by The third season of the hit TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, titled “Culling Game (Death Tour) Part 1,” has been airing since January 2026. Following the devastating events of the Shibuya Incident arc, the story shifts into a new and far more brutal phase: a large-scale survival battle known as the Culling Game, where sorcerers and curse users fight for survival under deadly new rules.
Among the new and long-awaited characters finally taking center stage is Kinji Hakari, a suspended third-year student of Tokyo Jujutsu High. Though teased in earlier seasons, Hakari makes his full appearance in Season 3—and he is voiced by veteran actor Kazuya Nakai.
In this exclusive interview, Nakai shares his thoughts on portraying Hakari, the meaning behind the phrase “local senior,” and how the character contrasts sharply with his own personality.
“He’s the Complete Opposite of Me”
Hakari is known for his fiery personality, love of gambling, and unconventional sense of justice. In Episode 6 of Season 1, Gojo Satoru famously hinted that Yuji Itadori would one day stand alongside powerful upperclassmen like Hakari. Now, that promise is finally being fulfilled.
When asked about his first impression of Hakari, Nakai laughed:
“He represents a shift in tone for Jujutsu Kaisen. As a personality type, he’s completely different from me. If I saw someone like him on the street, I might honestly keep my distance.”
Hakari has a bold, almost intimidating presence. His slicked-back hair, sharp eyes, and casual confidence make him stand out immediately. Yet beneath that rough exterior lies a character who deeply values passion and conviction.
The Meaning Behind “Local Senior”
Fans often describe Hakari as a “local senior”—the type of upperclassman who might seem mischievous or intimidating at first, but who becomes reliable and dependable when it truly matters.
Nakai admitted that this label resonated with him:
“When I heard the phrase ‘local senior,’ it really fit. That description surprised me. In Jujutsu Kaisen, the ranking system at Tokyo Jujutsu High is important, but beyond that, there’s also this human hierarchy—how seniors interact with juniors. Hakari definitely has that older-student presence around Itadori and the others.”
Unlike the composed and strategic Megumi Fushiguro or the emotionally driven Yuji Itadori, Hakari exudes street-smart confidence. He operates on instinct, emotion, and what he calls “heat”—a belief that passion is the true measure of worth.
A Character Fans Waited Years to See
Longtime manga readers were thrilled when Hakari finally stepped into the spotlight. For years, he existed as a mysterious, hyped-up figure referenced by other characters but never fully shown.
Now, in Season 3, viewers get to see:
- His underground fight club connections
- His complex relationship with fellow third-year Kirara
- His unique cursed technique tied to probability and gambling
Nakai explained that portraying Hakari required balancing charisma and unpredictability:
“He’s intense, but he’s not just reckless. There’s a certain logic to him, even if it doesn’t look that way at first.”
The Culling Game Arc: A New Direction for the Series
The Culling Game (Death Tour) arc marks a major tonal shift in the series. While the Shibuya Incident arc focused on large-scale tragedy and emotional devastation, the Culling Game introduces:
- Complex battle rules
- Strategic point systems
- Moral dilemmas among sorcerers
- New powerful characters with unique techniques
Hakari’s entrance signals this transition. His unconventional mindset contrasts with the darker, more methodical enemies introduced in this arc.
For newcomers, the Culling Game may feel more strategic and rule-heavy than previous arcs. However, Hakari’s personality injects unpredictability and energy into the storyline.
Visual Storytelling Unique to Season 3
Nakai also commented on a scene featuring Hakari and Yuji that showcased the dynamic visual style of Season 3.
Without revealing spoilers, he noted:
“The way the scene was animated really emphasized emotion in a way that only this arc could. It felt fresh—even for someone like me who’s been in the industry for years.”
Season 3 continues to push the boundaries of action choreography and psychological tension, blending high-stakes combat with character-driven drama.
Why Kinji Hakari Matters
Hakari isn’t just another powerful sorcerer. He represents:
- A different philosophy of strength
- A rebellion against institutional rigidity
- A passion-driven approach to survival
In a world where sorcerers are ranked and controlled, Hakari operates outside conventional rules—both literally and figuratively.
This makes him a crucial addition to Yuji’s journey as the protagonist faces increasingly complex choices about morality, loyalty, and survival.
About Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen, created by Gege Akutami, has surpassed 150 million copies in circulation worldwide. The series follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes the host of the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna.
Since its anime debut in 2020, the franchise has expanded through:
- Multiple anime seasons
- The blockbuster film Jujutsu Kaisen 0
- Global streaming success
Season 3’s Culling Game arc is widely considered one of the most ambitious parts of the story.
Final Thoughts
Kazuya Nakai’s portrayal of Kinji Hakari adds new depth and energy to Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. While the character may appear intimidating or unpredictable at first glance, his “local senior” charm and passion-driven philosophy make him one of the arc’s most compelling figures.
As the Culling Game intensifies, fans can expect Hakari to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Yuji and the world of sorcerers.
For viewers just joining the series, now is the perfect time to dive into Season 3 and witness the arrival of one of its most talked-about characters.
