Fans of the hit anime series Jujutsu Kaisen can mark their calendars: the highly anticipated third season, adapting the intense “Culling Game” arc, is officially set to premiere in January 2026. Toho Animation revealed the release window and a thrilling teaser trailer during an August 31 livestream celebrating the anime’s fifth anniversary.
The Culling Game Begins in January 2026
The announcement, delivered by the series’ leading voice actors Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori), Yuma Uchida (Megumi Fushiguro), and Asami Seto (Nobara Kugisaki), confirms that Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 will pick up directly after the devastating events of the Shibuya Incident arc. This highly anticipated season will delve into the “Culling Game,” a deadly battle royale orchestrated by the enigmatic Kenjaku to evolve humanity through cursed energy.
What the Teaser Trailer Reveals
The newly released teaser trailer offers a glimpse into the chaotic and action-packed future awaiting Yuji Itadori and his allies. It showcases several pivotal moments and matchups that manga readers will recognize, including:
Iconic Clashes and New Threats
- Yuji Itadori vs. Yuta Okkotsu: One of the most eagerly awaited confrontations, pitting the protagonist of the main series against the powerful special grade sorcerer from Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
- Naoya Zenin vs. Choso: A fierce battle involving two formidable cursed spirits.
- Maki Zenin’s Path of Destruction: Scenes of Maki carving a bloody swathe through the Zenin clan, highlighting her relentless pursuit of power and revenge.
The trailer emphasizes the heightened stakes and emotional toll on Yuji following the Shibuya Incident, as he grapples with the new reality and his role within the escalating conflict.
Theatrical Pre-Screening: Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution
Before the television premiere, fans will have an opportunity to experience elements of the new season on the big screen. A special compilation movie titled Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution -Shibuya Incident x The Culling Game Begins- is scheduled for theatrical release.
Release Dates for the Compilation Film
- Japan: November 7, 2025
- North America: December 5, 2025
This cinematic event will feature a recap of the climactic Shibuya Incident arc, alongside an advance screening of the first two episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. This unique presentation aims to bridge the gap between seasons and offer an early look at the Culling Game.
Production Details and Returning Staff
Animation studio MAPPA, renowned for its work on previous seasons and Jujutsu Kaisen 0, will continue to produce Season 3. Key creative talents are also returning to ensure continuity and maintain the series’ high production quality:
- Director: Shota Goshozono
- Series Composer and Scriptwriter: Hiroshi Seko
- Music Composer: Yoshimasa Terui
New additions to the team include Yosuke Yajima and Hiromi Niwa, who will serve as character designers.
Manga’s Conclusion and Broader Franchise Plans
While the anime series continues to adapt Gege Akutami’s original manga, the source material officially concluded its serialization in September 2024. Creator Gege Akutami is already moving on to new projects, including a limited Shonen Jump series titled Mimojuro, in collaboration with artist Yuji Iwasaki.
In addition to the Season 3 announcement, the fifth-anniversary livestream also unveiled other franchise developments:
- Anime Exhibition: An exhibition focusing on the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death and Shibuya Incident arcs will be held at Ikebukuro Sunshine City from December 5 to December 29, 2025, with plans to tour other cities.
- JuJu Fest 26: A major fan event is scheduled for summer 2026 as a final celebration of the anime’s fifth anniversary.
The upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1 promises to deliver the brutal action and intricate storytelling that fans have come to expect, kicking off another intense chapter in the battle against cursed spirits in January 2026.
