Studio MAPPA just dropped the announcement every anime fan was waiting for, and it came at the most dramatic moment possible. Hours after the explosive extended finale of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, the official anime account confirmed that Season 4 is officially in production. The Culling Game continues. And if the manga is any indication, what is coming next will completely reshape the entire supernatural world of JJK.
Here is why this matters so much. The Culling Game arc is widely considered the most intense and unpredictable phase of Gege Akutami’s manga. Season 3 only adapted the first half, leaving massive story threads dangling in mid-air. Season 4 will pick up right where things left off, diving into the second phase of the deadly tournament orchestrated by the ancient sorcerer Kenjaku.
The Creative Team Is Staying Intact
One of the biggest concerns when anime seasons change hands is quality consistency. MAPPA is addressing that head-on by keeping the entire creative team from Season 3. Director Shota Goshozono returns to helm Season 4, with Hiroshi Seko continuing as series composer. Yosuke Yajima and Hiromi Niwa are back on character design, and Yoshimasa Teuri will keep composing the music.
This matters because the visual identity of the Culling Game arc was already so strong. The dynamic action sequences, the atmospheric tension, the way MAPPA handled the sheer brutality of the Sendai Colony battles — all of that stays intact. No creative shuffle means no quality drop.
What We Know About The Culling Game Part 2
The Culling Game is essentially a battle royale where cursed sorcerers and reincarnated ancient players fight for survival inside designated colonies. Season 3 covered the opening phase where Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and their allies entered the game with specific goals. But Part 2 ramps everything up to an entirely different level.
Without spoiling too much for anime-only viewers, the second phase introduces some of the most shocking character moments in the entire series. Conflicts between major players escalate. The rules of the game get twisted. And the true scope of Kenjaku’s plan starts becoming horrifyingly clear. Manga readers have been debating this arc for years, and the anime adaptation is finally giving it the visual treatment it deserves.
Key characters expected to take center stage include Yuta Okkotsu, who enters the Culling Game with his own agenda, and Kinji Hakari, whose fight sequence is one of the most beloved in the manga. Sukuna’s ongoing influence over events adds another layer of dread, while Megumi Fushiguro’s fate remains one of the biggest emotional hooks driving the story forward.
When Will Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4 Air?
MAPPA has not announced a specific release date, and that is completely normal for a studio of this caliber. Given that Season 3 aired in early 2026 and the production quality MAPPA is known for, most industry observers are pointing to a 2027 release window. A one-year production cycle is standard for a high-budget anime with this level of animation complexity.
Crunchyroll will almost certainly handle the simulcast streaming, just as they have for previous seasons. Weekly episodes with same-day subtitles are the expected format.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
The Culling Game arc represents the turning point of the entire Jujutsu Kaisen story. Everything before this was setup. Everything after this is payoff. The stakes go from personal to existential, and the battles become significantly more creative and brutal.
MAPPA has already proven they can handle the source material with respect. Season 3 earned widespread praise for elevating scenes that were already strong in manga form. With the full creative team returning, Season 4 has every ingredient to become one of the defining anime events of its release year.
For context on how stacked the anime landscape is right now, check out the massive June 2026 anime lineup on Netflix and our ranking of 2026’s biggest anime sequels. But nothing quite matches the cultural impact of Jujutsu Kaisen returning.
What Do You Think?
Are you hyped for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4 and The Culling Game Part 2? Which character are you most excited to see animated next — Hakari, Yuta, or someone else? Do you think 2027 is too long to wait, or are you just glad it is officially happening? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. The Culling Game is far from over, and the best might still be ahead.
