What does “Uzumaki” mean? Junji Ito’s Uzumaki, Uzumaki Naruto, & Jujutsu Kaisen Suguru Geto's Cursed Art Technique

“Uzumaki”, what first comes to mind is Junji Ito’s famous horror manga, or the popular anime & manga series Naruto’s main character’s name, Uzumaki Naruto. But what does “Uzumaki” actually mean? And what is the significance of Uzumaki in the works we mentioned? Find out now. 

Table of Contents

1. What does “Uzumaki” mean in Japanese?
2. Significance of Uzumaki in Junji Ito’s Horror Manga “Uzumaki” 
3. Protagonist Uzumaki Naruto’s Name Meaning and Origin
4. “Uzumaki”, Jujutsu Kaisen Villain Suguru Geto’s Maximum Cursed Art Technique

Note: Some parts of this article contain spoilers. We will indicate when there are spoilers. 

What does “Uzumaki” mean in Japanese?

渦巻 Uzumaki has 2 meanings in Japanese.

Uzumaki means “whirlpool / eddy / maelstrom / vortex", and can also mean “a spiral shape or pattern”. It can also be written as 「渦巻き」and in Hiragana, 「うずまき」. 

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Significance of Uzumaki in Junji Ito’s Horror Manga

Junji Ito (伊藤 潤二) is known as the Master of Horror Manga. “Uzumaki (うずまき)” is the title of one of his most notable works. Other masterpieces he is known for are “Tomie (富江)” about a beautiful girl who drives the men around her insane, and “Gyo (ギョ)” about fish that mysteriously grow legs enabling them to walk on land to attack anything and everything in their way. He also has a collection of one-shots that are downright scary or disturbing. Many of his works feature body horror and grotesque images, so proceed with caution if that is something you are not comfortable with. 

What makes Junji Ito’s work so popular is the drawing style. Terrifying visuals, downright gore, and plain disturbing scenes. Many of Junji Ito’s works cannot be clearly interpreted. There is no explanation or hidden story about the horrors, the ending leaving readers feeling unsettled and even icky, but that’s the magic of it. Manga artists have their own style of drawing, and Junji Ito’s is one of the most distinct, so much so that anime adaptations of his work tend to not be well received by fans. The shadows, aesthetics, and downright creepy visuals cannot be translated from manga into animation. 

His works leave a lasting impression on readers, and are an inspiration to many horror manga artists as well. 

What is Uzumaki about? 

© 伊藤潤二

Plot Synopsis: 
Uzumaki (うずまき), known as “Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror” in English, is about a small town Kurouzu-cho whose residents are tormented by a curse that manifests in the shape of spirals. Chapters 1 and 2 of the manga introduce us to the main characters Shuichi and Kirie who first encounter the curse inflicted upon Shuichi’s father who has become obsessed with spirals. This proves to be only the beginning to a number of tragedies and horrific incidents that will plague the town and dye it in spirals. Uzumaki was first serialised in 1998. The series spans 3 volumes comprising 19 chapters. As a manga series it is considered short, but it doesn’t feel that way at all. Each chapter tells a separate story of a resident’s encounter with the curse, yet still connects to the main plot. Readers can do nothing but follow the spiralling trail that gradually entangles the town. 

There is a live-action movie adaptation of Uzumaki (2000), as well as an upcoming highly-anticipated anime-adaptation in true Junji Ito style! Due to the pandemic, the anime’s release was delayed several times, but is expected to be released this year (2023). 

While you are waiting, why not check out Junji Ito’s other works including anime adaptations Junji Ito Collection (CrunchyRoll, Funimation), and Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre (Netflix). 

(Spoilers Ahead !) The Significance of Spirals in Uzumaki

Note : Spoilers are included in this part as we reference parts in the manga to support our theories. 

In Japan, spirals are usually used in gag/comedy manga on character's cheeks.
To make it into horror, I was thinking I could make the spiral design more complex and more detailed to give off a creepy feeling.

- Junji Ito

Spiral patterns are not typically associated with horror. In Japan, spirals are a popular pattern used cutely on character’s cheeks, kimono fabric patterns, and even food like naruto fish cakes. Initially planning to draw a manga about Nagaya (長屋), long traditional Japanese house, he could not think of how to draw such a long building, but received inspiration from mosquito coils which are spiral shaped, the meaning of the spiral being unknown to him. With spirals, the buidling could be longer than it actually is. 

※ AnimeNewsNetwork, “Interview: Horror Manga Mastermind Junji Ito by Kalai Chik” [2019.09.17]

Junji Ito has not specifically mentioned the significance of spirals in Uzumaki, but here are some theories as to what they represent. 

