Despite the intense events of the Hidden Inventory Arc and the Shibuya Incident, Jujutsu Kaisen fans are still excited for more and are eagerly anticipating the twists and turns that the next season will bring. The series left off with Yuji facing execution, Gojo still in a bind, and Yuta on a mission, leaving fans in suspense about the fate of every surviving character.
The upcoming arc in the series is the Culling Game Arc, which will introduce a variety of new characters, both allies and adversaries, for fans to become familiar with. Here are some of the most highly anticipated Jujutsu Kaisen characters that fans are looking forward to meeting in the next season of the animated series.
Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead!
Fumihiko Takaba
First Manga Appearance: Chapter 146
Comedian, Fumihiko Takaba ability - First Manga Appearance: Chapter 146
Takaba, a struggling comedian, may seem goofy but he is actually a skilled sorcerer introduced in the Culling Game Arc. He, like many others, was transformed into a sorcerer by Kenjaku for the culling game.
Fans eagerly anticipate the new sorcerer battles each season, but with Takaba, it's his quirky personality and comically bad jokes that steal the show in his animated debut.
Naoya Zenin
First Manga Appearance: Chapter 138
naoya zenin - First Manga Appearance: Chapter 138 - Naoya Zenin
Naoya Zenin may have an old-fashioned view of women, but he remains a favorite among JJK fans. He is the proud leader of the Hei, the elite group of powerful sorcerers in the Zenin clan.
Naoya Zenin
Audiences are introduced to Naoya as he discovers that he has not been selected as the next head of the Zenin clan, leading to his anger. Prior to the Culling Game Arc, Naoya engages in several intense battles against powerful opponents. As his battles are brought to life through animation, viewers, whether fans of Naoya or not, are sure to be entertained!
Hiromi Higuruma
First Manga Appearance: Chapter 158
higuruma-hiromi - First Manga Appearance: Chapter 158 - Hiromi Higuruma
After the Shibuya Incident Arc, many of Nanami's fans turned to Hiromi Higuruma for support. Despite their similarities as well-developed and likable characters, Higuruma stands out with his unique qualities. He is introduced as an antagonist in the Culling Game Arc, where he initially clashes with protagonist Yuji. However, after their intense encounter, Higuruma decides to assist Yuji, showcasing his dedication to justice. Despite being perceived as apathetic, Higuruma is actually very passionate about true justice and takes his role as a defense attorney seriously.
Maki Zenin (Fully Realized)
First Manga Appearance: Chapter 150
Maki Zenin damaged jujutsu kaisen 252 - First Manga Appearance: Chapter 150 - Maki Zenin (Fully Realized)
Maki has been part of the story since season one, but it's only when she fully embraces her heavenly restriction that she undergoes a significant transformation. Similar to Toji Fushiguro, Maki is also influenced by this restriction, but she never reached his level of strength. It's not until a tragic event right before the culling game that Maki finally unlocks her true power, placing her on equal footing with the formidable Toji Fushiguro.
Hajime Kashimo
Maki's battles were already fierce, even with her limited cursed energy. Fans can expect to be amazed by the upgraded Maki in the upcoming season, showcasing her unstoppable combat skills.
First Manga Appearance: Chapter 158
hajime-kashimo.jpg - First Manga Appearance: Chapter 158 - Hajime Kashimo
Hajime Kashimo, also known as The God of Lightning, stands out among sorcerers in the culling game. Thanks to Kenjaku's assistance, he has been reincarnated in the present day, despite originally living 400 years ago.
In the culling game, Hajime's primary objective is to locate and confront Sukuna. As a formidable sorcerer, he constantly seeks out new opponents to engage in battles that can truly test his abilities.
Hana Kurusu
First Manga Appearance: Chapter 145
Hana-Kurusu Flying Down to Save Megumi - First Manga Appearance: Chapter 145 - Hana Kurusu
Hana Kurusu is the vessel for the Angel, an ancient sorcerer from the Heian Era. Unlike Yuji and Sukuna, Angel peacefully resides in Hana's body, allowing them to coexist symbiotically. Hana and Angel seem to have a mutual respect and care for each other.
Hana, despite being reincarnated by Kenjaku, shows her kind-hearted nature by choosing to support Yuji during the Culling Game Arc. Her unique ability to "extinguish" cursed techniques proves to be a valuable asset in battles, making her a strong ally to Yuji and his friends.
Yuta Okkotsu & Rika Orimoto
jujutsu-kaisen-0-yuta-rika - Bonus: Yuta Okkotsu & Rika Orimoto
Yuta and Rika have appeared twice in the animated JJK universe. Yuta first showed up in the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film in 2021. He was teased in season one but officially returned towards the end of season two. Although he technically debuted in the animated series earlier, it's in the Culling Game Arc where Yuta and Rika take center stage, serving as secondary protagonists alongside Yuji.
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen season promises to be a thrilling ride, with the introduction of a host of new characters that are sure to captivate fans. From the quirky comedian Takaba to the formidable Maki Zenin, each character brings their own unique abilities and personality to the table. The Culling Game Arc will test the limits of these characters and their relationships, as they fight for survival and seek justice.
As a fan of the series, I am particularly excited to see the animated debut of characters like Naoya Zenin, Hiromi Higuruma, and Hajime Kashimo. Their complex motivations and intense battles will undoubtedly make for some unforgettable moments in the upcoming season. I am also eager to see how the relationship between Yuta and Rika will develop, as they take on the challenges of the Culling Game together.