Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Reveals the Avoidable Mistake That Sealed Gojo's Defeat Against Sukuna

If you’re still salty about Gojo’s death in Jujutsu Kaisen, you’re not alone. The fandom exploded when it happened, and it’s stayed a lightning rod ever since. Now, creator Gege Akutami has spelled out why the strongest sorcerer lost to Sukuna — and whether you love the choice or hate it, the logic checks out.

So... how did Gojo actually lose?

Gojo dies in Chapter 236 during the Shinjuku fight, when Sukuna straight-up slices him in half. The whiplash was real — Gojo had just survived Sukuna’s nastiest moves and looked like he’d turned the tide. Then, lights out.

Akutami’s explanation (via @Go_Jover on X)

"After defeating Mahoraga, Gojo thought that Sukuna had no way to bypass his infinity anymore. I think that the usual Gojo would’ve sensed that something was amiss and could’ve avoided a fatal wound."

Here’s the breakdown in plain terms: Mahoraga — that terrifying shikigami that learns and adapts to basically anything — gathered the data needed to counter Infinity. Gojo beat Mahoraga and figured that was the end of it. He eased up, just for a moment. Sukuna didn’t. He used what Mahoraga learned, waited for the perfect beat, and cut through Gojo’s defenses.

Why it makes sense for the story (even if it stings)

Gojo is the nuclear option of JJK. If he keeps winning, there’s no air left in the room for Yuji, Megumi, and the rest of the next generation to step up. Taking him off the board forces the series to shift — not a fun choice if he’s your favorite, but a coherent one.

Gojo’s real weakness has always been the same

For someone with a technique called Infinity, Gojo’s losses share a very finite pattern: he lets his guard down for a second, and that’s all it takes.

• Hidden Inventory arc: After keeping Infinity up for a full week, Gojo thought everyone was finally safe back at Jujutsu High. That tiny exhale? Toji Fushiguro slipped in and stabbed him.
• Shibuya Incident: Facing Kenjaku and company, Gojo caught a glimpse of his 'old friend' Geto’s face. That split-second emotional shock was enough for the Prison Realm to activate and trap him.
• Shinjuku vs Sukuna: After taking down Mahoraga, Gojo assumed Sukuna had no more answers for Infinity. Sukuna used Mahoraga’s adaptation data, timed it perfectly, and carved through.

It’s a brutal throughline: unmatched power, but the smallest crack — trust, emotion, confidence — becomes the opening the enemy needs. Consistent? Yes. Easier to swallow? Not really.

Do you think Gojo beats Sukuna if he never eases up for that one moment? I can see the argument both ways.

Jujutsu Kaisen is streaming on Crunchyroll.