Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Finally Returns! Culling Game Begins
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is finally here! The Culling Game arc begins, new characters are emerging, and the jujutsu world is changing without Gojo Satoru.
Jujutsu Kaisen is back — and this is one of the biggest releases of 2026. After almost three years of waiting, this popular anime returns with a third season that lifts the Culling Game arc, a highly anticipated arc due to its intensity and scale. However, behind that enthusiasm, there are some important things about how the MAPPA studio is handling this new season that deserve attention.
Season 3 Split Into Two Parts
One surprising detail is the decision to split the third season into two parts. Only the first part will air in January 2026, while MAPPA has not provided details on when the second part will be released. The studio seems to be deliberately focusing fans’ attention on the early cour first—which means the Culling Game arc will not be fully aired in a single season. It’s likely that the first part will end with a cliffhanger, leaving the rest of the arc for the second part.
This split decision feels striking because the previous season aired in 2023 — meaning nearly three years since the last airing. Considering MAPPA’s busy schedule with other projects, the season split may have been planned for a long time to manage production capacity.
The Culling Game arc is predicted to be action-packed. With Kenjaku being the mastermind behind this game, many powerful characters from the Heian era to modern times will be involved—because Kenjaku has the knowledge and ability to resurrect relevant names. Expectations for big fights and intense moments are certainly high.
New Characters to Watch Out For
Some new characters rumored to appear in this season include:
- Naoya Zenin
- Kinji Hakari
- Yorozu
- Hajime Kashimo
- Fumihiko Takaba
- Hana Kurusu
- Hiromi Higuruma
The presence of these figures is expected to add new dynamics and conflicts in the Culling Game, while also showcasing their unique abilities.
Impact of Gojo Satoru’s Absence
One of the most significant changes in the narrative is the absence of Gojo Satoru, the strongest sorcerer who is currently sealed. Gojo’s absence alters the power structure of the Jujutsu world: sorcerers lose a major pillar of strength that has long held back the worst threats. With that, cursed spirits have a chance to move more freely, and the pressure on the main characters increases.
Itadori Yuji is expected to feel the most immediate impact. Without Gojo as a protector preventing authorities or other powerful figures from attacking him, Yuji’s position becomes more vulnerable—making his struggles even heavier and more personal.
