Hideo Kojima Discovers Jujutsu Kaisen’s Appeal After Watching Prequel First
Hideo Kojima recently dove into Jujutsu Kaisen, starting with the prequel film before the series. His unique viewing order gave him new insight into the anime’s massive popularity and the work of studio MAPPA.
After the debut of Jujutsu Kaisen’s third season last week, Hideo Kojima decided it was finally time to explore the hit anime. However, instead of following the usual episode sequence, he kicked things off with the prequel movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Kojima admitted he’d only seen the first episode before, but the film gave him a fresh perspective on why the series has captured so many fans.
“Jujutsu Kaisen 0. I’d only seen the first episode of the series before, but after watching this movie, I think I finally fully understand why it’s so popular. And once again – MAPPA is incredible,”
he shared on Twitter, giving a nod to the animation studio behind the show.
While Kojima’s approach might seem unconventional, it’s sparked plenty of conversation among fans. Many were excited to see him step into the world of jujutsu sorcerers just as the story enters The Culling Game arc. Still, some pointed out that starting with the prequel after only one episode of the main series isn’t the ideal way to experience the story’s progression.
Understanding the Timeline
The prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, actually takes place after the events of the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc, which covers the first five episodes of season two or the compilation movie of the same name. The movie features familiar faces like Satoru Gojo, a fan-favorite character whose story unfolds more deeply as the series progresses. Despite the unusual order, many agree that the prequel stands strong on its own, with some even calling it “better than the entire show.”
Fans quickly chimed in after Kojima’s post. One replied,
“I thought I would love the show as much as I loved the movie, but it never happened.”
Others encouraged Kojima to keep watching, insisting that the series only improves as it goes.
“You gotta watch the series. Mappa gets better, season after season,”
another fan recommended.
What’s Next for Jujutsu Kaisen
The anime returned on January 8 with new episodes, adapting major arcs from the manga: Extermination (chapters 137-143), Perfect Preparation (chapters 144-158), and the highly anticipated Culling Game (chapters 159-221). For those eager to keep up, the release schedule for season three offers all the details on when to expect new episodes.
While waiting for the next installment, anime fans can also check out other recent releases like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End season two, or look forward to the much-anticipated streaming debut of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, set for 2026.