In a series of flamboyant sorcerers and cursed spirits, Nanami Kento stands out by being aggressively normal. Jujutsu Kaisen’s favorite salaryman resonated with adult fans who understood his worldview perfectly.
The Working Man’s Sorcerer
Nanami treats jujutsu sorcery as a job—because it is one. He clocks in, does his work, and wants to go home. This isn’t apathy; it’s professionalism. While Gojo makes sorcery look effortless and fun, Nanami treats it with the dignity of any other skilled profession.
His hatred of overtime resonates with anyone who’s had a demanding job. “I’m only working until six” isn’t a joke to him—it’s a boundary.
Ratio Technique
Nanami’s cursed technique divides targets into ten parts and creates a weak point at the 7:3 ratio. It’s technical, precise, and efficient—just like him. No flashy domain expansion needed. He calculates the optimal hit and delivers it.
The Binding Vow that makes him stronger after working hours is perfect character design. He literally becomes more powerful when forced into overtime.
Mentor to Yuji
Nanami’s relationship with Yuji provides the series’ emotional core. He initially resists mentoring, saying he dislikes children. But he can’t help himself. When he tells Yuji “You don’t need to be a sorcerer,” it’s genuine care—unlike the sorcerer world that treats students as weapons.
His advice about becoming an adult—accumulating small positives until you realize you’re happy—is wisdom beyond most anime writing.
Why He Quit (And Returned)
Nanami left jujutsu sorcery for corporate life because he thought normal work would be more meaningful. He returned when he realized both jobs felt pointless—but sorcery at least saved lives directly. It’s not idealism; it’s pragmatism about impact.
The Shibuya Incident
Nanami’s final stand against Mahito cemented his legendary status. Burned, broken, and facing death, he still fought to protect Yuji. His last words—”You’ve got it from here”—passed the torch perfectly.
Fans mourned him like a real colleague. That’s how well he was written.
Adult Appeal
Nanami is popular because adult fans see themselves in him. The exhaustion, the boundaries, the quiet competence—he’s every professional who does their job well without needing to be special. In anime full of prodigies, he’s the skilled worker.
That’s why Nanami Kento became JJK’s most beloved supporting character—he made being normal feel heroic.