Hi, Junko from Japan here! The kanji characters in Kashimo’s name stand for deer, purple, and cloud. While that might not make immediate sense, the name is actually packed with words rooted in Japanese history.
In this article, I’ll break down the meaning of his name in Jujutsu Kaisen from a Japanese perspective. Let’s dive in!
The Rarity of the Surname “Kashimo”
KA = deer
SHI = purple
MO = cloud
The surname “Kashimo” is written in Kanji characters that signify “deer,” “purple color,” and “cloud.” However, the term “Kashimo” doesn’t have a specific meaning in Japanese.
It’s a rare surname used only in the Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan, where only a handful of households bear this name.
Is Kashimo Related to the Gojo Family?
Yamaguchi Prefecture is famous for its shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure in Japan.
In the world of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” Sugawara no Michizane is considered to be an ancestor of Satoru Gojo. Sugawara no Michizane is also known as one of Japan’s three great vengeful spirits.
After being falsely accused and dying in disgrace, he is said to have turned into a thunder god, causing fear among the people of the capital.
Given Kashimo’s ability to control thunder and his resemblance to Satoru Gojo, fans in Japan speculate that he might be a distant relative of Gojo, much like Yuuta Okkotsu.
Other Theories on the Name “Kashimo”
There are other theories about the origin of Kashimo’s name. One suggests that it’s a play on “Kashima,” a shrine dedicated to the thunder god in Japanese mythology.
Another theory posits that his name is derived from the Kanji characters in “Shiden,” a Japanese term meaning “purple lightning.”
Although the Kanji for “thunder” is not directly used in his name, it’s safe to say that multiple terms related to thunder are subtly hidden in it.
The Significance of the First Name “Hajime”
The first name “Hajime” means “one” or “first” in Japanese, and it’s a common male name in Japan. In “Jujutsu Kaisen,” many characters have the unique combination of a rare surname and a common first name, and Kashimo Hajime is no exception.
Interestingly, Kashimo is said to be a human from 400 years ago, but “Hajime” is a relatively modern name. This raises questions about whether “Kashimo Hajime” is his original name or if he has assumed the name of his current body.
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