3%81%8B%E3%82%8A/
Work Explanation (usamimi3.com)
https://usamimi3.com/jujutsu-kaisen
Official Jujutsu Kaisen Website (Story)
https://jujutsukaisen.jp/story/
Kyoto Locals (Anime Pilgrimage Introduction)
https://kyoto-locals.com/4860.html
Kyoto Anime Pilgrimage Summary (Kyotreat)
https://kyotreat.jp/post-814/
Kyoto Anime Pilgrimage Summary (J-TRIP)
https://www.jtrip.co.jp/j-kansai/sp/seichi-kyoto/
Kyoto Anime Introduction Article (Log.deep-exp)
https://log.deep-exp.com/ja/media/149
Kyoto and Anime Related (Wedding-sawaragi.com)
https://www.wedding-sawaragi.com/kotonarikyoto/news/100/
Kyoto Anime Rankings (Ranking.net)
https://ranking.net/rankings/best-kyoto-animes
🎵 MV Related
King Gnu “SPECIALZ” Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specialz
King Gnu “SPECIALZ” MV News (Skream!)
https://skream.jp/news/2023/09/king_gnu_specialz_mv.php
King Gnu “SPECIALZ” JUMP MV Collaboration (PR TIMES)
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001364.000002610.html
Tatsuya Kitani “Where Our Blue Is” Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_Our_Blue_Is
Anime Theme Song Summary (Anime-song-info.com)
https://anime-song-info.com/jujutsukaisen-op-ed-20at/
https://www.obsfuneralandcremation.com/shop/detail/4248912
Stage Play
https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/322008
News 88 Pilgrimage
https://www.walkerplus.com/article/119462/image659747.
https://cmex.kyoto/2024/09/21/45909/
html#mainimagehttps\://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUF269BS0W1A520C2000000/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeiEihaurGw