When is Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 coming? Toho Animation finally answered this burning question during an August 31 livestream celebrating the anime’s fifth anniversary. The highly anticipated third season will premiere in January 2026, officially titled “Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Part 1.”
Breaking News from Today’s Anniversary Special
The three leading voice actors, Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori), Yuma Uchida (Megumi Fushiguro), and Asami Seto (Nobara Kugisaki), hosted the anniversary program that delivered the news fans have been waiting for since Season 2 concluded in December 2023.
The announcement comes after months of speculation and disappointment at major anime events. Many had anticipated release-date news at the Jump Festa 2025 which took place in December 2024, but sadly this was not the case. Fans were similarly let down at AnimeJapan 2025 in March when no concrete information emerged.
What to Expect from Season 3
The new season will be titled “Culling Game – Part 1” and it is scheduled to begin its broadcast in January of 2026. The “Culling Game” is the next major storyline from the original manga by Gege Akutami, following the devastating events of the “Shibuya Incident” arc.
The decision to split the arc into parts suggests MAPPA Studio recognizes the complexity and length of this storyline. Season 3 will adapt the manga’s Culling Games arc (chapters 159-221), which represents a significant portion of source material that requires careful adaptation.
Special Movie Release Before Season 3
Before the main season arrives, fans will get a theatrical treat. A new JJK special edition movie is also slated for premiere on November 7, 2025, which includes a recap of the Shibuya arc and the first two episodes of season 3. This compilation film serves as a bridge between seasons and offers early access to new content.
Why the Long Wait?
The extended timeline makes sense when considering MAPPA’s packed production schedule. MAPPA has a lengthy list of series slated for 2025, so it is unlikely that there will be any time left in the schedule for Jujutsu Kaisen, or ample time for animators to create the third season.
The studio’s commitment to quality animation requires substantial production time, especially given the high expectations following Season 2’s acclaimed Shibuya Incident arc. Fans witnessed firsthand how the devastating events of that arc raised the stakes dramatically, making the upcoming Culling Game adaptation even more crucial.
What Happens in the Culling Game Arc?
Without spoiling major plot points, the Culling Game represents a turning point in the series. Following the chaos of Shibuya, sorcerers and cursed spirits find themselves in a deadly competition with rules that change everything fans thought they knew about the jujutsu world.
The arc introduces new characters, expands the mythology, and pushes beloved characters to their limits. Yuji Itadori faces challenges that test not just his strength but his very identity as both human and vessel.
Read Also-JJK Season 3: What Fans Need to Know About the January 2026 Return
Production Details and Expectations
Until the new credits are published, fans should consider staff news as provisional—but expectations are high that much of the same team will return. MAPPA’s track record with Jujutsu Kaisen suggests they’ll maintain the high production values that made previous seasons so visually stunning.
The animation studio has proven capable of handling the series’ intense action sequences and emotional moments with equal skill. From Gojo’s domain expansions to the raw brutality of curse battles, MAPPA has consistently delivered animation that matches the manga’s energy.
Timeline Summary for Fans
Here’s what Jujutsu Kaisen enthusiasts can expect:
- November 7, 2025: Special compilation movie featuring Shibuya recap plus first two Season 3 episodes
- January 2026: Full Season 3 “Culling Game Part 1” television broadcast begins
- Future TBA: Culling Game Part 2 (timeline not yet announced)
Looking Ahead
The January 2026 release date for when is Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 coming provides fans with a concrete timeline after months of uncertainty. While the wait feels long, the quality MAPPA has consistently delivered suggests it will be worth the patience.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, especially as the manga concluded earlier this year. Season 3 will bring fans closer to experiencing the complete animated adaptation of Gege Akutami’s masterwork.
The Culling Game arc promises to deliver the intense battles, emotional depth, and shocking twists that have made Jujutsu Kaisen one of anime’s biggest hits. Mark your calendars for January 2026 and prepare for what could be the most intense season yet.
What are your thoughts on the January 2026 release date? Share your excitement and theories about the Culling Game arc in the comments below as we count down to this epic return.