Hideo Kojima Discovers Jujutsu Kaisen’s Appeal—Even Watching Out of Order
After catching up on Jujutsu Kaisen by starting with the prequel film, Hideo Kojima shares his thoughts on the anime’s massive popularity—despite not following the usual viewing order.
With the third season of Jujutsu Kaisen just out, Hideo Kojima has finally jumped into the world of cursed energy and sorcerers. But in true Kojima fashion, he’s taken a slightly unconventional route—opting to watch the prequel film before properly diving into the series itself. If you’re keen to avoid a similar mix-up, there are guides out there on the best way to tackle the show in order.
On social media, Kojima shared his reaction after watching the prequel, Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
“Jujutsu Kaisen 0. I’d only seen the first episode of the series before, but after watching this film, I think I finally fully understand why it’s so popular. And once again – MAPPA is incredible,”
he wrote, giving a nod to the animation studio behind the franchise.
Starting with the Prequel: A Different Perspective
It’s always a bit of a laugh seeing someone as well-known as Kojima step into the world of jujutsu sorcerers, especially as the story gears up for The Culling Game arc. Still, starting with the prequel film after only catching the first episode isn’t exactly the standard way to get into the series.
The prequel is set after the events of the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death storyline (which covers the first five episodes of the second season, or you can watch the compilation film if you prefer). It features familiar faces like Satoru Gojo, who’s become a fan favourite over time. Despite the unusual order, plenty of punters reckon Jujutsu Kaisen 0 stands strong on its own—some even say it’s better than the main series.
Fans Weigh In on Kojima’s Viewing Order
Reactions to Kojima’s post were quick to roll in. One fan replied,
“I thought I would love the show as much as I loved the film, but it never happened,”
while others encouraged him to keep going.
“You gotta watch the series. Mappa gets better, season after season,”
another chimed in, suggesting the animation quality only improves as the story progresses.
The latest season, which kicked off on January 8, covers the Extermination (chapters 137-143), Perfect Preparation (chapters 144-158), and the much-anticipated Culling Game arc (chapters 159-221) from the manga. For those following along, there’s a release schedule to help keep track of when new episodes are dropping.
What’s Next for Anime Fans
While waiting for the next instalment, there’s no shortage of fresh anime to check out. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is back for a second season, and Demon Slayer fans are already looking forward to the Infinity Castle arc, set to stream in 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned anime watcher or just getting started, there’s heaps to look forward to on the horizon.