Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu – Zenpen [Season 3 Episode 1]

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 1: The Culling Game’s Explosive Return

It’s been two long years since the Shibuya Incident left Jujutsu Kaisen fans reeling, and MAPPA’s latest installment—Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu – Zenpen (Season 3 Episode 1)—does not disappoint. Picking up where Season 2’s gut-wrenching finale left off, this episode dives headfirst into the Culling Game arc, a deadly battle royale orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo that traps jujutsu sorcerers and cursed spirits across ten Japanese colonies. For fans who’ve been craving more of Yuji Itadori’s chaotic journey, this episode delivers with style, substance, and enough action to make your head spin.

First off, let’s talk animation. MAPPA’s reputation for jaw-dropping visuals is on full display here. Fans on MyAnimeList are raving about the “cinematic quality” and “pristine action sequences,” with one user exclaiming, “Mappa must have an infinite budget or smth!” The fight scenes—particularly Yuji’s clash with Yuta Okkotsu—are fluid, dynamic, and packed with the kind of sakuga (animation cuts) that make you pause and rewind. The opening sequence, helmed by directors Gosho, Yajima, Niwa, and Yamasaki, is a visual masterpiece: bold colors, surreal imagery, and a banger track by King Gnu that sets the tone for the season. As one fan put it, “This is what an opening is meant to be: a visual stage that builds anticipation.”

But it’s not all flash. The episode balances high-octane combat with quiet, emotional moments that ground the story. Yuji’s struggle with his identity—caught between his desire to protect others and the weight of Sukuna’s curse—takes center stage. A scene where he reflects on his mother’s mysterious appearance (a plot point that has fans buzzing) is particularly poignant, with soft lighting and subtle facial expressions that convey his inner turmoil. “The somber moments were the best,” a viewer noted. “Everything was done well—beautiful animation, incredible boards.”

Character dynamics are another highlight. Maki Zenin, fresh off her badass arc in Season 2, returns as a fan favorite, with one commenter gushing, “Maki Zenin she is so cool she is such a queen.” Her stoic demeanor and sharp wit provide a nice contrast to the chaos around her. Then there’s Naoya Zenin, the arrogant heir to the Zenin clan, who quickly becomes the episode’s most hateable (yet entertaining) character. His Kansai accent, misogynistic quips, and over-the-top confidence make him a perfect foil for Yuji and Yuta. “Naoya is a funny guy, bro think he’s the main character,” a fan joked, though many are already counting down to his inevitable comeuppance.

Of course, no Jujutsu Kaisen episode is complete without surprises. The cliffhanger—Yuji’s apparent “death” at Yuta’s hands—has the fandom split. Manga readers are quick to dismiss it as a fake-out (“Yuji will not die yet”), while anime-only fans are left gasping. “That was a bad cliffhanger. Goodness gracious,” one user wrote. The tension between Yuji and Yuta—once allies—adds a layer of complexity to the story, with viewers questioning Yuta’s motives: “Why is Yuta so fixated on killing Yuji? Was kinda expecting him to have sympathy since he was in a similar situation.”

Production-wise, there’s some debate. While most praise the animation, a few critics point out CGI inconsistencies. “CGI is really grating to the eye and it just keeps getting worse,” a viewer complained. However, others argue that the modern art style—raw, sketch-like panels—adds to the gritty tone of the Culling Game. “The change in animation style from the polished S1 to raw panels of S3 has been really interesting,” a fan noted. “I don’t mind this change.”

Overall, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 1 is a triumph. It’s a perfect blend of action, emotion, and intrigue that sets the stage for what promises to be the series’ most intense arc yet. Whether you’re a die-hard manga reader or a casual anime fan, this episode will leave you craving more. As one commenter summed it up: “We are so back. Great first episode. The best arc starts now.”

So grab your popcorn, turn up the volume, and get ready—Jujutsu Kaisen is back, and it’s more chaotic than ever.

Rating: 9/10
Pros: Stunning animation, emotional depth, strong character arcs.
Cons: Minor CGI hiccups, divisive cliffhanger.
Verdict: A must-watch for any anime fan—this season is shaping up to be MAPPA’s magnum opus.