by Rising singer-songwriter jo0ji has been announced as the artist behind the ending theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Death Tour (Culling Game) Part 1. His brand-new song, Yoake no Uta (“Song of Dawn”), will begin digital distribution at midnight on January 10, with the official jacket photo unveiled in advance.
The announcement has generated strong buzz among anime and music fans alike, especially after the non-credit ending video featuring “Yoake no Uta” was released on TOHO’s official YouTube channel, allowing viewers to experience the anime edit before the full version drops.
A Song That Resonates with Itadori Yuji’s Inner Conflict
According to jo0ji, “Yoake no Uta” is deeply inspired by Yuji Itadori, the series’ protagonist. The song captures the emotional weight Itadori carries after the devastating events of the Shibuya Incident, where countless lives were lost.
“It’s Itadori Yuji’s song—and it’s our song too,” jo0ji shared.
Rather than focusing solely on action or despair, the track reflects a universal theme: the fear that our actions—intentional or not—may hurt others, and the fragile hope that follows even the darkest night. This emotional perspective aligns perfectly with Jujutsu Kaisen’s mature storytelling and has been praised by fans for adding depth to the anime’s ending moments.
Release Details: Digital First, CD to Follow
- Digital Release: January 10, 2026 (00:00 JST)
- CD Release Date: March 4, 2026
The CD will be available in three formats:
- Regular Edition – Featuring an anime-style jacket with a line-art illustration of Yuji Itadori
- First-Press Limited Edition A
- First-Press Limited Edition B
Additionally, the first press of the regular edition will include a mini sticker using the jacket artwork. Full product details and pre-orders open simultaneously with the digital release on January 10.
About Jujutsu Kaisen: A Global Dark Fantasy Phenomenon
Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2018 to 2024, Jujutsu Kaisen has surpassed 150 million copies in circulation worldwide, making it one of the most successful manga series of its generation.
Season 3, Death Tour (Culling Game) Part 1, depicts the brutal battles unfolding across multiple cursed “colonies” nationwide—deadly arenas created in the aftermath of Shibuya by history’s most dangerous sorcerers. The darker tone and moral ambiguity of this arc make jo0ji’s emotionally charged ending theme an especially fitting choice.
jo0ji’s Rapid Rise in the Music Scene
jo0ji began his professional career in 2023 with the release of his debut EP “475.” Since then, his growth has been remarkable:
- Selected for Spotify “RADAR: Early Noise 2024”
- Featured in multiple “Artists to Watch” lists in 2025
- Performed at major summer festivals across Japan
- Currently on his nationwide tour “jo0ji 1st album tour 2025 ‘Aekanar’”
Notably, additional shows at Zepp Shinjuku (Tokyo) and Umeda Club Quattro (Osaka) sold out quickly. Looking ahead, jo0ji has already announced a large-scale Zepp tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka in May 2026, titled “jo0ji tour 2026 ‘Yoakemae’.”
Artist Comment from jo0ji (Full Statement)
“I’m truly honored to be involved in a series I love so deeply. I wrote ‘Yoake no Uta’ while empathizing with Yuji Itadori’s emotions—especially the pain and guilt he carries after Shibuya. None of us live without affecting others. Even when that realization feels overwhelming, I wanted this song to hold onto the hope that morning will still come. This is Yuji Itadori’s song—and it belongs to all of us.”
Why “Yoake no Uta” Matters
- Perfectly complements Jujutsu Kaisen’s darker, emotional arc
- Bridges anime storytelling and contemporary Japanese music
- Beginner-friendly even for viewers new to the series
- Strengthens jo0ji’s position as a next-generation artist to watch
As Jujutsu Kaisen continues to push the boundaries of shonen storytelling, “Yoake no Uta” stands out as an ending theme that doesn’t just close an episode—but invites reflection long after the screen fades to black.