① Spiral Into Madness, Downward Spiral 

A common theme in Uzumaki is characters’ (victims’) obsession with spirals that eventually drive them mad. 

This may be out of reverence like Shuichi’s father, in Chapter 1, who started collecting spiral-shaped items and incorporating spirals into his daily life, like spinning his eyes, stirring his miso soup fast, and making whirlpools in the bath before entering.

Or in Shuichi’s mother’s case, in Chapter 2, who gained a phobia of spirals and goes to extreme extents to get them out of her life. 

As the story progresses, the rest of the town gradually gets sucked into the madness. 

② The Mesmerising Spiral Shape Sucks You In 

© 伊藤潤二

Doesn’t the shape of a spiral feel like it can suck you in? Whirlpools, tornadoes, even the flushing of a toilet, all work to suck something in and away. There is also something undeniably mesmerising about them. This is also an occurring theme in Uzumaki as the spirals gradually spread across the town of Kurouzu-cho. Alternatively, it can also be said that Kurouzu-cho is being sucked into the curse that is Uzumaki. 

We can see how the curse progresses through the manga:

• Chapters 1 to 4 : Psychologically

• Chapters 3 to 13 : Physical Changes and Body Horror

• Chapters 2, 4, and 12 to 19 : Environment and Nature 

In Chapter 4, Azami becomes obsessed with the main character Shuichi. At the same time, she is approached by a boy who has a crush on her, Okada, who mentions how he is drawn to her and feels like he is being sucked in. At the end of the chapter, Azami succumbs to the curse, who sucks her in (literally), leaving nothing behind. 

In Chapter 6, out of control hair forming spiral shapes mesmerises whoever looks at it. And in Chapter 10, a lighthouse that has ceased operations starts up again, and whoever it shines its light upon starts acting in strange spirally ways like they’ve been hypnotised. 

③ Spiral is a Symbol of Eternity 

The spiral shape can be interpreted as a symbol of eternity. The eternally spiralling shape can go on forever. And this is apparent in the Final Chapter 19 when the main characters discover an ancient city of spirals under their town signifying that the spiral curse will go on forever. In time, a new town will be built over the remnants of Kurozu-chou and the eternal spiral will awaken once more. 

Protagonist Uzumaki Naruto’s Name Meaning and Origin

©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社 ©岸本斉史・池本幹雄／集英社 ©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

Uzumaki Naruto (うずまき・ナルト) is the protagonist of anime & manga series’ “Naruto” and “Naruto Shippuden” by Kishimoto Masashi (岸本 斉史). After Naruto Shippuden concluded, a spin-off sequel series called “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” written by Kodachi Ukyo and Kishimoto Mashi and illustrated by Ikemoto Mikio began serialisation and is still continuing. 

In this part, we will explore the meaning and origins of Naruto’s name, as well as highlight parts in the anime & manga where spirals are featured. 

What does Uzumaki Naruto mean?

うずまき Uzumaki means, “whirlpool”, “eddy”, or “spiral pattern”. 

なると Naruto is a fish cake that has a spiral pattern. It is a common ramen topping that also appears on Naruto’s favourite Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto when written as 「鳴門」 is used as a name, and can refer to the following:

• 鳴門海峡 Naruto Strait 

• 鳴門渦潮 Naruto Whirlpools, tidal whirlpools that form in the Naruto Strait

• 鳴門市 Naruto-shi, a city in Tokushima

• 鳴門若布 Naruto Wakame, mild-flavoured seaweed from Tokushima prefecture that is grown in the Naruto Whirlpools

In conclusion, the meaning of Uzumaki Naruto is - Uzumaki for “whirlpool”, and Naruto for “fishcake”. More on this below. 

(Spoilers Ahead !) How did Uzumaki Naruto get his name? 

Note : Spoilers are included in this part.

“Why is Naruto an Uzumaki and not a Namikaze?” Many fans wonder after finding out the identities of Naruto’s parents - his father, Namikaze Minato and mother, Uzumaki Kushina. This is because Minato has a lot of enemies. He was a great shinobi known as Konoha’s Yellow Flash with great accomplishments during the war. Giving Naruto the Namikaze surname would only be painting a huge target on his back (as if he didn’t have enough problems already). In comparison, the Uzumaki Clan is relatively unknown after the fall of Uzushiogakure (Hidden Eddy Village) and with it the Uzumaki Clan. The symbol of the Uzumaki Clan is a red and black spiral. For that matter, the symbol of Uzushiogakure is also a spiral that represents “whirlpools”. Naruto is named Uzumaki in order to protect him and keep him safe. 

