Jujutsu Kaisen‘s third season has been building momentum since its premiere earlier this month, diving headfirst into the high-stakes chaos of the Culling Game arc. Episode 4, titled “Perfect Preparation,” which aired today on January 22, 2026, on platforms like Crunchyroll, stands out as a pivotal chapter in the series. Directed by Shota Goshozono and animated by MAPPA, this extended 28-minute installment adapts chapters 148-152 of Gege Akutami’s manga, shifting the focus from exposition to raw, visceral action. It’s a tour de force that blends emotional depth with breathtaking visuals, earning widespread acclaim as one of the year’s standout anime episodes.
The Events: A Clan Massacre and Personal Reckoning
Spoiler Warning: This section recaps key plot points.
Following the setup of the Culling Game rules in the previous episode, “Perfect Preparation” centers on Maki Zenin’s solo mission to retrieve cursed tools from her family’s storehouse to bolster the group’s efforts against Kenjaku’s deadly tournament. What starts as a tense homecoming quickly spirals into a brutal confrontation with the misogynistic and power-hungry Zenin clan. Maki faces off against her father, Ogi Zenin, in a savage battle that leaves her twin sister Mai gravely wounded. In a heart-wrenching twist, Mai sacrifices her remaining cursed energy to unlock Maki’s full potential, elevating her to a level of physical prowess comparable to Toji Fushiguro—free from cursed energy but overwhelmingly dominant in raw strength.
Empowered and unyielding, Maki unleashes a one-woman genocide on the clan, systematically dismantling members like Jinichi, Ranta, and the arrogant Naoya Zenin. The episode cleverly rearranges some manga events for better pacing, emphasizing Maki’s transformation and the clan’s downfall. Megumi Fushiguro’s brief involvement as the clan’s nominal head adds layers of irony and tension, but it’s Maki who steals the show, emerging as a symbol of defiance against familial oppression. The narrative balances high-octane fights with quieter moments of reflection, culminating in a satisfying arc closure that sets the stage for the Culling Game’s escalation.
Animation: Peak MAPPA Excellence
MAPPA has faced scrutiny in past seasons for production issues, but Episode 4 is a resounding redemption. The animation is fluid, innovative, and downright explosive, with standout sequences that push the boundaries of 2D action. Fights incorporate distorted perspectives, exaggerated body warping, and skipped frames to convey speed and impact without relying on over-the-top effects— a smart evolution from Season 2’s Shibuya arc highlights. The clan’s massacre draws heavy inspiration from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, evident in the stylistic framing, sharp choreography, and gore-soaked visuals. Blood splatters, limb-severing strikes, and dynamic camera work make every clash feel cinematic, turning the episode into a visual feast.
The extended runtime allows for meticulous detail: Naoya’s defeat is drawn out to highlight his crumbling composure, while Maki’s awakening sequence blends serene symbolism with brutal reality. Voice acting elevates the visuals—Chiaki Kobayashi’s Maki conveys quiet rage turning to unbridled fury, and Mikako Komatsu’s Mai delivers a poignant farewell that hits like a gut punch. The soundtrack, featuring intense orchestral swells and haunting motifs, amplifies the drama without overpowering the scenes.
Characters: Depth Amid the Carnage
At its core, this episode is Maki’s story—a profound exploration of trauma, resilience, and empowerment. Her journey from a cursed energy-deprived outcast to a Toji-level powerhouse is cathartic, underscoring themes of gender inequality and familial abuse in the jujutsu world. Mai’s role, though tragic, adds emotional weight, making their bond the episode’s beating heart. Naoya serves as a perfect foil, his smug entitlement crumbling into desperation, while cameos from Toji and Megumi tie into broader lore without stealing focus.
Supporting characters like Yuji Itadori and Yuta Okkotsu are sidelined here, but the episode’s tight scope benefits from it, allowing Maki’s arc to shine. It’s a reminder of Jujutsu Kaisen’s strength in character-driven narratives, even amid supernatural spectacle.
Atmosphere: Tense, Gore-Filled, and Emotionally Charged
The tone shifts seamlessly from oppressive dread to exhilarating violence. The Zenin household feels like a pressure cooker of resentment, with dim lighting and claustrophobic shots building unease. Once the action erupts, it’s unrelenting—gore levels rival the series’ bloodiest moments, evoking a sense of inevitable tragedy mixed with triumphant release. Moments of calm, like the twins’ final exchange, provide breathing room, heightening the impact of the chaos. Overall, it’s a dark, atmospheric ride that feels both intimate and epic, blending horror elements with shonen intensity.
Fan Reactions: Overwhelming Praise and Hype
Fans have erupted online, dubbing Episode 4 “absolute cinema” and “peak anime.” On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), discussions praise the animation’s quality, with many calling it the best episode in the franchise, surpassing even Sukuna vs. Mahoraga from Season 2. Viewers highlight Maki’s “beast mode” awakening and the Tarantino vibes, with reactions ranging from tears over Mai’s death to cheers for the clan’s demise. Some note the episode’s gore as a refreshing return to form, while others appreciate the balanced pacing after Episode 3’s info dump. Even critics of the season’s early episodes admit this one redeems it, with hype building for Episode 5 on January 29.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Milestone
“Perfect Preparation” isn’t just an episode—it’s a statement. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 hits its stride here, delivering a unique blend of action, emotion, and artistry that justifies the wait since Season 2. If you’re invested in the series, this is unmissable; for newcomers, it’s a showcase of why the anime has become a cultural phenomenon. With the Culling Game looming, the future looks brighter—and bloodier—than ever. Rating: 10/10.
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