From its explosive fight scenes to its deep emotional beats,Jujutsu Kaisenhas captivated audiences across the globe. Western fans have embraced the anime for its intense action, complex characters, and unpredictable plot twists. But while most of its appeal crosses language barriers with ease, not every element of the show survives the transition unscathed.
One of the most subtly brilliant aspects of the series lies in the small ways it expresses character in details that are obvious to Japanese audiences, but often invisible to international viewers.The case in point is Satoru Gojo.The overwhelmingly powerful, blindfolded fan-favorite is known for his chaotic energy and utter disregard for authority. But there is one linguistic habit of his that says volumes, and is nearly impossible to translate.
Why Gojo’s Way of Speaking Breaks All the Rules
How Gojo’s First-Name Habit Speaks Volumes
In Japanese society, how people refer to someone, particularly whether they use their first or last name, can say everything about their relationship with them. Using someone’s family name is the default in most situations, especially in professional or formal settings. First names are usually reserved for close friends, family, or intimate partners.
That is why Gojo’s tendency to call others by their first names instead of their surnames is such a loud character choice.To a Japanese audience, this habit screams that Gojo is either incredibly close to someone, or just doesn’t care about boundaries.In most cases, it is the latter. Gojo does not just ignore social rules; he obliterates them with a smile.
For example, while most other characters refer to Yuji Itadori by his last name (“Itadori”), Gojo casually calls him “Yuji.” The same applies to Megumi Fushiguro, whom Gojo refers to as “Megumi.” It is an immediate cue to Japanese viewers that Gojo is overly familiar, even presumptuous, with his students. To many, it reads as arrogant.
This form of address also adds texture to his relationships.When Gojo uses first names, it reinforces his role as a charismatic and rebellious mentor.His linguistic choices are yet another way he separates himself from the rigid system of jujutsu sorcerers he so openly defies.
What Jujutsu Kaisen the Dub Can’t Deliver About Gojo’s Personality
Western Fans Miss the Message Hidden in Gojo’s Words
Unfortunately, this clever detail does not land the same way outside Japan. In English, the cultural significance of name order and address is not nearly as pronounced. Translators generally prioritize clarity and natural dialogue over replicating these social subtleties. As a result, Gojo’s informal way of speaking gets smoothed over or lost entirely.
In the English dub and subtitles, Gojo still calls people by their first names, but because Western audiences are used to that being normal, the transgressive aspect of it vanishes.
In the English dub and subtitles, Gojo still calls people by their first names, but because Western audiences are used to that being normal, the transgressive aspect of it vanishes. What should read as boundary-breaking ends up sounding casual or even warm. Viewers might chalk it up to Gojo’s charm without realizing it’s actually a subtle act of rebellion.
This gap in understanding can alter how fans perceive his character. Japaneseviewers might see Gojo as a rule-breaker with an inflated egoand a fondness for provoking others. But international audiences may only see a fun, slightly eccentric teacher who just happens to be strong. It is a minor detail, but one that colors the entire character.
Even something as simple as Gojo’s tone or cadence can be hard to replicate in another language. His speech blends cheerfulness with smugness in a uniquely Japanese way, laced with social clues about how he sees himself and others. Those layers are difficult to capture when you’re working within the confines of English grammar and Western expectations.
Gojo’s Language Reflects Jujutsu Kaisen’s Bigger Themes
Why a Tiny Linguistic Cue Deepens Jujutsu Kaisen
Some might argue that this detail is too small to matter.But in a show as tightly written asJujutsu Kaisen, every nuance counts. The way Gojo speaks is not just a quirk, it is an extension of the themes that drive the entire series. Power structures, generational conflict, and the burden of legacy are central to the story. Gojo’s informal speech reflects his desire to tear down those very systems.
By refusing to use last names, he is symbolically rejecting the hierarchy that governs jujutsu society. He speaks to everyone, including students, colleagues, and even elders, as if they are peers, or even subordinates. That linguistic rebellion mirrors his literal rebellion against the elders who control the jujutsu world. It is part of why he’s both admired and feared.
The erasure of this detail in translation does not ruin the story, but it does flatten one of its most complex characters. It also highlights how much viewers miss when localization smooths out cultural specificity in the name of accessibility.AsJujutsu Kaisencontinues to reach global audiences, these lost-in-translation moments remind us of the richness embedded in even the smallest lines of dialogue.
Ultimately, it is a testament to the brilliance of the show’s writing. The fact that something as simple as a name can deepen character, theme, and tone all at once is no accident. And for those who catch the detail, or take the time to understand it, it makes Gojo an even more fascinating figure inJujutsu Kaisen.
