by Episodes 48 (“Execution”) and 49 (“Once Again”)—the opening chapters of Season 3 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen—were broadcast as a special one-hour program on January 8. Alongside the broadcast, excerpts from official interviews with Junya Enoki (voice of Yuji Itadori) and Megumi Ogata (voice of Yuta Okkotsu) were released, offering fresh insight into the characters and the tone of the new arc.
This article refines and expands on those interviews, adds context for beginners, and highlights why Season 3—“Death Tour Part 1”—marks a major turning point for the series.
What Is Jujutsu Kaisen? (Beginner-Friendly Overview)
Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy action series based on the manga by Gege Akutami, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from March 2018 to September 2024. With over 150 million copies sold worldwide, it stands as one of the most successful modern shonen titles.
The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes entangled in the world of curses after ingesting a powerful cursed object. To protect others, he joins Tokyo Jujutsu High, where sorcerers battle cursed spirits born from negative human emotions.
The anime’s journey so far:
- Season 1: October 2020 – March 2021
- Film: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (December 2021, ¥26.5 billion worldwide box office)
- Season 2: July – December 2023
- Season 3 (“Death Tour Part 1”): Began January 2026
A New Phase Begins: Season 3 “Death Tour Part 1”
Season 3 adapts one of the most intense arcs of the original manga. Following the devastating Shibuya Incident, Japan is reshaped into multiple deadly “colonies,” where cursed battles are orchestrated by the most dangerous sorcerers in history, including Noritoshi Kamo (often referred to in the story as the mastermind behind the chaos).
The atmosphere is noticeably darker, more complex, and morally challenging—something both lead actors emphasized in their interviews.
Junya Enoki on Yuji Itadori: A Drastic Shift in Tone
Enoki shared his thoughts on the beginning of the new arc:
Enoki: “From this point onward, the atmosphere of Jujutsu Kaisen changes completely. I’m genuinely excited—and a little nervous—to see how viewers react.”
He highlighted that the visual quality remains outstanding, thanks to MAPPA, but noted that Season 3 places even more emphasis on subtle emotional expression.
“There are many scenes that rely on delicate facial expressions and quiet emotions. I really want everyone to watch all the episodes and experience how the story keeps pulling you forward.”
Yuji and Choso: From Enemies to Emotional Support
One of the most talked-about developments early in Season 3 is Yuji’s evolving relationship with Choso.
Enoki: “They started as enemies, so even after becoming allies, it wasn’t easy for Yuji to fully trust him.”
Choso openly expresses familial affection, while Yuji initially struggles to respond honestly. However, in the “Death Tour” arc, Choso becomes a crucial emotional anchor for Yuji.
“This time, Choso supports Yuji mentally. You can really feel their bond deepening, and Yuji starts to show his true feelings more often.”
For longtime fans, this subtle character growth adds emotional weight to the relentless battles
Megumi Ogata on Yuta Okkotsu: “He Never Excludes Others”
When asked about Yuta’s portrayal following Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Ogata offered a deeply insightful description:
Ogata: “At his core, Yuta doesn’t exclude others. He always thinks about people before himself.”
She explained that Yuta’s defining trait isn’t aggression or power, but empathy. Even when dealing with Rika, his actions are driven by concern rather than fear or rejection.
“Instead of thinking, ‘I need to exorcise Rika,’ his first thought was simply, ‘I’m in trouble. What should I do?’ He never wanted to erase her existence.”
This mindset makes Yuta fundamentally different from many other characters in the series—and explains why he resonates so strongly with fans.
Why Okkotsu Yuta Is So Important in Season 3
- He represents a moral counterbalance to the escalating brutality of the arc
- His return connects the TV series directly to the emotional core of Jujutsu Kaisen 0
- His empathy contrasts sharply with the cold logic driving the “Death Tour”
For new viewers, Yuta serves as a powerful entry point into the series’ deeper themes of responsibility, guilt, and compassion
Praise for the Production Team
Ogata also shared her respect for the anime’s creative staff:
Ogata: “It’s an incredibly sincere and careful team. Everyone is always thinking about how to make the work better.”
She emphasized the quiet professionalism on set problems are addressed thoughtfully, and there’s a strong sense of mutual respect.
“Even without words, you can feel how considerate everyone is of one another. There are many different creative perspectives, but they all align toward the same goal.”
Final Thoughts: Why Season 3 Is a Must-Watch
Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t just bigger—it’s deeper. With Yuji facing heavier emotional burdens, Choso stepping into a supportive role, and Yuta Okkotsu returning as a symbol of compassion, the series enters its most mature phase yet.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about the hype, “Death Tour Part 1” promises intense action, complex characters, and heartfelt performances that elevate Jujutsu Kaisen beyond a typical battle anime.
