Jujutsu Kaisen: Is Choso Yuji Itadori’s Brother? Profile, Abilities, and Story Explained
In the expansive world of Jujutsu Kaisen, created by Gege Akutami and serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, few characters embody the complex intersection of humanity and sorcery as distinctly as Choso. As a series that has surpassed 150 million copies in circulation, the franchise continues to captivate global audiences with its intricate lore and high-stakes action, notably expanding its reach through its second TV anime season and the 2026 broadcast of the third season, “Culling Game Part 1.”
The Origins of Choso
Choso is a unique existence, categorized as a “Cursed Womb: Death Painting.” He is not a traditional cursed spirit, but rather a “recarnated” being—a special-grade cursed object that has taken over a human vessel. As the eldest of nine brothers, Choso’s narrative arc begins with his emergence alongside his brothers Eso and Kechizu, initially positioning them on the side of the cursed spirits.
His power, the “Blood Manipulation” technique, is a signature ability of the Kamo clan. This lineage connection serves as a point of contention for Choso, who harbors a deep dislike for Noritoshi Kamo, the sorcerer responsible for the creation of the Death Paintings. Voiced by Daisuke Namikawa, a veteran performer with a career spanning four decades, Choso has evolved from an antagonist into a pivotal figure who identifies as the older brother of protagonist Yuji Itadori.
Did You Know? The names of the nine Cursed Womb: Death Painting siblings—including Choso, Eso, and Kechizu—are derived from “Kusozu,” a form of traditional Buddhist art that depicts the nine stages of human decomposition.
A Complex Family Dynamic
Choso’s conviction that Yuji is his brother stems from an intense, intuitive ability to sense the well-being of his kin. During the Shibuya Incident, this connection manifested in a surreal way when Choso experienced “false memories” of sharing a meal with Yuji, leading him to abandon his role as an enemy. This psychological phenomenon, which has also been observed in characters like Aoi Todo, remains one of the most enigmatic elements of the series.
The mystery of his origin links back to the Meiji era, when a woman with a unique constitution became pregnant with the children of a cursed spirit. Noritoshi Kamo, the sorcerer who presided over the temple where she sought refuge, experimented on these pregnancies, resulting in the nine Death Paintings. Choso believes that because the entity currently possessing Geto’s body—the same one who took on the name Noritoshi Kamo—has occupied multiple vessels over time, there is a legitimate possibility of a blood connection between his creators, and Yuji.
Expert Insight: Choso represents a narrative bridge between the human and spirit factions of Jujutsu Kaisen. His transition from a cold-blooded combatant to a protective figure highlights the series’ focus on how subjective memories and familial bonds can redefine a character’s loyalties, regardless of their supernatural origins.
The Path Forward
Following the Shibuya Incident, Choso has become a critical ally to Yuji, supporting him through his immense guilt and the threat of execution. As the story moves into the “Culling Game” arc, Choso’s role as a protector—specifically guarding Tengen alongside Yuki Tsukumo—suggests he will remain a central figure in the escalating conflict. Viewers may expect his deep-seated protective instincts to be tested further as the true objectives of his creators are unveiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Choso realize Yuji was his brother?
A: Choso possesses an innate ability to sense when his brothers are in danger. During their battle, he experienced a vivid, inexplicable memory of Yuji as part of his family, which led him to conclude they share a blood bond.
Q: What are the primary abilities of the Death Painting brothers?
A: Choso, Eso, and Kechizu all utilize blood-based techniques. Eso uses “Rotting Drip Technique” to decay targets with poisonous blood, while Choso utilizes the Kamo clan’s “Blood Manipulation” for various offensive maneuvers.
Q: Why is Choso considered a “Special Grade” entity?
A: His classification as a Special Grade is due to his status as the first of the Cursed Womb: Death Paintings, a powerful special-grade cursed object that has successfully incarnated into a human vessel.
How do you interpret the impact of the “false memories” on the shifting alliances within the story?