Jujutsu Kaisen [Season 3]

Alright, let’s dive into the long-awaited return of Jujutsu Kaisen with Season 3, titled The Culling Game Part 1. The anime, based on Gege Akutami’s hit manga, picks up right after the devastating Shibuya Incident, and fans have been buzzing about its premiere. First off, let’s get the basics straight: this season is produced by MAPPA, the studio behind Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man, and it premiered in January 2026 with a two-cour split (meaning it’ll run for about 24 episodes). The first two episodes even got a theatrical release, which is pretty cool—though some fans grumbled about cinema etiquette, like people talking during the screening.

Now, let’s talk about the first episode, “Execution.” The animation is insane. MAPPA really outdid themselves here—think movie-quality visuals with fluid fight scenes and dynamic camera work. One fan on MyAnimeList raved, “Animation is absolutely incredible. Mappa must have an infinite budget or smth with both this and Chainsaw Man releasing close to one another…” Another mentioned the iconic “Gosso Vision” (from director Sunghoo Park) making a comeback, which is a huge win for fans who loved the first season’s style. The opening sequence, with art by Gosho, Yajima, Niwa, and Yamasaki, was called “visually breathtaking” and a “masterclass in building anticipation.”

The plot kicks off with Yuji Itadori and Choso (yes, that Choso—Yuji’s half-brother) teaming up, but things take a dark turn when Yuta Okkotsu, the protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, returns with a mission: to execute Yuji. Their fight is intense—Yuta’s cursed energy is off the charts, and the animation during their clash is pure eye candy. Fans were split on Yuta’s motives: some thought he was too cold, while others noted his past (he once faced execution too) adds depth. One commenter said, “I knew Yuta was strong, but I didn’t know they feared him like Gojo. Wonder why Yuta is so fixated on killing Yuji?”

Then there’s Naoya Zenin, the arrogant heir to the Zenin clan. He’s instantly hateable—messing with his hair mid-fight, spouting misogynistic lines, and acting like he owns the place. But fans love to hate him; one user joked, “Naoya in anime form is even more punchable than I thought. Can’t wait to see him on the ground.” His cursed technique is still a mystery, but his presence adds tension, especially with Maki Zenin (his cousin and rival) making a stylish appearance. Maki’s short hair and fire tattoos had fans screaming—“Maki Zenin she is so cool she is such a queen,” one fan gushed.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger: Yuji “dies” after Yuta’s attack. Wait, dies? Fans are losing it—some think it’s a fake-out, others are panicking. One commenter said, “Yuji dead. RIP.” But let’s be real—this is Jujutsu Kaisen; main characters don’t stay dead for long. The somber tone throughout the episode sets the stage for the Culling Game, a battle royale where sorcerers and cursed spirits fight to the death. The stakes are high, and the pacing is tight—no filler here, just straight-up action and drama.

Of course, not everyone loved it. Some criticized the CGI backgrounds, saying they’re “grating to the eye” and break immersion. Others thought the first episode was slow, but most agreed it’s a solid start. The MyAnimeList score is around 60% right now, but that’s probably from manga readers who already know the arc’s controversial ending. Anime-only fans, however, are hyped—one user said, “I’m almost sure the anime only fans will enjoy the culling games more than the manga readers that hated it.”

Overall, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 1 is a banger. It’s got everything we love: epic fights, complex characters, and that signature dark humor. Whether you’re a manga veteran or new to the series, this episode hooks you from the start. So grab your popcorn, avoid spoilers, and get ready for the chaos—The Culling Game is just getting started.

P.S. If you haven’t seen the theatrical release, the episodes are streaming on Crunchyroll now. Don’t miss out—this is one season you won’t want to skip!