Why Yuji Itadori Is A Target In The Culling Game?

Pavas Gagneja
Sep 10
2 min read

Updated: Sep 14

Why Yuji Itadori is a target in the Culling Game?

SPOILER ALERT: This article may contain major spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen. Proceed only if you don't mind having key story elements revealed.

In a system that rewards violence and quick points, Yuji blocks easy kills and changes outcomes. This makes him a problem. On top of that, his past as Sukuna’s vessel makes him look risky to keep around and valuable to capture.

Some players blame Yuji for past disasters or worry that Sukuna’s shadow could return through him. Others see him as a tool to pressure his allies or force rule changes. He's not just another fighter on the board. Rather, he’s a symbol, a lever, and an obstacle all at once.

ALSO READ: Is Jujutsu Kaisen Carried By Its Fight Scenes?

Being Sukuna’s Shadow Put A Target On His Back

Even after separation, Yuji’s history with Sukuna draws enemies who want payback or prevention. Those who hate Sukuna target Yuji as the closest link, while those who fear Sukuna view Yuji as a risk they would remove.

That same shadow invites manipulation. Threatening or capturing Yuji can push his friends into bad moves, delay their plans, or fracture their teamwork. To many factions, he’s a bait and a bargaining chip.

Points, Rules, And Visibility

Itadori, Fushiguro, Panda and Hakari get ready for the Culling Game

The Culling Game rewards points for defeating players, and Yuji Itadori was a hindrance. So, visible, active fighters attract challengers — and Yuji is always where the danger is. He protects civilians, breaks up hunts, and shows up at hotspots, which makes him easy to find and tempting to fight for quick points.

He also backs rules that save people or slow the killing. For groups that want the game to stay brutal and efficient, removing Yuji keeps their plan clean. We can say that from their view, taking him out protects their path to control.

Fast Growth, Real Threat

Itadori fighting Choso at the Shibuya station

Yuji grows quickly under pressure. His timing improves, his moves get sharper, and his fundamentals hold up in tough fights. The longer he stays, the harder he is to beat. That pushes rivals to target him early, before he gets even stronger.

Moreover, he also breaks the momentum. Yuji forces honest exchanges and doesn’t fold under fear, which ruins the rhythm of fighters who rely on shock and quick finishes. Thus, the opponents need to deal with him quickly or face a tougher fight later.

He Was A Shield In A Killing Game

Yuji acts like a shield in a place built for swords. He jumps in to stop easy kills and drags fights away from helpless people. As a result, that denies others their quick points and safe paths, so they naturally go after the shield first. Being a protector keeps him in the spotlight. Challengers who want a name, a score, or a statement seek him out.

Bringing Yuji down becomes proof that the game’s cold logic still rules. In short, Yuji is hunted for what he was and what he is. Yuji Itadori carries Sukuna’s shadow, blocks easy points, grows stronger fast, and keeps hope alive. In the Culling Game, that combination makes him a target from every side.