Tengen

The question of Tengen's gender is a separate topic for discussion:

· Originally Female: Many sources indicate that Tengen's original gender was female.
· Genderless: Due to his long life and constant "rebirths," his appearance and essence fluctuate. Sometimes he appears male, sometimes female, possessing an "unearthly aura." Fans often discuss his non-binary (genderless) nature.

Millennial "friends"?: Tengen and Kenjaku's relationship is one of the most intriguing. Their bond spans over a thousand years, and they were close in the past. This suggests that Tengen shouldn't be trusted unconditionally.
"Neither enemies nor allies": There is mutual respect between them. Their confrontation is more a clash of global ideologies than a personal feud.

Could have stopped Kenjaku, but didn't: In chapter 220 of the manga, it is revealed that Tengen could have prevented the "Extermination Game" by simply disabling four barriers after the Shibuya Incident. Instead, he chose to rely on Yuji and his team's victory.
· "Overly optimistic" decision: This decision was considered risky by many, as the team consisted mostly of teenagers, and Kenjaku Tengen had known him for a thousand years. However, his motives may have been humanitarian: he wanted to avoid the mass casualties that would have resulted from the barriers being broken.

Kenjaku (Main Enemy): Their connection is one of the most intriguing in the series.
· Former Allies: In the distant past, they were likely friends or at least close associates.
"Teacher" and "Student": Tengen refers to Kenjaku as "that child" ("あの子"), and also mentions that he is "the barrier master next to him", hinting that Tengen was the one who taught him the art of barriers.
Mutual Recognition: Kenjaku, in turn, called Tengen "farewell, my friend" before attempting to absorb him. Despite their enmity, there remains mutual respect between the two.
To Riko Amanai (Star Plasma Vessel): He felt deep sympathy. Knowing that her merging with him was effectively tantamount to death, he wanted her final hours to be as she wished.
· To Yuji Itadori and the team: He sees them as allies in the fight against Kenjaku and is willing to help, but as stated, on his terms.
· Towards Sukuna and Yuji: Tengen shows a certain interest in these two characters. The reasons for this interest are never fully explained, but it adds to the mystery of his character.

Politeness and Wisdom: He behaves with exceptional politeness, straightforwardness, and wisdom. As the "All-Knowing Master," he readily shares his knowledge and doesn't shy away from awkward questions about his experience.
Kindness and Empathy: He has a "soft and kind side." This was evident in the situation with Riko Amanai: he ordered Gojo and Geto to respect her final wishes before the fusion, sympathizing with her fate and the weight of the burden placed upon her.
Altruism and steadfastness: He cares about humanity's interests, but his kindness is tempered by a ruthless pragmatism. When Yuji and his team asked for help, Tengen agreed, but insisted that two of them remain to guard him. For him, this wasn't a whim, but a vital necessity, as his safety is key to humanity's survival.

To Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto: Entrusted them with the protection of Riko Amanai. After her death, asked them to honor her last wishes.
Kenjaku (main enemy): They share a millennia-long rivalry. Kenjaku is hunting Tengen to use his power for his own plan. Tengen, in turn, aids the heroes in stopping Kenjaku.
Towards Yuji Itadori and the team: He views them as allies in the fight against Kenjaku. He agreed to help them, but on his own terms.
· To Riko Amanai (Star Plasma Vessel): Showed sympathy for her fate and honored her last will after her death.
· To the Followers: For members of the Astral cult, he is an object of worship, almost a deity.

Well-mannered and straightforward: He behaves with dignity, speaks directly and does not shy away from uncomfortable questions (for example, about his appearance).
Kind and altruistic: He sincerely desires the good of humanity and is willing to assist mages if it serves the common good. His kindness manifested itself in his desire to honor the last will of Riko Amanai.
Pragmatist: Despite his kindness, he is unyielding when it comes to security. He agreed to help Itadori only on the condition that he leave two people to guard him, as his survival is key to saving humanity.
· The Detached Sage: Having lived for over 1,200 years, his ego has eroded over time. People regard him with fear and reverence, calling him "Lady Tengen."
· Calm and curious: He maintains a calm demeanor and shows interest in strong individuals, such as Sukuna and Yuji Itadori.

Star Plasma Vessels: Every 400 years, Tengen must fuse with a compatible human ("Vessel") to reset his evolution and maintain his sanity. The last suitable candidate, Riko Amanai, was killed, leading to his current state.
Kenjaku's Goal: The main antagonist, Kenjaku, is hunting Tengen. He wants to absorb and control him so he can use the barriers to force evolution and merge the entire population of Japan into a single cursed being.
· Protecting the Heroes: Yuji Itadori and the other mages protect Tengen, as his fall will make it impossible to save Gojo and stop Kenjaku.

Future/Present: Tengen's technique grants immortality, but does not stop aging. Due to a disruption in the fusion with the Star Plasma Vessels, his evolution went uncontrollably. Ultimately, he transformed into a terrifying creature that resembles a cursed spirit more than a human.
Past/Ancient: Overall Impression: Tengen originally had a much more human appearance. His appearance was so ethereal that he was described as "girl-like." In Volume 23 of the manga, his appearance was shown to resemble that of a woman in miko (Shinto shrine attendant) clothing.
Hair: He wore his hair loose. Various sources indicate that it could be long and white or black.
Clothing and jewelry: According to some sources, he may have worn a bright pink kimono. He was also often depicted with gold bracelets on his arms.

This human appearance was lost due to a failed merger with the Star Plasma Vessel (Riko Amanai). His technique granted immortality, but did not halt his aging, causing his appearance to evolve uncontrollably, transforming him into the four-eyed, hairless creature we know today.

Tengen (Master Tengen) is the oldest and one of the key beings in the world of "Magic Battle" (Jujutsu Kaisen), whose existence is the foundation of the modern society of magicians.

· Founder of Magic: He laid the foundations of jujutsu through Buddhist practices during the Nara period (710–794). His age is over 1,200 years.
· Barrier Guardian: The unrivaled master of barriers, he created and maintains the barrier system across Japan. These barriers conceal mages, stabilize cursed energy, and protect jujutsu schools. Without him, magical society would collapse.
· Location: Almost never leaves the Star Corridor Tomb beneath the Tokyo Jujutsu School to maintain the barriers.