Jujutsu Kaisen, the blockbuster anime series that has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense battles, supernatural elements, and deep character development, is gearing up for its highly anticipated third season. Fans of the dark fantasy saga can rejoice as Season 3, titled Jujutsu Kaisen: Culling Game – Part 1, is set to premiere in January 2026. This announcement comes hot on the heels of the series’ massive success, blending Japanese folklore-inspired curses with modern storytelling that resonates globally. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a newcomer drawn in by the hype, this season promises to escalate the stakes even further, diving into a deadly survival game orchestrated by one of the most notorious villains in the franchise.
The news was unveiled alongside a gripping teaser PV (promotional video), sparking waves of excitement across social media and anime communities. For international viewers, the series will be available for simulcast streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, ensuring that fans around the world can experience the action simultaneously with Japan. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything we know so far, from the release details to fan reactions, while keeping things spoiler-free for those catching up.
Release Date and Broadcast Information for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
Mark your calendars: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 will begin airing in January 2026, continuing directly from the events of Season 2. Produced by the acclaimed studio MAPPA, known for their stunning animation in series like Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man, this installment adapts the “Culling Game” arc from Gege Akutami’s original manga. The arc introduces a brutal, high-stakes tournament where sorcerers imbued with cursed energy are forced into a life-or-death battle royale, masterminded by the enigmatic and villainous sorcerer Kenjaku (also known as Noritoshi Kamo in certain contexts).
This season is labeled as the “front part” or “Part 1,” suggesting it might be split to allow for detailed adaptation of the manga’s complex plotlines. Broadcasting in Japan will likely follow the traditional weekly episode format, with international streaming on Crunchyroll confirmed for regions including North America, Central America, Europe, and beyond. For non-native English speakers, subtitles in multiple languages will make it accessible, honoring the series’ global fanbase and cultural exchange.
(Shueisha)
Teaser PV Breakdown: A Glimpse into the Chaos
The newly released teaser PV has set the internet ablaze, offering a tantalizing preview of the emotional and action-packed narrative ahead. It opens with protagonist Yuji Itadori in a moment of deep despair, uttering the poignant line, “I can’t be with everyone anymore,” as he slumps on a staircase, reflecting the aftermath of the devastating Shibuya Incident from Season 2. This sets a tone of isolation and internal conflict, highlighting Yuji’s growth amid overwhelming adversity.
The video then shifts to high-octane action, introducing special-grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu, the lead from the prequel movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Fans are treated to glimpses of an epic clash between Yuji and Yuta—a fan-favorite showdown from the manga, rendered with MAPPA’s signature fluid animation and dynamic choreography. Other key characters make appearances, including Megumi Fushiguro, Choso, Maki Zenin, and Yuki Tsukumo, teasing alliances, betrayals, and the onset of the Culling Game’s merciless rules. The PV’s atmospheric music and visuals build anticipation, blending horror, action, and drama in a way that’s quintessentially Jujutsu Kaisen.
This teaser not only recaps pivotal moments but also hints at the arc’s themes of survival, morality, and the cost of power—elements drawn from Japanese concepts of curses and spirits, presented sensitively to avoid glorifying violence while exploring human resilience.
Key Visual: Symbolism and Artistic Excellence
Accompanying the PV is a striking key visual illustrated by MAPPA, depicting a ruined Shibuya landscape with a massive crater symbolizing the destruction from previous events. In the foreground, Yuji clenches his fist with a determined expression, while Yuta stands back-to-back, sword in hand, facing away. This composition foreshadows their confrontation and shared connections through their mentor, Satoru Gojo, adding layers of emotional depth.
The artwork captures the series’ aesthetic: gritty urban settings infused with supernatural horror, appealing to fans who appreciate detailed world-building rooted in Japanese urban legends.
Theatrical Preview: Shibuya Incident Special Edition and Early Episodes
Adding to the excitement, a special theatrical release titled Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution – Shibuya Incident Special Edit x Culling Game Begins is slated for November 7, 2025, in Japan, with worldwide screenings to follow. This compilation film re-edits the iconic Shibuya Incident arc—widely regarded as one of anime’s most intense battles—and includes world-premiere screenings of Season 3’s first two episodes. It’s a perfect bridge for fans, allowing them to relive the chaos on the big screen before diving into the new arc.
Distributed globally, this move underscores Jujutsu Kaisen’s international appeal, making it easier for non-Japanese audiences to engage with the franchise in theaters.
A Quick Recap: What is Jujutsu Kaisen?
For those new to the series, Jujutsu Kaisen follows high school student Yuji Itadori, who becomes entangled in a world of curses after a powerful cursed object is unsealed. Based on Gege Akutami’s manga, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2018 to 2024, it has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. The story weaves dark fantasy with shonen action, drawing on Japanese mythology like yokai (spirits) and onmyodo (exorcism practices), presented in a way that’s thrilling yet thoughtful about themes like death and friendship.
Season 1 aired from October 2020 to March 2021, introducing core characters and the jujutsu world. The 2021 prequel movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0 grossed over 26.5 billion yen globally, while Season 2 (July to December 2023) adapted the Shibuya arc to critical acclaim. The manga’s conclusion in 2024 leaves plenty of material for adaptations, ensuring longevity.
What to Expect in the Culling Game Arc (Spoiler-Free)
Without spoiling, the Culling Game shifts focus to a nationwide deathmatch, expanding the lore with new rules, players, and cursed techniques. It explores character backstories more deeply, including family ties and past traumas, while maintaining the series’ balance of humor, horror, and heart-pounding fights. Culturally, it reflects Japanese values of perseverance and community, adapted for a global audience to foster understanding rather than stereotype.
Fan Reactions: The Hype is Real
The announcement has ignited fervent discussions online. On X (formerly Twitter), fans expressed sheer exhilaration: one user described the trailer as “insane” and “generational,” with their hands shaking from emotion. Another highlighted the surprise at the January release, countering critics who claimed the series “fell off” after Shibuya. Posts from anime news accounts amplified the buzz, with thousands of likes and reposts celebrating the “5 huge infos” revealed on August 31. This outpouring shows Jujutsu Kaisen’s dedicated community, spanning cultures and languages.
Global Impact and Why You Should Watch Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
Jujutsu Kaisen’s rise to fame highlights anime’s growing influence worldwide, breaking barriers with its relatable themes and diverse representation. It’s not just action; it’s a commentary on mental health, loss, and growth, handled with cultural sensitivity to appeal to international viewers.
In a world where streaming bridges cultures, Jujutsu Kaisen invites non-native readers to explore Japanese storytelling traditions. Whether you’re in it for the fights or the philosophy, Season 3 promises to deliver.
As we count down to January 2026, the anticipation builds. Stay tuned for more updates, and if you haven’t yet, binge the previous seasons to prepare. Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t just an anime—it’s a phenomenon.
