by The highly anticipated third season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen officially titled “Death Migration (Culling Game) Part 1” is currently airing to strong fan response. The series broadcasts every Thursday at 12:26 a.m. on the “Super Animeism TURBO” programming block across 28 MBS/TBS affiliate stations, beginning January 8, 2026.
To mark the start of this pivotal arc, Animate Times published an official interview featuring Daisuke Namikawa, the voice of Choso, and Ryoko Sakakibara, who voices the mysterious entity Tengen. Their comments offer valuable insight into character development, performance challenges, and the deeper themes shaping Season 3.
About Jujutsu Kaisen: A Quick Beginner-Friendly Overview
Jujutsu Kaisen is based on the blockbuster manga by Gege Akutami, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from March 2018 to September 2025. With over 150 million copies sold worldwide (including digital editions), the series stands among the most successful shonen titles of all time.
Key Anime Milestones
- Season 1 (2020–2021): Introduced Yuji Itadori and the world of cursed energy
- Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie (2021): Global box office hit, earning ¥26.5 billion
- Season 2 (2023): Hidden Inventory / Shibuya Incident Arc captivated audiences worldwide
- 2025: Compilation films and revival screenings kept the franchise momentum strong
- Season 3 (2026): Launches the intense and strategic Culling Game arc
Produced by MAPPA, the anime is known for its cinematic action, emotionally complex characters, and morally gray storytelling.
Season 3 Focus: What Is “Death Migration (Culling Game) Part 1”?
Season 3 shifts the narrative into a deadly large-scale ritual known as the Culling Game, where sorcerers and cursed users are forced into lethal battles under strict rules. This arc emphasizes:
- Strategy over brute force
- Ideological clashes between characters
- The true nature of power, evolution, and survival
Two characters who play especially crucial roles in this arc are Choso and Tengen—making this interview particularly significant.
Interview Highlights: Daisuke Namikawa on Choso
Choso’s Growing Presence in Season 3
With Choso receiving more screen time in Death Migration Part 1, fans worldwide have responded enthusiastically.
Namikawa:
“I hear from fans all the time saying, ‘Choso is amazing!’ But he’s still most recognized as ‘the big brother.’ People everywhere tell me, ‘Do your best, big brother!’ (laughs). It feels like I’ve gained younger brothers all over the world.”
Choso’s identity as an older brother—especially toward Yuji Itadori—has become central to his appeal.
How Choso Has Changed Since the Shibuya Incident
Namikawa:
“Before, Choso could think, ‘As long as I defeat this enemy, it doesn’t matter what happens to me.’ But now, with his younger brother right in front of him, that mindset changes. If Choso dies, he can’t protect him.”
This evolution marks a major shift in Choso’s character—from a vengeance-driven fighter to someone motivated by responsibility and familial love.
“Our brotherly bond hasn’t changed,” Namikawa adds, “but now there are more directions—more ‘arrows’—pulling at Choso’s heart.”
Interview Highlights: Ryoko Sakakibara on Tengen
First Impressions of Tengen
Tengen, a foundational figure in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe, is often misunderstood as a god-like being.
Sakakibara:
“My first impression was that Tengen is a very shrewd person. Older figures often don’t speak directly. They say what’s necessary, but there’s always something deeper behind their words.”
She emphasizes that Tengen is not malicious—but highly selective about when and how truths are revealed.
Playing Tengen: God or Human?
Sakakibara:
“At first, I thought people would see Tengen as a god—and I did too. But as I read further, I realized that wasn’t quite right. This role isn’t about playing a god; it’s about portraying an extraordinary person.”
This nuanced interpretation adds depth to Tengen’s presence in Season 3, especially as secrets surrounding the Culling Game and cursed evolution begin to surface.
Why This Interview Matters to Fans
This official interview stands out because it:
- Explains Choso’s emotional growth after Shibuya
- Clarifies Tengen’s true nature, beyond surface-level mystique
- Offers behind-the-scenes insight into voice acting decisions
- Prepares viewers for major revelations in the Culling Game arc
For new viewers, it helps contextualize two complex characters. For longtime fans, it deepens appreciation for the performances shaping Season 3.
What to Expect Next in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
As Death Migration (Culling Game) Part 1 continues, viewers can expect:
- High-stakes battles with strict, game-like rules
- Ideological conflicts that challenge sorcerer society
- Greater focus on secondary characters like Choso and Tengen
- Revelations that reshape the series’ long-term narrative
With MAPPA’s production quality and the cast’s thoughtful performances, Season 3 is poised to become one of the franchise’s most defining chapters.
Final Thoughts
The official interview with Daisuke Namikawa and Ryoko Sakakibara highlights exactly why Jujutsu Kaisen continues to dominate the anime world. Through layered characters like Choso and Tengen, Season 3 goes beyond flashy action to explore family, responsibility, secrecy, and evolution.
As the Culling Game unfolds, these performances promise to add emotional weight and philosophical depth—making Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 essential viewing for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
Stay tuned as the deadly game continues to escalate, one choice—and one sacrifice—at a time.
