Jujutsu Kaisen: What Race Is Gojo? Solving the… Mystery? If There Ever Was One…

Satoru Gojo, while not the protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, undeniably stands as its most powerful and crucial figure. Praised for his exceptional character development, Gojo takes center stage in this article once again, but this time in a less serious tone. Namely, despite everything that you’ve seen in the series, there are some that have decided to discuss his race. In this article, we have decided to address that issue as well and settle the debate once and for all. So, if you were actually wondering what Gojo’s race is, keep reading, as this article will reveal all you need to know!

Satoru Gojo is undoubtedly Japanese (Asian)…

Satoru Gojo, born on December 7, 1989, faced a bounty on his head right after birth, sparking a futile pursuit by bounty hunters. His unmatched power shifted the balance, leading to an era of sorcerers, which ended the area of cursed spirits. He was born as a member of the Gojo Clan, one of the great clans from the lore of Jujutsu Kaisen. The Gojo family descends from Michizane Sugawara, one of the most legendary figures in the history of Jujutsu sorcerers. Through him, this family was able to become as strong and prominent as they have become in modern times.

As you can see, this basically answers your question – Gojo is Japanese (i.e., Asian) – but regardless of all the obvious signs, there are some theories suggesting that he might be black. And while it is quite clear that he is not, we can still talk about this theory a bit. Persephone from Medium actually wrote a very entertaining essay about this topic, discussing some aspects that the fans stressed out as evidence of Gojo being black. Here are some of the most important segments of that essay:

One of the most prominent aspects of Gojo’s character design is his glossy lips, a very subtle yet very significant and deliberate detail from the conventional portrayal of characters in anime and in manga. As I quickly detour, I emphasize that this detail is done on purpose as provided in multiple key animations of Gojo Satoru in Mappa Studios. Moving forward, while many anime characters are often depicted with pale or muted lip colors, Gojo’s (luscious) glossy lips stand out prominently, drawing attention to a feature rarely emphasized in this medium. What makes this detail even more noteworthy is its connection to Gojo’s Black identity and its resonance with Black culture.

Clear lip gloss holds a special place as a symbol of confidence, self-expression, and individuality, it is a beauty trend, a fashion statement even. Transcended for generations it has been a staple in the beauty routines of Black individuals and celebrated for its ability to enhance and emphasize in a stubble yet impactful way to draw attention to the natural beauty of one’s lips. This trend isn’t just about aesthetics, it carries a profound message of self-assurance embracing one’s unique features, and celebrating individuality. Effortlessly, this is a versatile tool that can be worn casually, in professional settings, as we see in both the anime series and its movie adaption counterpart. Its enduring popularity demonstrates its versatility and its ability to adapt to various styles and expressions. By choosing to emphasize Gojo’s lip highlight, Jujutsu Kaisen not only showcases a unique character design but also sends a powerful message about the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the diverse features and cultural nuances of Black individuals. In this representation, we see a character who is unapologetically himself, confident in his identity, and a reflection of the multifaceted nature of Black culture.

There is also the discussion related to his fashion sense:

In this exploration of Gojo Satoru’s character in Jujutsu Kaisen and his connection to Black culture, we’ve uncovered another compelling aspect, and the reason for writing this paper: the distinctive way he ties the bandages around his eyes. This subtle yet significant detail carries a resemblance to the manner in which Black individuals wear durags. To better understand the significance of this correlation, it is essential to evaluate the cultural relevance of durags, thus closely examining the specific technique Gojo uses in securing his bandages.

(…)

Gojo Satoru’s character portrayal in Jujutsu Kaisen acknowledges the durag-wearing tradition through his unique approach to the bandages around his eyes. When he adorns the bandage and meticulously wraps it, I don’t believe this was just merely a visual choice but a nod to the cultural significance of this headwear within the Black community. Gojo’s deliberate method of wrapping the bandage around his head and eyes mirrors the careful artistry involved in putting on a durag. Every fold and tuck carries much intention and precision. He of course ensures that the bandage serves not only its functional purpose, a blindfold, but also radiates a distinct style — a style reminiscent of the individuality and confidence often associated with wearing a durag. This attention to detail in character design underscores the importance of cultural representation in anime and adds depth to Gojo’s character.

As well as a mention of his battle against Miguel:

A crucial aspect of their fight was the introduction of Miguel’s Black Rope, a cursed tool that temporarily limited Gojo’s immense powers. This unique tool, designed to neutralize cursed techniques, created a level playing field between the two combatants. While Gojo’s true potential as the world’s most powerful sorcerer was momentarily subdued, Miguel emerged as a legitimate threat. Gojo himself acknowledged Miguel’s strength, which added to the intensity of their encounter. It’s also crucial to emphasize that their battle was not motivated by racial motivation, but instead, their battle was a result of Gojo’s urgent need to put down Miguel as swiftly as possible, allowing him to address the more pressing threat posed by Geto. It was not about Gojo’s eagerness to test his skills but rather his strategic approach to handling the situation. In any other circumstance, an opponent like Miguel, regardless of their background, would have been at a severe disadvantage (very silly and nice way of saying they’d be obliterated) against Gojo, who possesses unparalleled strength and skill.

In essence, Gojo’s fight with Miguel was a complex interplay of personalities, circumstances, and the dynamics of the Jujutsu Kaisen world. It was not racially motivated but rather a testament to the multifaceted nature of the series, where characters are driven by their own motivations and the challenges they face in a world filled with cursed spirits and sorcery.

And the author concludes as follows:

In embracing these cultural nuances, Gojo Satoru’s character design stands as a testament to the beauty of diversity and the potential for anime to authentically portray the rich tapestry of human experiences. It showcases how subtle details can foster a greater understanding and appreciation of cultures, all while enriching the narrative and character development. This is the true strength of genuine representation in the medium of anime.

Of course, the author herself stated at the beginning that the essay was “all jokes and all for laughs”, so it is clear that she was not being serious, but some of the theories she has addressed have been. Be that as it may, you now know the whole situation and before we end, we can once again confirm that Satoru Gojo of Jujutsu Kaisen is Japanese (Asian) and nothing else.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!