Jujutsu Kaisen is a remarkable shonen anime with a unique array of abilities and techniques executed by its characters. The story presents a constant battle between curses born from negative emotions and jujutsu sorcerers – individuals that use cursed techniques to fight these malevolent existences. The series' unique power system runs solely on cursed energy, sporting different, interesting developments.

Undoubtedly, at the forefront of Jujutsu Kaisen, techniques like Gojo’s Infinite Void and Sukuna’s Malevolent Shrine catch fans’ interest the most. However, there are other captivating techniques present in the anime. A leading example is Inumaki’s Cursed Speech. The technique used by the introverted character who rarely speaks except for potent reasons is a powerful one, capable of destabilizing even special-grade curses. So, how does Cursed Speech really work?

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Inumaki’s Cursed Speech, Explained

inumaki cursed speech

Although the debut of different powerful techniques and interesting characters, such as Sukuna and the talking Panda were riveting developments, Inumaki’s technique and his onigiri language was equally interesting. Inumaki Toge, Yuuji, Nobara & Fushiguro's senpai, was shown as a second-year student in Jujutsu high. However, he wasn't just a regular student but a powerful one with his Cursed Speech technique.

Cursed Speech is an inherited & powerful technique that allows users to channel cursed energy into their speech, allowing them to manipulate their targets' will. When Inumaki removes the cloak covering his mouth, you will notice special markings on his mouth. These marks on Inumaki’s mouth and tongue are the Serpent Eyes and Fang seals that make the Cursed Speech technique practicable. The technique is an asset in combat because it can be used over long distances. It can even be used through a communication medium. During the school competition event, Inumaki managed to use Cursed Speech against Miwa even through a phone – this means that in certain circumstances, distance is irrelevant to a Cursed Speech user.

One fact you should also know about Cursed Speech is that it is not an all-commanding ability without any setback like Lelouch's Geass in Code Geass. Every Cursed Speech attack comes with a drawback for the user. So, when faced with a powerful opponent, Cursed Speech users run the risk of damaging their bodies since they will be forced to use powerful attacks with negative downsides. Summarily, the stronger the Cursed Speech attack, the higher the setbacks. This is one of the reasons Inumaki carries a cough-relieving syrup since the Cursed Speech technique affects his throat. In worse cases, a Cursed Speech user can even lose the ability to speak.

Inumaki’s Cursed Speech has its limits; in certain scenes in Jujutsu Kaisen, Inumaki coughed out blood, signaling the technique’s overuse. This is the reason Inumaki talks weirdly. He does it tp protect himself and the people around him. One other key fact to know about the Cursed Speech is that Inumaki Toge wasn’t the only person revealed to use Cursed Speech in the series. Surprisingly, Yuta Okkotsu used the technique.

Why Can Yuta Okkotsu Use Cursed Speech?

yuta okkotsu

Yuta Okkotsu is one of the few special-grade sorcerers in Jujutsu Kaisen. Debuting in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Yuta was depicted as a powerful Jujutsu sorcerer with an immense and possibly limitless amount of cursed energy. He also moves alongside his powerful, contracted, cursed spirit Rika. Despite Yuta’s already powerful set of cursed techniques, he was able to use the Inumaki clan signature technique: Cursed Speech. So, why was this possible? The reason lies in Yuta's connection to Rika. Yuta's techniques are possible because Rika is his cursed technique.

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The technique allows Okkotsu to save up cursed energy and even replicate high-level cursed techniques as long as he is linked to the powerful cursed spirit. So, he was able to copy Inumaki's Cursed Speech due to Rika's aid. However, this ability is somewhat limited since, after the five-minute-long connection with Rika ends, Yuta is unable to copy techniques. This places the Inumaki clan over Yuta in terms of Cursed Speech usage. But it's possible that Yuta may have a better grasp of this technique in the future because it barely has any side effects on him.

Inumaki’s Coded Words, Explained

Toge Inumaki from Jujustu Kaisen with a jacket covering his mouth

Inumaki Toge rarely speaks unless it's extremely necessary. Even when he does, his Speech limited is to specific words related to the ingredients of onigiri, a popular Japanese food. So, here’s a list of some of his words and the meaning behind them.

  • Shake & Shake Sushi ((鮭鮨 しゃけすし): “Shake” translates as “Salmon” in English. Inumaki uses shake to confirm his agreement with different things.
  • Okaka (おかか): “Okaka” translates as “Bonito flakes.” Contrary to Shake, Inumaki uses okaka to convey his disapproval or disagreement.
  • Takana (高菜 たかな): “Takana” is the Japanese word for pickled mustard leaf. Inumaki uses the word to show worry or distress.
  • Sujiko (筋子 すじこ) & Ikura/Igura (イクラ): Both Japanese words translate as salmon roe in English; however, Inumaki use both words in different ways. Inumaki uses sujiko to catch other people’s attention and ikura/igura as a swear word.
  • Mentaiko (明太子 めんたいこ): The word translates as “Walleye Pollack Roe” in English. However, Inumaki uses it as a swear word.
  • Konbu/Kombu: (昆布 こんぶ): The Japanese words translate as “Kelp," an English for a certain type of seaweed, but Inumaki uses it as a form of greeting.
  • Tuna Tuna (ツナツナ) & Tuna Mayo (ツナマヨ). These words refer to “Tuna Fish” in English. But, similar to his other words, they bear different meanings for Inumaki. Inumaki uses tuna tuna to tell people to look in a certain direction, and he uses tuna mayo to urge a person to talk.

Inumaki Toge's fascinating Cursed Speech is a powerful technique with a largely negative drawback. However, there's no guarantee that Inumaki can't improve on the technique's offensive nature. Who knows, the character might be able to create a Domain Expansion by leveraging on the Cursed Speech technique later on in the series.

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