Hideo Kojima Discovers Jujutsu Kaisen’s Allure—But Not in Order
Hideo Kojima’s unconventional viewing order of Jujutsu Kaisen sheds light on the anime’s widespread appeal, as he starts with the prequel film before diving into the main series.
With the third series of Jujutsu Kaisen having just landed, Hideo Kojima has finally decided to immerse himself in the world of cursed energy and sorcerers. However, his approach to catching up with the anime has been, let’s say, a touch unconventional. Rather than following the usual sequence, Kojima opted to begin with the prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, despite having only previously watched the opening episode of the main show. It’s a move that’s left some fans bemused, but it’s certainly given Kojima a fresh perspective on the franchise’s popularity.
Taking to Twitter, Kojima shared his thoughts:
“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 wrote, singling out the animation studio for particular praise. His comments have sparked a lively discussion among viewers, many of whom have strong opinions about the best way to experience the story.
Unorthodox Beginnings
There’s something rather charming about Kojima’s entry point. The prequel film, while a cracking watch in its own right, is actually set after the events of the Hidden Inventory and Premature Death arc—material that forms the backbone of the early part of the second series. For those who’ve followed the story from the start, characters like Satoru Gojo have become firm favourites, their development unfolding gradually across episodes. Jumping in with the film, then, means encountering these figures in a different light, which might explain why some fans feel it’s not the ideal introduction.
Still, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 has its champions. Some reckon it’s the high point of the entire franchise, with one fan responding to Kojima’s post:
“I thought I would love the show as much as I loved the movie, but it never happened,”
while others are keen for him to continue.
“You gotta watch the series. Mappa gets better, season after season,”
another chimed in, hinting at the studio’s ever-improving craft.
What’s Next for the Series?
The latest run of episodes, which began airing on 8 January, picks up with the Extermination arc and barrels through Perfect Preparation before plunging into the Culling Game—a stretch of story that’s been hotly anticipated by manga readers. The adaptation covers chapters 137 through 221, promising plenty of twists and high-stakes battles for those keeping pace with the anime.
For anyone keen to stay ahead, there’s a handy release schedule outlining when each new episode will drop. And if you’re after more fresh anime, there’s no shortage of options: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is back for a second series, and the much-discussed Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is set to stream in 2026.