Like many creators in the entertainment industry, manga authors often pay homage to their favorite series or the works they enjoyed growing up by incorporating certain elements into their own creations.
The “Naruto” manga and anime have inspired many across the world, and remnants of “Naruto” can often be seen in other franchises. A recent example is Michael B. Jordan’s film “Creed III,” which features several scenes inspired by the “Naruto” series.
The popular anime and manga series “Jujutsu Kaisen” also seems to draw inspiration from “Naruto.” Its creator, Akutami Gege, appears to be a fan of the “Naruto” manga, and this influence can be seen in one of the most popular characters in “Jujutsu Kaisen,” who seems to be inspired from a Naruto character.
When you see the character design of Gojo Satoru from “Jujutsu Kaisen,” the first person that might come to mind is Kakashi Hatake from “Naruto.” Both characters share many traits: they are teachers, wear eye masks, and have dual personalities. However, if you think Kakashi is the inspiration behind Gojo, you would be mistaken.
Interestingly, Gojo Satoru is not inspired by Kakashi but by a minor character that even most “Naruto” fans might not remember.
The Real Inspiration Behind Gojo Satoru
“Jujutsu Kaisen” author Akutami Gege participated in an interview alongside “Naruto’s” creator, Kishimoto. The interview was published in the “Jujutsu Kaisen Official Fanbook,” where Akutami answered some burning questions from fans.
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In the translation, we see how Gege Akutami trash-talks Gojo like always. He tells how Gojo is not at the same level as Kakashi and debunks the fan theory that Kakashi was the inspiration behind Gojo.
Akutami reveals that the real inspiration behind Gojo was a blindfolded proctor wearing bandages named Tobitake Tonbo.
This character appeared during the second phase of the Chunin Exams in “Naruto,” and even Akutami didn’t remember his name initially. However, he insists that this minor character had an impact on his creation of Gojo.
It’s not surprising if you don’t remember Tobitake Tonbo. When Akutami met Kishimoto, he asked him about Tonbo’s design, and even Kishimoto didn’t remember the existence of this character.
Fun fact: The design of Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen was inspired by Tonbo Tobitake from NARUTO! ????
— ???????????????????????????????????? 岸本斉史 (@kishimotomasshi) August 12, 2023
Not Kakashi! #呪術廻戦 pic.twitter.com/egavcrHdfl
Who is Tobitake Tonbo?
Tobitake Tonbo is a Chunin and a member of the Analysis team of Konoha’s Intelligence Division.
He covers his eyes with bandages like Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Like Gojo Satoru, he is also pretty confident in his abilities and powers. So, the similarity is pretty much evident from this. These characters also never miss a chance to appreciate a strong person!
Gege Akutami’s Tribute to Tobitake Tonbo
The idea that such a minor character inspired a prominent one like Gojo might be hard to believe for some. Let’s explore how Gege Akutami paid tribute to Tobitake Tonbo through Gojo’s character design.
In episode 3 of “Jujutsu Kaisen” Season 2, viewers see Toji discussing a flashback with Kid Gojo. During this scene, Gojo is wearing a yukata adorned with dragonfly patterns.
The name “Tonbo” from Tobitake Tonbo is written as トンボ in Japanese, which translates to “Dragonfly” in English. A mere coincidence? Perhaps not!
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What are your thoughts on this surprising connection? Were you surprised to know that such an unknown character inspired Gojo? Let us know in the comments down below.
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