As for Naruto’s first name, he was named after Musasabi Naruto, the protagonist of Jiraiya’s first book “The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi”. Minato, Naruto’s father, liked the book so much he decided to name his yet unborn child after the main character in the hopes that his child would grow up to be like the protagonist. The name Naruto came to Jiraiya while he was eating ramen and spotted the floating naruto in his bowl. 

(Spoilers Ahead !) Significance of Uzumaki in Naruto 

Note : Spoilers are included in this part.

Uzumaki, whether the pattern or the whirling force, plays an important role in Naruto’s life. Not only does the name Uzumaki itself represent Naruto’s parents' love and sacrifice for their beloved child, it also symbolises the spirit of the Shinobi community, and is the centre of many of Naruto’s ninjutsu. Not sure what I mean? Let’s have a look below.

① The Symbol of Friendship

© 岸本斉史 スコット／集英社 ©岸本斉史・池本幹雄／集英社 ©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

The Uzumaki Clan of Uzushiogakure and Senju Clan of Konohagakure have close relationships, also being distant blood relatives. The Uzumaki Clan’s symbol is a red and black spiral. Looks familiar? This same red black spiral is emblazoned on the backs and sleeves of the Hidden Leaf Village (Konohagakure) ‘s shinobi uniforms to symbolise the two clans’ close relationship. After the destruction of the Hidden Eddy Village (Uzushiogakure), some of the survivors took shelter in Konohagakure including Uzumaki Kushina. 

② Uzumaki Sealing Technique

©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社 ©岸本斉史・池本幹雄／集英社 ©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

The Uzumaki Clan is renowned for their sealing techniques, particularly the “Shisho Fuin (四象封印; Double Tetragram Seal / Four Symbols Seal)” that is used to seal the Kyuubi (Nine-Tails). Many of the Uzumaki Clan’s seals have a spiral at its centre. 

The “Hakke no Fuin Shiki (八卦の封印式; Eight Trigrams Sealing Style / Eight Sign Seal)” made up of two Four Symbols Seal used by Minato to seal Kyuubi inside Naruto leaves a spiral mark on Naruto’s belly. 

When Naruto unlocks his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, a Ninjutsu that coats the user in chakra and enhances their abilities, spiral seals that resemble the Uzumaki Clan symbol and Uzushiogakure’s symbol appear on his belly and shoulders. 

③ Rasengan, One of Naruto’s Trademark Ninjutsu

©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社 ©岸本斉史・池本幹雄／集英社 ©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

After the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (影分身の術; Shadow Clone Jutsu), Rasengan (螺旋丸) is the next Ninjutsu Naruto learned. The English translations of Rasengan include “Spiralling Sphere” and “Spiral Chakra Sphere”.

Rasengan is literally a spiralling ball of chakra held in the user’s hand. It requires a lot of chakra as well as precise chakra control. The Rasengan is one of Naruto’s most powerful techniques, and forms the basis of future variant techniques. 

“Uzumaki”, Jujutsu Kaisen Villain Suguru Geto’s Maximum Cursed Art Technique

Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) is a popular anime and manga series by Akutami Gege. Jujutsu Kaisen follows the story of Itadori Yuji who after encountering a cursed item is entangled in the hidden world of cursed spirits and the sorcerers that fight them. After the anime’s successful first season, Jujutsu Kaisen will be back in Summer 2023 for a second season. 

Jujutsu Kaisen also has a prequel movie called Jujutsu Kaisen 0 that was released in December 2021. 

(Spoilers Ahead !) Homage to Junji Ito’s “Uzumaki” Horror Manga

Note : Spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen 0 : The Movie in this part. 

In the climax of battle between Suguru Geto, Okkotsu Yuta, and Orimoto Rika, Geto releases his ultimate cursed art technique “Maximum Technique : Uzumaki (極ノ番「うずまき」)”. Just like its name, the cursed technique is a spiralling swirling mass of cursed energy that levitates at the tip of Geto’s finger. 

Suguru Geto’s “Uzumaki”, its name down to its appearance in the manga, is incredibly similar to a scene in Junji Ito’s horror manga “Uzumaki” that we covered above. In fact, when the manga chapter was released, it became a huge source of controversy as fans were confused on whether it was a rip-off or a homage to Junji Ito. It is a homage as clarified in a bonus page to Volume 16 where Akutami Gege professed that he is a fan of Junji Ito’s works, but the illustration was subsequently adjusted to reduce the similarities and to avoid inviting further controversy.