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Nobara Kugisaki bites the dust as Jujutsu Kaisen kills off one of the best women in contemporary anime

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Ayaan Paul
Ayaan PaulDec 01, 2023 | 14:35

Nobara Kugisaki bites the dust as Jujutsu Kaisen kills off one of the best women in contemporary anime

Jujutsu Kaisen has left fans reeling, YET AGAIN, with its latest episode that saw the untimely demise of one of its best characters, Nobara Kugisaki. The second season, renowned for its mortifying twists, has once again traumatized its fanbase by bidding farewell to a beloved member of the cast.

What

Nobara met her untimely end while duking it out with Mahito in Shibuya. The episode thoughtfully threw in some flashbacks of Nobara's childhood, just in case anyone missed the memo on how attached we should be to her character.

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Let's take a moment to appreciate Nobara's character – a grade-three sorcerer who consistently proved her worth time and time again, but apparently not enough to dodge a cruel game of death tag. 

Remembering Nobara

The witty sorcerer stood out as one of the most compelling women characters in contemporary anime, particularly in the context of Jujutsu Kaisen. Her journey throughout the series solidified her as a memorable and impactful figure, contributing to the emotional depth and narrative richness of the show.

From the outset, Nobara's strength of character was  evident. In a world where conformity often prevails, she defies societal expectations and stands by her convictions. 

  • The early flashbacks to her childhood, witnessing the unjust treatment of a kind woman named Saori in her village, provide a poignant backdrop to Nobara's decision to leave her rural hometown for the bustling city as a Jujutsu Sorcerer. 
  • This quest for independence and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs form the foundation of her character.

Strength and sacrifice

Nobara's strength extends beyond her physical abilities. 

Despite being classified as a grade three sorcerer, she consistently challenges more formidable opponents through determination and clever tactics.

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  • Her unique techniques, such as Hairpin and Resonance, showcase her creativity and adaptability in combat.
  • However, it's her cunning mind that emerges as her greatest asset, especially during the Origins of Blind Obedience Arc.
  • The strategic use of her Resonance technique in a dire situation not only highlights her resourcefulness but also emphasizes her willingness to endure personal sacrifice for the greater good.

But hey, who needs those skills when you can just touch someone's eye and blow a hole through their skull? 

Relationships

Furthermore, Nobara's dynamic interactions with her peers, particularly her playful banter with Yuji Itadori and the camaraderie she shares with Maki Zenin, revealed endearing facets to her personality. 

  • Her ability to balance seriousness with moments of lightheartedness adds depth to her character, making her relatable and likable to the JJK audience.
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Subverting expectations

But above all, Nobara transcends conventional portrayals of women in the genre. Her platonic relationships showcased a refreshing dynamic based on mutual respect and camaraderie rather than the stereotypically drab romantic undertones. 

  • She defies the damsel-in-distress archetype, consistently proving her autonomy and prowess in battles and her resilience and self-sufficiency challenge the narrative expectations imposed on women characters, contributing to a more nuanced representation in the anime landscape. 
  • Her multidimensional personality, blending toughness with vulnerability, resonated (pun intended) with audiences, fostering admiration beyond superficial stereotypes. 

Nobara’s commitment to her beliefs, demonstrated by her memorable "limited seats in my life" spiel, was truly heartrending and her death, much like Nanami Kento's, is a testament to the series' willingness to take bold narrative risks and inject genuine stakes into the storyline. 

Nobara’s character design and narrative arc exemplify a progressive approach to storytelling, where women are not confined to outdated roles but emerge as powerful and complex individuals, making her a standout figure in the evolving realm of anime.

For now, as Jujutsu Kaisen steamrolls through our mental health every week, verdict’s still out on the next fresh hell the anime has in store for us before the season comes to a close.

Last updated: December 01, 2023 | 14:35
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