Jujutsu Kaisen is filled with an array of interesting and diverse side characters, and protagonist Yuji Itadori isn’t the only fan favorite. Perhaps for many older viewers, the ex-salaryman jujutsu sorcerer Kento Nanami is also a favorite since his character is a tad bit too relatable for the working adults. Aside from that, the way he acts as Yuji’s mentor is truly an admirable feat -- and refreshingly different from Satoru Gojo’s way of teaching.
Nanami may appear gloomy and indifferent, but plenty of moments in Jujutsu Kaisen show his caring and compassionate side as a jujutsu sorcerer. Linking these traits to his zodiac sign explains a lot about his character. Nanami was born on July 3rd, which falls under the Cancer sign -- the most nurturing of all the zodiacs.
Cancer is a water sign and the fourth in the zodiac. Similar to the other water signs, Cancer people are emotional and sensitive. This sign is symbolized by the crab, which is a great representation of a Cancer -- someone with a hard exterior and a soft interior. Many of them may look intimidating or aloof on the outside, but they have a soft and caring aspect deep inside. Since they are well in touch with their emotions, they are also generally known for being compassionate, sympathetic and loyal. On the other hand, Cancer people also tend to get incredibly moody, so others might see them as crabby and pessimistic at times. This side of Nanami is at its peak whenever he interacts with his bubbly senpai, Gojo.
Being nurturing is one of a Cancer’s most notable traits, which makes them excellent parental figures. As a mentor to Yuji in Jujutsu Kaisen, Nanami takes an entirely different approach compared to Gojo. When they began their investigation at the movie theater, Nanami emphasized that he’s an adult and Yuji is a kid. Even though Yuji initially interpreted this as an underestimation, Nanami was merely acting the part of a parent or mentor by saying he must prioritize Yuji’s life over his own. Even when Nanami figures out Mahito’s whereabouts, he decides to go alone since he knows the possible risks if he brings Yuji along.
In addition, Nanami shows Yuji what it means to be a grown-up. It’s not about the life-or-death situations one has encountered -- instead, going through the constant buildup of disappointments growing up is what turns someone into an adult. When Cancer people go through a painful experience, chances are they probably won’t forget it. They will keep this pain in the depths of their minds and hold grudges -- they may forgive, but they probably won’t forget.
Because of their emotional and sensitive nature, Cancers can get too caught up in their past. As such, they become self-protective and run away, finding solace in their shells. Work is terrible, and so is being a jujutsu sorcerer -- a sentiment Nanami has, probably because of how his past experiences contributed to the disappointments in his life.
When Nanami began looking back on his life after getting caught in Mahito’s Domain, he explains how he “ran away” from being a jujutsu sorcerer. Considering his history and the overall emotional weight of being a jujutsu sorcerer, it isn’t surprising that he initially escaped from it. After all, this job means putting one’s life -- or comrades -- on the line. Even so, Nanami chose to come back after realizing it’s more meaningful to be a jujutsu sorcerer. There’s comfort in the gratitude he receives from others, even if it's just a simple thank you from a girl working at a bakery.
Cancers care deeply for other people. Underneath his tough exterior, Nanami has a big heart and is probably one of the most caring characters in Jujutsu Kaisen. Despite saying he knows how to separate sentimentality from his line of work, even Mahito knew Nanami was getting affected to a certain extent. In the middle of their fight, Nanami wiped away the tears of a transfigured human who was telling him, “help me.”
As a Cancer, Nanami’s sensitivity to emotions and nurturing disposition allow him to become an ideal mentor to Yuji. Along with his kindness and sympathy, these traits are what make him stand out as a praiseworthy jujutsu sorcerer.