Mei Mei has undeniably earned her place as one of the most unpopular characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, a feat that reflects a unique kind of storytelling craft. The ability to evoke such strong negative sentiment from the fanbase—surpassing even notorious figures like the King of Curses—is a testament to her complex character traits.
At the core of Mei Mei’s undesirability is her blatant selfishness and disturbing moral compass, exemplified in her relationship with her brother, Ui Ui. This dynamic raises eyebrows, showcasing a troubling blend of greed and manipulation. Her obsession with wealth effectively boils down to a singular narrative: Mei Mei prioritizes financial gain above all else, suggesting that her motivations stem from a deeply transactional view of the world around her.
Despite her unlikable qualities, Mei Mei holds a significant role within the broader narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen. Her importance isn’t derived from her powers, but rather from what she signifies within the jujutsu community.
Disclaimer: The views in this article are solely those of the author.
Understanding Mei Mei’s Role in Jujutsu Kaisen
Mei Mei embodies the archetype of greed and moral ambiguity in Jujutsu Kaisen. She is unashamed of her motivations, openly asserting that money is her primary value. In stark contrast to characters like Satoru Gojo and Kento Nanami—who strive to reform the jujutsu world and aid others—Mei Mei approaches sorcery like a business transaction, illustrating how corrupt and transactional the sorcerer realm can become.
Although Mei Mei lacks the narrative weight of pivotal characters such as Nanami, Todo, or Mechamaru, her presence is not without impact. While her absence might not drastically alter the overarching plot, the events during the Shibuya Incident arc, particularly her controversial actions, spotlight her role in highlighting the jujutsu world’s brutality.
This arc is pivotal, revealing a darker side of jujutsu sorcery that operates on economic incentives rather than ethical commitments. Mei Mei’s actions—most notably her reluctance to support her comrades—underscore a painful reality: the world of Jujutsu Kaisen is unforgiving, often punishing those who choose to act with care.
After the Shibuya Incident, Mei Mei’s decision to escape to Malaysia—a dream destination for Nanami, who sacrificed everything for his allies—evoked a strong reaction. Nanami’s commitment to protecting his friends ultimately led to his tragic demise at the hands of Mahito, leaving a stark contrast between their choices.
Mei Mei’s flight to Malaysia isn’t a random plot point; it’s a deliberate choice made by creator Akutami. She attained what Nanami could only dream of—but not through strength or virtue. Instead, her lack of moral principles allowed her to rise while others fell, reinforcing the grim reality that the selfish often prevail in a world laden with moral decay.
While Mei Mei might be criticized for her traits, her character isn’t intended to be a villain. Instead, she serves as a reflection of a jujutsu society that tends to reward self-serving individuals, where altruism frequently leads to tragedy. Thus, Mei Mei is not just a detestable figure, but rather a realistic representation of a flawed system.
Concluding Thoughts
The existence of a character as polarizing as Mei Mei serves a vital narrative purpose. She highlights the sobering truth that not all jujutsu sorcerers fight for noble reasons—some are simply motivated by profit.