Yoshinobu Gakuganji is an old and serious jujutsu sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen. He is the principal of Kyoto Jujutsu High School. He is part of the group that leads the world of sorcerers. Gakuganji holds traditional views. This often makes him clash with characters like Satoru Gojo, who have more modern ideas.
Personality
Yoshinobu Gakuganji is a strict and disciplined character in Jujutsu Kaisen. He has strong traditional values and firmly believes in following rules. Gakuganji values order and respects the hierarchy in jujutsu sorcery. These traits sometimes put him at odds with others, especially those who challenge the norms, like Satoru Gojo.
Though he seems cold and detached, Gakuganji cares about his duties. He takes his role as a leader seriously, showing commitment to the safety and continuity of the jujutsu community. His rigidity comes from his belief that control is essential to protect the system. He does not hesitate to make hard decisions, even if they are unpopular or emotionally taxing, like executing Masamichi Yaga.
Gakuganji’s personality is shaped by his age and experience. He often puts the greater good above personal feelings or relationships.
Cursed Technique
Gakuganji’s special ability revolves around manipulating sound. He uses his body to boost sound waves, turning the melodies from his electric guitar into potent blasts of cursed energy.
Participation in the Story
Tense Meeting with Gojo
In a tense meeting with Gojo, Gakuganji learns about attacks by high-grade cursed spirits. Gojo criticizes outdated methods, hinting at future rebellion. Gakuganji grows suspicious and contemplates Gojo’s true intentions.
Kyoto Goodwill Event
During the Kyoto Goodwill Event, Gakuganji secretly plans Yuji’s execution. He orders the students to kill Yuji, but Aoi Todo refuses. As the event unfolds, chaos breaks out with burning talismans, signaling an intruder. Gakuganji and Utahime confront Juzo Kumiya, battling with cursed techniques until Gojo steps in.
Aftermath and Reflections
After the event, Gakuganji grapples with Gojo’s secrets and Yuji’s survival. He orders the students to retreat and contemplates Yuji’s fate. Days later, he discusses sorcerer promotions with Aoi and Mei Mei, reflecting on the qualities of a grade 1 sorcerer.
Confrontation and Revelation
In a crucial encounter, Gakuganji confronts Yaga for the secrets of self-sustaining cursed corpses. Yaga cryptically reveals the process before dying. Panda mourns Yaga, ignoring Gakuganji and highlighting the differences between humans and pandas. Gakuganji reflects on duty and consequences, seeing Panda as a kindred spirit.
Final Battle Preparations
Gakuganji joins Utahime and Gojo to face Sukuna. Despite mistrust, they prepare for battle. Gakuganji helps with the ritual for Utahime’s technique. After the battle, he questions Gojo’s restraint. Gojo explains his understanding of orders.
Strategic Planning
Back at headquarters, Gakuganji and Utahime witness Nobara’s revival. They strategize using her technique against Sukuna’s finger. While preserving Tengen’s remains, Gakuganji urges patience, ensuring Japan’s protection while seeking solutions.
Relationships
Masamichi Yaga
Yoshinobu Gakuganji and Masamichi Yaga had a tough relationship. They both cared about teaching young sorcerers, but their ideas were very different. Gakuganji followed strict traditions, while Yaga believed in kindness and new ways of teaching. This clash led to a tragic moment. After the Shibuya Incident, Gakuganji was forced to execute Yaga. He did it because of the elders’ orders, but it was clear he felt conflicted. His sad expression showed how much the act weighed on him. It wasn’t an easy choice for him, and it revealed his struggle between duty and personal feelings.
Relationship with Satoru Gojo
Gakuganji and Satoru Gojo didn’t get along well. Gojo often went against the elders, which annoyed Gakuganji, who respected tradition. They argued about Yuji Itadori. Gojo wanted to protect Yuji, but Gakuganji saw him as a danger because of Sukuna. Despite their fights, Gakuganji helped Gojo in battle when it mattered. He boosted Gojo’s cursed energy when needed. This showed that even though he disagreed with Gojo, he understood Gojo’s importance in protecting the jujutsu world.
Relationship with the Jujutsu Elders
Gakuganji worked closely with the jujutsu elders. He shared their strict views and believed in keeping traditions alive. He supported their decisions, like pushing for Yuji Itadori’s execution. He also carried out Yaga’s punishment. These actions showed his loyalty to the elders and their rules. But it also made him a symbol of the older generation’s resistance to change.
Relationship with Students
As the principal of Kyoto Jujutsu High, Gakuganji was tough on his students. He believed strict training was necessary to prepare them for their dangerous roles. During the Kyoto Goodwill Event, he allowed his students to attack Yuji, calling it a competition. This made him seem cold, but it reflected his belief in removing threats. Despite his harsh methods, he was committed to his students’ growth and survival.
