At Last, I Have Figured Out the One Thing Holding Jujutsu Kaisen Back

Jujutsu Kaisen has become a huge hit in the anime and manga world, blending high-octane action, intricate character arcs, and emotionally charged moments. Yet, despite its undeniable success, there is one glaring issue that fans often point out, and that is its underdeveloped world-building. For a story dealing with cursed energy, ancient clans, and a world teeming with spirits, the lack of depth in its setting can leave viewers and readers with more questions than answers. While Jujutsu Kaisen has amazing character-driven moments, the bigger picture of the world feels notably lacking.

This critique is not just about nitpicking details, it is about a missed opportunity to make the stories' stakes even higher and immerse fans even further. Questions linger about the sparse population of sorcerers, the half-developed histories of major clans, and the logistics of a world coexisting with such devastating forces. Taking all of this into account, I believe that there are three major aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen's world-building that fall short and have been holding the series back from true greatness.

The Sparse Sorcerer Society Is a Big Jujutsu Kaisen Issue

A World Too Small for Its Threats

One of the most confusing aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen is the apparent scarcity of jujutsu sorcerers. Given the overwhelming number of cursed spirits wreaking havoc, one would logically expect a much larger force of sorcerers in Japan. Instead, we are introduced to what feels like an elite yet impossibly small group, with Jujutsu High hosting only a handful of students at any given time. This disparity makes the world’s balance of power feel oddly skewed and undermines the severity of the cursed threat.

The small number of sorcerers raises logistical concerns. Are these few students and alumni genuinely enough to handle the myriad of cursed incidents across the country? If sorcerers are so rare, why has the community not invested more heavily in recruiting or training efforts? The premise of Jujutsu Kaisen loses some of its credibility when such glaring questions about the sorcerer's population remain unanswered. This lack of depth in the sorcerer community ultimately weakens the stakes of the story.​​​​​​​

Adding to the confusion is the absence of content about the other jujutsu schools or organizations beyond Jujutsu High. Surely, an issue as widespread as cursed spirits would necessitate more institutions to train and deploy sorcerers. Yet, the series gives little to no indication of such groups, making the world feel inexplicably small. The potential for exploring rival schools in-depth or competing philosophies among sorcerers was not something that was talked about, and I believe that it should have been.

The Untapped Potential of the Clans Is a Big Missed Opportunity

The Mystery of Jujutsu Kaisen's Clans

Jujutsu Kaisen introduces its three major sorcerer clans, which are the Zenin, Kamo, and Gojo families. While the Zenin clan receives a lot of development through Maki’s arc, the Kamo and Gojo clans remain frustratingly under-explored. This really confused me, especially because of Gojo's popularity and how much influence he has had on anime. This lack of focus takes away from the importance of these families and their roles in the overall jujutsu society, leaving them as little more than background pieces in the story.

The Gojo clan's absence is particularly strange. Aside from Satoru Gojo himself, no other members of this supposedly illustrious family have appeared in the​​​​​​​ story. This omission feels like a missed opportunity to dive into Gojo’s origins, his family’s history, or the dynamics of his extraordinary power. Such exploration could have added layers to Gojo’s character and further proven his role as the pinnacle of jujutsu sorcery.

Similarly, the Kamo clan’s contributions are limited to Noritoshi Kamo’s brief appearances, leaving their history and influence largely shrouded in mystery. The lack of development for these clans raises questions about their importance in the grand scheme of the story. Were they meant to play a larger role that never materialized? Or were they always intended as minor players in a tale dominated by individual characters? Either way, the clans’ untapped potential leaves the world of Jujutsu Kaisen feeling incomplete.

The Disconnect Between Cursed Energy and Society

A World Unaware of Its Monsters

Another big flaw in Jujutsu Kaisen's world-building is the lack of integration between cursed energy and society. For a world plagued by cursed spirits and defined by jujutsu sorcery, the general population’s ignorance feels implausible. How has cursed energy remained such a well-kept secret when its effects are so widespread and destructive?

The series hints at past events, such as the havoc wreaked by Sukuna in the Heian period, but it fails to explain how society recovered or why these incidents are not common knowledge. I find it hard to believe that such catastrophic events went undocumented. Even today, the average citizen appears oblivious to the existence of sorcerers and cursed spirits despite their frequent and often public encounters.

This disconnect diminishes Jujutsu Kaisen's realism. A more believable approach would involve a society that is aware of cursed energy but chooses to suppress or ignore it for various reasons. Alternatively, the story could explore a covert network of sorcerers working behind the scenes to protect the world. Either scenario would make the story feel deeper and more complex, and it would also make the world feel more alive and grounded.

Additionally, the lack of historical context for cursed energy leaves so many questions unanswered. Who were the "5 Void Generals", the "Sun Progression Moon and the Stars", or the "Darkness Pacification Force"? These intriguing names are mentioned in passing, but their stories and roles in the jujutsu world remain a mystery. Providing more information about these groups could have made the lore a lot more interesting and given fans like myself a greater appreciation for the series' historical depth.

Jujutsu Kaisen's world-building is undeniably its weakest link, holding back an otherwise exceptional series. The sparse population of sorcerers, the underdeveloped clans, and the disconnect between cursed energy and society all contribute to a setting that feels incomplete. These shortcomings do not just create plot holes, they limit the story's potential to explore deeper themes and immerse the audience fully.

To be clear, this critique does not diminish the series' achievements. Jujutsu Kaisen is an unforgettable series full of amazing characters, thrilling battles, and emotional arcs that I and millions of fans around the world absolutely love. However, addressing its world-building flaws could take the series from great to legendary.

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