Jujutsu Kaisen 0: Where Is Yuta Okkotsu In The Show?
In Jujutsu Kaisen 0, a prequel movie to the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, Yuta Okkotsu plays the role of protagonist in the absence of Yuji Itadori, but Yuta has not been properly introduced in the anime series. Despite being a prequel to the anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is based on the manga by Gege Akutami that was released first. After the initial success of Yuta's story in the Jujutsu Kaisen o manga, Akutami expanded the world into a weekly Shōnen Jump series, Jujutsu Kaisen, in which Yuji Itadori became the main protagonist. After the release of the Jujutsu Kaisen o film, fans of the anime may have been left wondering where Yuta Okkotsu is during the events of Jujutsu Kaisen's season 1.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a supernatural anime series that follows young sorcerers learning their trade under Gojo Satoru at Tokyo Jujutsu High School. The first season follows Yuji Itadori after he eats a cursed finger and becomes the vessel for the powerful cursed spirit, Ryomen Sukuna. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 follows a similar narrative with Yuta Okkotsu. Yuta believes he is cursed by the spirit of his childhood friend Rika. Seeing Yuta's potential, Gojo takes Yuta under his wing at Jujutsu High. Yuta's growth in the film makes him a powerful asset for Jujutsu Kaisen's Gojo Satoru, but Yuta Okkotsu has yet to appear in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime.
While Yuta Okkotsu has not fully appeared in Jujutsu Kaisen season 1, there have been several nods to the character's existence. Although it might not always be obvious, Yuta is name-dropped by characters and even appears in season 1's second opening sequence. The reason for Yuta not being properly introduced is that during the events of the season, he is studying in Africa with another sorcerer, Miguel. If the anime faithfully adapts the manga, Yuta will be introduced after the events of The Shibuya Incident arc. Since this arc will take up the majority of season 2, Yuta Okkotsu will likely appear either in the latter part of Jjutsu Kaisen season 2 (expected in 2023) or early in season 3.
Yuta is first mentioned in Jujutsu Kaisen season 1, episode 5. When Megumi introduces the second-years to Nobara, he explains how the cursed speech user Inumaki can only speak in ingredients of rice balls. Panda states that Inumaki is "a bit softer when Yuta's around." Megumi then concedes that Yuta is the only second-year he truly respects, which is understandable considering Yuta's exploits in the movie. In episode 6, Gojo also mentions Yuta, claiming that he and the third-year Hakiri have the potential to be sorcerers on a par with himself. He also believes that Yuji was one of the select students that has that potential. For fans who have not read the manga, these references to Yuta build up his reputation. Anime-only fans will not have noticed that Yuta Okkotsu appears during Jujutsu Kaisen season 1's second opening scene. Even though Yuta is not introduced in season 1, his underlying presence determines just how important he will be as the anime progresses.
Fans will have to wait a while longer to see Yuta in action though. During the events of season 1, he is studying abroad with Miguel. Miguel is the character that fights and impresses Gojo during the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons in Jujutsu Kaisen 0. In the movie's post-credits scene, Yuta and Miguel eat together when Gojo interrupts them. Gojo greets Yuta, saying "long time no see." This is a nod to Yuta's absence in season 1, however, the purpose of his trip remains ambiguous. It could be simply to enhance his training and learn more cursed techniques. What is certain is that Yuta will eventually appear in the show, especially after the success of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 leaves fans wanting to see more of him. After his travels and training, Yuta will be even more powerful than he is during Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and he should prove his ability to surpass Gojo.