Introduction to Hiromi Higuruma
In the high-stakes world of Jujutsu Kaisen, the Culling Game introduced several fascinating and formidable new sorcerers, but few are as unique as Hiromi Higuruma. Originally a defense attorney with a profound sense of justice, Higuruma’s life took a drastic turn when Kenjaku activated the brains of non-sorcerers across Japan. Unlike many who were overwhelmed by their new abilities, Higuruma’s genius-level intellect allowed him to master the fundamentals of barrier techniques and cursed energy manipulation in a matter of days. His background in law is not just a character trait; it is the very foundation of his power, manifesting as a cursed technique that subjects his opponents to the rigors of a legal trial.
Hiromi Higuruma stands out because he does not rely on raw physical strength or destructive energy blasts. Instead, he utilizes a highly sophisticated domain expansion that reflects his former profession. As a key player in the Culling Game, Higuruma quickly accumulated a high number of points, proving that the pen—or in this case, the gavel—is indeed mightier than the sword. Understanding his role requires a deep dive into the specific mechanics of his courtroom-based sorcery.
The Mechanics of Deadly Sentencing
Deadly Sentencing is the name of Hiromi Higuruma’s Domain Expansion, and it functions unlike almost any other domain seen in the series. Most domains are designed to be lethal, providing the caster with a "sure-hit" attack that guarantees damage. In contrast, Deadly Sentencing is a non-lethal domain that focuses on rule-enforcement. When activated, it transports Higuruma and his target into a symbolic courtroom. This space is governed by a strict binding vow: violence is absolutely prohibited for both the prosecutor and the defendant until a verdict is reached. Any attempt to initiate combat results in the offender being teleported back to their podium.
The trial begins with an accusation. The target is charged with a crime they have committed in the past, ranging from minor infractions like underage entry into a parlor to severe felonies like mass murder. The trial follows a specific procedure:
- The Accusation: A specific crime is randomly selected from the target's history.
- The Statement: The defendant is given one chance to defend themselves via silence, confession, or denial.
- The Rebuttal: Higuruma, acting as the prosecutor, presents evidence provided by his technique.
- The Verdict: A judgment is passed based on the arguments presented.
Because Higuruma is an expert lawyer, he can skillfully dismantle a defendant's lies, making the domain a psychological battlefield where the stakes are life and death.
The Role of the Judgeman
At the center of this domain is a powerful shikigami known as Judgeman. This entity serves as the impartial arbiter of the trial. Judgeman’s appearance is deeply symbolic, resembling a dark mass with scales on its body, reminiscent of the Scales of Justice. Its eyes are sewn shut, representing the concept of "blind justice," ensuring that the verdict is based solely on the evidence and arguments presented within the domain. Judgeman is sentient and capable of verbal communication, often expressing impatience or rage depending on the severity of the crimes discussed.
Judgeman possesses total knowledge of everyone inside the domain, but it does not share this information directly with Higuruma. Instead, it provides him with a sealed envelope containing a piece of evidence. This evidence is not always conclusive, requiring Higuruma to use his legal expertise to prove the target's guilt. Once the statements are made, Judgeman delivers the verdict and the subsequent punishment. These punishments can range from "Confiscation," which strips the target of their cursed technique or tool, to the "Death Penalty," which grants Higuruma a specialized weapon to end the fight instantly.
Impact on the Culling Game
Hiromi Higuruma's presence in the Culling Game was transformative. Within just thirteen days of the game's start, he had defeated over twenty other sorcerers and accumulated 102 points, making him one of the most successful participants. His ability to neutralize an opponent's cursed technique through "Confiscation" made him a nightmare for those who relied solely on their supernatural powers. In the chaotic environment of the Culling Game, where survival often depends on having the most destructive ability, Higuruma’s legalistic approach leveled the playing field by forcing opponents to fight on his terms.
Beyond his individual combat success, Higuruma’s points became a focal point for the protagonists, Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro. Because he held enough points to add a new rule to the game, he was a primary target for negotiation. His eventual decision to cooperate and use his points to benefit others marked a significant turning point in the arc, highlighting the philosophical conflict between Kenjaku's desire for chaos and Higuruma's innate drive for order and justice.
Conclusion
Hiromi Higuruma is a testament to the creativity of Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system. By merging the rigid structure of the Japanese legal system with the fluid world of cursed energy, Gege Akutami created a character that is both intellectually engaging and terrifyingly efficient. Through the mechanics of Deadly Sentencing and the impartial gaze of Judgeman, Higuruma redefined what it means to be a powerful sorcerer. As a pivotal figure in the Culling Game, his journey from a disillusioned lawyer to a protector of justice serves as one of the most compelling narratives in the series' later stages.
