by As anticipation builds for the third season of the hit anime Jujutsu Kaisen, special theatrical screenings and advance releases have captured the attention of fans worldwide. The compilation film “Shibuya Incident Special Edition” and the advance screening of “Death Tour Part 1” (also known as the Culling Game arc) were released in theaters ahead of the TV broadcast, generating major buzz across the anime community.
Season 3, currently airing as Jujutsu Kaisen: Death Tour Part 1, features an intense new storyline in which Yuji Itadori and his allies enter a deadly battlefield where sorcerers fight for survival. Among the many new characters introduced, one of the most talked-about is Kinji Hakari, a suspended third-year student from Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical College previously mentioned by Satoru Gojo in Season 1.
In this feature, veteran voice actor Kazuya Nakai, who voices Hakari, shares insights into the character — as well as surprising details about his own personality.
A Major Arc That Raises the Stakes
The “Death Tour” storyline marks a turning point in Jujutsu Kaisen. Known for its darker tone and complex rules, this arc introduces powerful new sorcerers, deadly abilities, and morally ambiguous conflicts.
Hakari stands out immediately. Unlike traditional heroic figures, he is driven by excitement, risk, and gambling — a personality that brings unpredictable energy to the battlefield. His abilities are closely tied to chance, making him both dangerous and fascinating.
Fans have been eagerly waiting for Hakari’s full appearance since Gojo first referenced him as one of the strongest students at Jujutsu High.
Kazuya Nakai on Joining the Franchise
When asked about his impressions of Jujutsu Kaisen before joining the cast, Nakai expressed admiration for the series’ technical excellence.
“It really shows how far Japanese anime has progressed. The visual quality is outstanding, and the storytelling style feels very sharp and modern. I found it fascinating even as a viewer.”
Despite the anime’s massive popularity, Nakai revealed that he did not expect to be part of the project.
“I never imagined I would be involved, but I thought it would be an exciting production to join.”
His casting reportedly came through an audition, demonstrating the competitive nature of roles in high-profile anime projects.
Hakari: A Man Who Thrives on Passion and Risk
Kinji Hakari is characterized by his love of thrills, gambling, and high-stakes situations. Naturally, the interviewer asked whether Nakai himself shares this fiery temperament.
Surprisingly, his answer was the opposite.
“I’m not particularly lucky, and I’m not the type to get overly passionate about things. To be honest, I don’t have anything like that right now.”
He jokingly added that while he is deeply attached to his dog and cat, that probably wasn’t the kind of passion people expected to hear about.
This contrast highlights Nakai’s versatility as an actor the ability to portray intense characters without personally sharing their traits.
A Calm and Neutral Approach to Life
Nakai explained that he tends to view things objectively, maintaining emotional balance rather than diving into extremes.
“I think it’s important for actors to understand many different perspectives. I try to look at things without bias, as if stepping back and observing.”
He admitted, however, that this neutrality sometimes comes from caution.
“When I get too absorbed in something, I start wondering whether that’s really a good thing. In the end, what matters is being able to keep going — to think, ‘Yes, I can make it through tomorrow.’”
This mindset reflects a grounded philosophy focused on sustainability rather than intensity — quite the opposite of Hakari’s reckless enthusiasm.
“I Don’t Know Anyone Like That”
One humorous moment in the interview referenced a line from the series. When Yuji Itadori talks about people who want to live peacefully, Hakari responds that he doesn’t know anyone like that.
Nakai laughed while recalling the scene:
“I’m actually the kind of person people say, ‘I don’t know that guy’ about.”
This self-deprecating humor endeared him to fans and showcased his down-to-earth personality despite his long career in the spotlight.
Voice Acting Then and Now
The conversation also explored how the voice acting profession has evolved over time.
Nakai noted that when he first aspired to become a voice actor, performers were expected to stay behind the scenes.
“Voice actors back then were closer to engineers than celebrities. We supported the work rather than stepping into the spotlight.”
Although they still possessed artistic passion, public visibility was not the norm. Today, however, voice actors often appear at events, on television, and on social media.
Nakai personally prefers the traditional approach.
“I find it more natural to present the finished work and watch from the wings, thinking, ‘That turned out well,’ rather than putting myself front and center.”
This philosophy reflects his modest and professional attitude toward his craft.
The Challenge of Portraying Kinji Hakari
Hakari is one of the most unconventional characters in Jujutsu Kaisen. His unpredictable personality, confidence, and chaotic energy make him difficult to portray authentically.
Nakai approached the role by emphasizing emotional momentum and intensity while maintaining the character’s underlying charisma.
The contrast between Nakai’s calm personality and Hakari’s explosive nature ultimately enhances the performance, allowing him to bring nuance rather than imitation.
Why Fans Are Excited About Hakari
Several factors have made Kinji Hakari a standout addition to the series:
Unique Powers
His abilities are tied to probability and gambling mechanics, making battles unpredictable and visually dynamic.
Strong Personality
Hakari’s bold confidence and rebellious streak set him apart from other characters.
Narrative Importance
As one of the strongest students at Jujutsu High, his role could significantly influence the outcome of the Death Tour.
Veteran Voice Acting
Kazuya Nakai’s performance adds depth and credibility to the character.
Final Thoughts
Jujutsu Kaisen: Death Tour Part 1 is shaping up to be one of the most intense arcs in the franchise so far. With new characters, higher stakes, and darker themes, the series continues to push the boundaries of modern shonen anime.
Kazuya Nakai’s portrayal of Kinji Hakari offers not only thrilling entertainment but also an intriguing contrast between actor and character. His calm, introspective personality provides a fascinating backdrop to Hakari’s high-energy presence.
Fans eager to see how this complex character unfolds should not miss the ongoing broadcast.
