35

Listen, anime fans, we’re dining well. MAPPA has unveiled the first promo for JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3 in the franchise’s 5th Anniversary livestream, and I swear on Sukuna’s pinky finger that this is perhaps the most hype I’ve been for an anime drop in years. The chaos returns next January in 2026, exclusively on Crunchyroll (outside Asia), with all-new episodes dropping on the same day in Japan.

The Trailer? Straight Up Pain and Hands

The teaser doesn’t spare any details. We get to see Yuji Itadori over here, drowning in despair, thinking he killed civilians in the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident, and my guy is broken. Then, MAPPA leaves us with Yuji exchanging blows with none other than Yuta Okkotsu, the protagonist of JUJUTSU KAISEN 0. Yeah, the same dude who proclaimed Rika, the “Queen of Curses,” to be his ride-or-die.

And to top all that off, the teaser also gives us a fiery showdown between Naoya Zen’in (who already appears to be on their way to becoming the most petty villain of all time) and Choso (big bro energy, still repping for the Cursed Womb crew). And special appearances from Megumi Fushiguro, Maki Zen’in, and Queen Yuki Tsukumo, to give it that little something. MAPPA is all like, “Oh, you thought the whole Shibuya scene was solemn? Bet.”

The Culling Game Arc: Just Like Hunger Games, But Cursed

Season 3 covers the infamous Culling Game arc, and if you’ve read the manga, you already know this saga is completely bonkers. It’s as if Gege Akutami viewed Squid Game, viewed Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant Arc, added in Tokyo Revengers amounts of gang politics, and thought, “Yeah, let’s drive my fans crazy.”

Yuji and Megumi have to dive headfirst into this survival blood game sponsored by the ancient wizard Kenjaku. Alliances will be shattered, friendships will be put to the fire, and MAPPA’s animators will likely forget the feeling of sleep.

The Dream Team Behind The Madness

Here’s the squad making sure our eyeballs stay blessed:

• Director: Shota Goshozono
• Series Composition: Hiroshi Seko
• Character Design: Yosuke Yajima & Hiromi Niwa
• Art Director: Junichi Higashi
• 3DCG Director: Daisuke Ishikawa (Monster’s Egg)
• Music: Yoshimasa Terui (who better have some disrespectful violins ready)
• Studio: MAPPA, a.k.a. the same maniacs juggling Chainsaw Man, Hell’s Paradise, and Attack on Titan Final Season without blinking.

Cast Confirmed – Legends Return

• Junya Enoki as Yuji Itadori
• Yuma Uchida as Megumi Fushiguro
• Megumi Ogata as Yuta Okkotsu
• Daisuke Namikawa as Choso

If that lineup doesn’t make you scream “LET’S GOOOOO” in the middle of a crowded bus, check your pulse.

Why This Saga is Cultural

JUJUTSU KAISEN’s manga was completed in September 2024, having sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Season 1 provided us with glimpses of Gojo vs. Sukuna, while Season 2 psychologically traumatized us due to the Shibuya Incident, as well as the prequel movie JUJUTSU KAISEN 0, which earned $180 million with ease. Twice, Anime of the Year has crowned it at the Crunchyroll Awards. Twice. Well, Season 3 is just going to bring that trophy home again because, we’re all being honest here, who else is handling it?

Related