Jujutsu Kaisen: Todo Could've Been a Total Bother, But a Simple Fix Turned Him Into a Fan Favorite

I love Jujutsu Kaisenbecause it is an amazing series that tackles dark themes very well. The series features a lot of elements that most shōnen series need to succeed by blending action, humor, and serious moments effortlessly. There are very few animes that are as dark as Jujutsu Kaisen, but still willing to include a few successful jokes. The series has phenomenal voice actors, great art design, and compelling villains you almost want to root for (looking at you, Toji).

One of the most boisterous personalities in the show is main character, Itadori Yuji's self-proclaimed best friend, Aoi Todo. If you had never watched Jujutsu Kaisen and someone described Todo to you, you'd probably think that he was one of the most self-absorbed, annoying characters in anime. Thankfully, Todo's charisma, charm, and insane wisdom not only make him likable, but make him a character that anyone, including me, would love to be friends with.

On Paper, Jujutsu Kaisen's Todo Shouldn't Work

His Charisma Brings His Personality to Life

Aoi Todo is unapologetically himself. Unlike most characters in anime, he doesn't care about gaining anyone's approval. He does not concern himself with making sure others are comfortable, and he doesn't care about the repercussions of his actions. Todo is going to do what he wants when he wants. On paper, this makes him sound self-righteous, selfish, and downright annoying. It's half-true, as during a baseball game, Yuji realizes that everyone except for him actually hates Todo.

When Todo met Yuji, his way of seeing what type of man Yuji is was to ask him about his preferred type of woman. This question would be considered too forward or asinine by many guys, but luckily for Todo, that is the exact kind of question people like Yuji are willing to answer. If it wasn't for Todo's absurd levels of confidence and charisma, he really might have been one of anime's most hateable characters. Instead, Todo's appearance is practically a guarantee that fans are in for a treat

Aoi Todo's Loyalty Makes Him So Much Harder To Hate Than He Should Be

He Became Itadori's Best Friend Right Away

One of Aoi Todo's best qualities as a friend is his unwavering loyalty. He has incredibly high intelligence and is so smart that he can nearly see into the future. While this could be used to predict the lottery or complete other simpler tasks, Todo uses his ability to see into his future with Yuji. In one of the funniest moments in Jujutsu Kaisen, Todo lives an entire life with Yuji based on one answer to a ridiculously dumb question. He fantasizes about the two of them becoming best friends, like someone in a romance anime who envisions themselves getting married to their crush right after meeting them.

While it makes almost no sense for someone to be so loyal to someone else just after meeting them, Todo makes it work. Not only is he an incredibly loyal friend, he wants the best for Yuji. He recognizes Yuji's potential and does his part to help his newfound best friend accomplish these possibilities. While I'm proud to say I have a ton of great friends, I don't have any that would nearly raise me as Todo does for Yuji.

Todo's Friendship With Yuji Makes Him So Much More Likable

He's Exactly What Sukuna's Vessel Needs

Todo's first meeting with Yuji is hilarious, but it's his arrival during Yuji's fight against Mahito that really cements him as one of the best friends in anime for me. He saved Yuji's life both literally and metaphorically. He literally saved Yuji's life when Mahito went in for the kill, and metaphorically saved it with his encouragement when Yuji was completely broken down and didn't have any hope left. In one of the best speeches heard in anime, Todo tells Yuji that they are different from everyone else. He explains that he and Yuji are still here to carry on the will of everyone who died, destroying their enemies in the name of their fallen friends.

Todo's entrance and speech were so thrilling that they brought tears to my eyes. I lovedTodo so much more after his impassioned speech than I ever thought possible. The entire Shibuya Incident Arc felt like a highlight reel for Todo, proven by his bold proclamations like, "Arms are just decorations. The act of applause is an acclamation of the soul." Not only did he save Yuji's life and spirit, but he also caused Mahito to feel an absurd level of fear, which was no easy feat.

Todo's Powers Are Among Jujutsu Kaisen's Most Interesting

Boogie Woogie Might Not Be The Series' Strongest Power, But It Is A Visual Treat

Todo in episode 21 using his power one last time.

Part of the reason I found myself gravitating toward Todo more than I thought I would was also his powers. Jujutsu Kaisen has some of the wildest powersets in shonen anime history, and that can be seen expertly with Todo's signature move, Boogie Woogie. With Boogie Woogie, Todo is able to switch places with another sorcerer just by clapping his hands. While the power may seem limited at first, its potential highlights just what makes Todo so special.

In Todo and Yuji's fights with Hanami and much later Mahito, the two sorcerers have to be in perfect sync in order to beat cursed spirits much stronger than them. This is ultimately the perfect example of why I find Todo so compelling. Todo is, by all appearances, an absolute hothead and has a certain arrogance to him that could have him easily mistaken for an egotist. Todo is also Kyoto Jujutsu High's only true Grade 1 student (Noritoshi and Mechamaru are only Semi-Grade 1).

Todo's true potential is only unlocked when he's paired with someone who can truly match his energy, like Yuji

This is why it's so interesting that his signature move relies on a high level of trust and teamwork. As strong as he might be alone, Todo's true potential is only unlocked when he's paired with someone who can truly match his energy, like Yuji.

Aoi Todo could be considered annoying at a surface-level glance. However, when you look deeper, it's easy to see that Jujutsu Kaisen's Aoi Todo is one of the coolest, most inspirational characters in anime that anyone would loveto have on their side.