Jujutsu Kaisen: The Real-Life Comedy Inspiration Behind Fumihiko Takaba Explained

The character design and comedic style of Fumihiko Takaba from Jujutsu Kaisen are deeply rooted in Japanese comedy culture.

In fact, Takaba’s costume and persona are widely believed to be directly inspired by a classic Japanese comedy sketch known as “The Center-man.”

The Origin of Takaba’s Costume: “The Center-man”

“The Center-man” is a comedy sketch that became a massive hit on the popular Fuji TV variety show
Warau Inu no Bōken (The Adventures of a Smiling Dog).

The exaggerated costume, bold colors, and absurd humor seen in the sketch closely resemble Takaba’s visual design and comedic presence in Jujutsu Kaisen. Fans have long pointed out the striking similarities, making this sketch one of the most cited real-world inspirations for Takaba’s character.

▶ Watch the original “The Center-man” sketch:

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 27 Special Commercial

To further highlight Takaba’s importance, a special commercial for Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 27 was released featuring Fumihiko Takaba. Notably, Kenjaku also appears in this CM, creating a surreal contrast between Takaba’s comedy-driven ability and the series’ darker themes.

▶ Watch the Volume 27 CM:

Takaba’s “Senior Comedian” and His Real-Life Model

In the manga, Takaba is shown interacting with a veteran comedian he deeply respects. This character is widely believed to be modeled after Kendo Kobayashi, a well-known and influential Japanese comedian famous for his sharp wit and distinctive presence.

▶ Related video featuring Kendo Kobayashi:

A Love Letter to Japanese Comedy

Through Fumihiko Takaba, Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami pays homage to Japanese variety comedy, blending classic humor with modern shōnen storytelling. Understanding these references adds an extra layer of appreciation for Takaba’s role and highlights how deeply pop culture influences the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.