Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: Get Ready for The Culling Game's Intensity

Remember that gut-wrenching cliffhanger at the end of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2? The chaos of the Shibuya Incident left us all on the edge of our seats, wondering how our favorite sorcerers would pick up the pieces. Well, the wait is almost over, because the highly anticipated third season is officially on its way!

We're diving headfirst into the deadly Culling Game arc, and we've got all the crucial details you need to prepare for the cursed chaos ahead.

TL;DR: Here's the Quick Scoop

• Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 officially premieres on January 8, 2026.
• Crunchyroll will be your go-to, streaming new episodes globally (excluding Asia) on the same day as Japan.
• For an early look, the Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution compilation film previews the first two episodes of Season 3, bridging the gap from Shibuya.

When Does the Culling Game Officially Begin in the Anime?

Mark your calendars, Jujutsu fans! TOHO animation has officially announced that Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 will make its debut on January 8, 2026. You can catch it airing on the "Super Animeism TURBO" programming block on MBS, TBS, and their affiliates in Japan (Source: Anime News Network, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 Anime Debuts on January 8", 2025-11-07).

For international viewers, Crunchyroll is once again stepping up, confirming they will stream the season exclusively worldwide (excluding Asia) starting on that very same day, January 8, 2026. This means you won't have to wait long to see the next chapter unfold!

Catch an Early Glimpse with Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution Before Season 3

Can't wait until January? You're in luck! Before Season 3 kicks off, fans can get a special preview thanks to the compilation film, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution. This movie, also known as Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution - Shibuya Incident x The Culling Game Begins in Japan, serves as a bridge between seasons.

It opened simultaneously in Japan on IMAX and regular theaters on November 7, 2025 (Source: Anime News Network, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 Anime Debuts on January 8", 2025-11-07). North American audiences can catch the film in both original Japanese and English dubbed versions, distributed by GKIDS, starting December 5, 2025 (Source: ComicBook.com, "TOHO animation released a preview clip of the Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution film", 2025-11-03).

What makes this film special? It's not just a recap; it compiles the second season's "Shibuya Incident" arc along with the first two episodes of the upcoming third season. It's designed to amplify the stakes and spectacle, offering a cinematic experience of the explosive conclusion and the very beginning of the next chapter.

For example, imagine waiting two years for a new season, only to get a compilation film first. It’s like getting an appetizer that’s so good, you’re even hungrier for the main course! While it's not the full season, it provides a crucial taste of the intense battles and character introductions that are coming your way.

Meet the New Voices Joining the Cursed World's Epic Battles

Season 3 isn't just bringing new plotlines; it's also expanding its stellar cast with some exciting additions, whose roles were unveiled following the Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution film's Japanese premiere.

• Kōji Yusa as Naoya Zen'in: A highly anticipated and controversial character from the manga, Naoya Zen'in, the youngest son of Naobito Zenin, the Clan Head, is set to join the fray. Kōji Yusa, known for voicing Gin Ichimaru in Bleach and Stanley in Dr. Stone, will lend his voice to this memorable character (Source: ComicBook.com, "The First Two Episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Will Introduce Four New Characters", 2025-11-07). Fans have been buzzing with excitement over this casting, with reactions on social media like X calling it "absolutely perfect."
• Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Jin Itadori: Yuji Itadori's father will make a brief, yet significant, appearance. Toshiyuki Toyonaga, recognized for his roles as Yuri in Yuri on Ice and Mikado Ryugamine in Durarara!!, takes on the role.
• Megumi Hayashibara as Kaori Itadori: Yuji's mother will also appear, voiced by the legendary Megumi Hayashibara, known for Faye in Cowboy Bebop and Rebecca in One Piece. Their appearances are set to leave some intriguing questions unanswered.
• Yoshiko Sakakibara as Master Tengen: Though often mentioned, Master Tengen, an ancient and immensely powerful Jujutsu sorcerer pivotal to the overarching plot, will finally make a physical appearance. Yoshiko Sakakibara, who also narrated JJK Season 2, will voice this mysterious character – an interesting choice that adds to Tengen's enigmatic aura.

Returning voice actors who continue to bring life to our beloved characters include Junya Enoki as Yuji Itadori, Yūma Uchida as Megumi Fushiguro, Daisuke Namikawa as Choso, and Megumi Ogata as Yuta Okkotsu.

Behind the Scenes: The Talented Team at MAPPA Continues the Saga

The stellar animation studio MAPPA is back at the helm for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, ensuring the same high-quality visuals and intense action we've come to expect. Shōta Goshozono, who directed the acclaimed second season, returns to lead the series (Source: Anime News Network, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 Anime Debuts on January 8", 2025-11-07).

Hiroshi Seko, known for his work on Ajin and DAN DA DAN, is overseeing and writing the series scripts, maintaining narrative consistency. Character designs see Yosuke Yajima and Hiromi Niwa taking on these roles, while Yoshimasa Terui will compose the season's music.

The creative team also includes Yōsuke Takada as Assistant Director, Junichi Higashi as Art Director, and Teppei Ito as Compositing Director of Photography, among many others who contribute to the series' distinctive look and feel. This experienced crew promises to deliver an adaptation that truly captures the manga's thrilling energy.

What to Expect from The Culling Game Arc's Intense Narrative

The Culling Game arc begins immediately after the devastating events of the Shibuya Incident. The Jujutsu world is in disarray, and the stakes have never been higher. This arc, described as one of the most exciting in recent shonen history, promises unparalleled action and battles (Source: Game Rant, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Finally Has An Official Release Date", 2025-11-07).

One of the central conflicts viewers will witness is the "Itadori's Extermination Arc," where Yuta Okkotsu, following a promise to the top brass, attacks Yuji Itadori. Naoya Zenin also joins the hunt, targeting both Yuji and Choso. The introduction of Master Tengen, whose powers are beyond measure, will also play a pivotal role in the unfolding plot.

The season is expected to run for 24 episodes, split into two cours (quarters of a year), providing a continuous half-year run of intense storytelling and character development. Get ready for a darker, more tragic phase of the story, as the villains' terrifying capabilities truly come to light.

The Road So Far: A Quick Recap of Jujutsu Kaisen's Journey

To fully appreciate the gravity of the Culling Game, it's helpful to remember where we've been. Gege Akutami's original manga, which concluded its serialization in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump in September 2024, has been a global phenomenon since its launch in March 2018. Viz Media publishes the manga in English, both digitally and in print.

The first television anime season premiered in October 2020 and ran for 24 episodes. This was followed by the incredibly successful Jujutsu Kaisen 0 anime film, which debuted in Japan in December 2021 and grossed a massive 26.5 billion yen globally (Source: Anime News Network, "Who Voices Naoya Zen'in in Jujutsu Kaisen? Fans Flood X with Predictions", 2025-11-06). The film later opened in the U.S. and Canada in March 2022 and even had revival screenings in Japan on October 24, 2025.

Season 2, which premiered in July 2023, captivated audiences by adapting two major arcs: the "Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" arc (July-August 2023) and the epic "Shibuya Incident" arc (beginning late August 2023, spanning 18 episodes). The compilation film, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie, also opened in Japan on May 30, 2025, reaching #4 in its opening weekend.

While the manga has reached its conclusion, the anime still has plenty of ground to cover, adapting many beloved moments from the series. The anticipation for Season 3 is a testament to the compelling storytelling and captivating characters that have made Jujutsu Kaisen a modern anime classic.

Practical Takeaways for Watching Season 3

• Clear your calendar for January 8, 2026, and make sure your Crunchyroll subscription is ready.
• Consider watching Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution in December for a cinematic recap and an exclusive sneak peek at Season 3's opening.
• Be prepared for a significant tonal shift as the story delves into the darker, more strategic Culling Game arc and its devastating consequences.
• Keep an eye out for the new voice actors bringing fan-favorite manga characters like Naoya Zen'in and Master Tengen to life.
• If you're new to the series, now's the perfect time to catch up on Seasons 1 and 2, also streaming on Crunchyroll.

FAQ: Your Quick Answers on Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Where can I watch Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3? You can stream Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 exclusively on Crunchyroll worldwide (excluding Asia), starting January 8, 2026. What is Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution? Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution is a compilation film that recaps the "Shibuya Incident" arc from Season 2 and includes the first two episodes of the upcoming Season 3. It serves as a theatrical preview. Has the Jujutsu Kaisen manga finished? Yes, Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen manga concluded its serialization in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump in September 2024. Who are some of the new characters introduced in Season 3? Season 3 will introduce key characters like Naoya Zen'in (voiced by Kōji Yusa), Yuji's parents Jin and Kaori Itadori (voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga and Megumi Hayashibara, respectively), and Master Tengen (voiced by Yoshiko Sakakibara).

Sources:

• Anime News Network, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 Anime Debuts on January 8", 2025-11-07.
• ComicBook.com, "TOHO animation released a preview clip of the Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution film", 2025-11-03.
• ComicBook.com, "The First Two Episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Will Introduce Four New Characters", 2025-11-07.
• Anime News Network, "Who Voices Naoya Zen'in in Jujutsu Kaisen? Fans Flood X with Predictions", 2025-11-06.
• Future of the Force, "The Curse Continues: JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3 Premieres 8th January On Crunchyroll", 2025-11-07.
• Crunchyroll, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Premieres on January 8, 2026", 2025-11-07.
• IGN India, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Limited-Time Clip Shows Yuji Itadori and Yuta Okkotsu Face Off", 2025-11-05.
• Anime Trending, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Reveals Yuta vs Yuji Teaser Visual, January 8 Premiere", 2025-11-07.
• Game Rant, "Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Finally Has An Official Release Date", 2025-11-07.