In the ever-escalating world of Jujutsu Kaisen, Season 3 continues to deliver with Episode 5, titled “Passion,” which dropped on January 29, 2026. Coming off the high-octane carnage of the previous episode’s Zenin Clan showdown, this installment shifts gears into a more introspective yet tension-laden territory. It’s a bridge-builder, laying the groundwork for the looming Culling Game arc while packing emotional punches and introducing fan-favorite characters with flair. As someone who’s followed the series from its cursed beginnings, this episode feels like a calculated breather—one that doesn’t sacrifice momentum for depth. Let’s dive into what made it tick, from the raw events to the stunning visuals and the buzz it’s generating online.
Spoiler Alert: The Key Events Unfold
The episode opens with a gut-wrenching focus on Masamichi Yaga, the former principal of Jujutsu High, who’s on the run from the higher-ups. Cornered by Principal Gakuganji, Yaga’s final moments are a masterclass in tragedy. He reveals the secret behind his autonomous cursed corpses—essentially, it’s about infusing them with souls derived from human information—before meeting his end. But not without leaving a parting gift: a “curse” imparted to Gakuganji, hinting at future repercussions that could shake the jujutsu society’s foundations. This scene isn’t just a death; it’s a poignant farewell, underscored by Panda’s heartbreaking discovery of his creator’s body, emphasizing themes of family and loss in a world where curses blur the lines between life and puppetry.
Shifting to the main crew, Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro embark on a recruitment mission to enlist the suspended third-year student Kinji Hakari. Sneaking into his underground fight club (a nod to Fight Club that’s impossible to miss, with rules echoing the film’s infamous mantra), they navigate a gritty, high-stakes environment where cursed energy fuels the chaos. Panda plays decoy in a brutal brawl with Yuji, showcasing some cartoonish yet intense wrestling vibes that lighten the mood before things escalate. The real highlight? Hakari’s bombastic entrance as the feverish gambler, complete with his enigmatic partner Kirara Hoshi—whose androgynous design and male voice actor have sparked plenty of chatter. The episode climaxes with a rooftop confrontation, teasing Hakari’s domain expansion as a rigged casino of cursed techniques, leaving viewers on the edge for what’s next in the Culling Game.
Overall, the plot here is less about explosive battles and more about strategic alliances and emotional undercurrents. Yuji’s guilt from the Shibuya Incident lingers, adding layers to his determination, while Megumi’s clever lies to infiltrate the club highlight the group’s resourcefulness. It’s a setup episode done right, blending exposition with high-tension moments that propel the narrative forward.
Animation and Direction: MAPPA’s Masterstroke
MAPPA Studios continues to flex their muscles in Season 3, and Episode 5 is no exception. The animation quality remains stellar, with fluid fight sequences that blend raw power with stylistic flair. The Yuji vs. Panda scrap feels like a WWE throwdown infused with cursed energy, complete with exaggerated impacts that add a fun, almost comedic edge amid the drama. But the standout is the long-take dialogue scene between Yuji and Hakari—a single, unbroken shot that builds palpable tension through subtle character acting, camera work that feels intimate and real, like it was pulled from live-action footage. This rotoscoping technique elevates what could have been a static conversation into something cinematic, drawing comparisons to iconic moments in anime history.
Visually, the episode pops with vibrant colors in Hakari’s arena, contrasting the somber tones of Yaga’s demise. There’s even a subtle homage to Dragon Ball Z‘s Super Saiyan 3 Goku from the 1995 movie Wrath of the Dragon, spotted in Yuji’s intense poses— a fun Easter egg for shonen veterans. The direction by Gosso keeps the pacing snappy; even though it’s dialogue-heavy, the 23 minutes fly by, leaving you hooked rather than restless.
Characters: Depth in the Midst of Mayhem
Jujutsu Kaisen shines when it humanizes its sorcerers, and this episode delivers. Yaga’s arc wraps up tragically, portraying him not as a mere mentor but a flawed creator burdened by his innovations—his final words to Gakuganji are laced with quiet defiance. Panda’s grief hits hard, reminding us of his unique existence as a cursed corpse seeking connection.
Hakari bursts onto the scene with infectious energy—his “fever” philosophy of passion over logic makes him an instant standout, a gambler whose unpredictability could flip the Culling Game on its head. Kirara adds intrigue with their magnetic presence, and the reveal of a male VA for the character has fans buzzing about representation and design choices. Yuji and Megumi anchor it all, their partnership evolving as they adapt to this new phase, with Yuji’s raw emotion clashing beautifully against Hakari’s bravado.
Atmosphere: Tense, Emotional, and Electric
The vibe in “Passion” is a rollercoaster—starting with the heavy, oppressive weight of Yaga’s pursuit, it transitions into the gritty, adrenaline-fueled underworld of Hakari’s club. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation, blending somber reflections on loss with the electric thrill of impending battles. It’s not as visceral as Episode 4’s bloodbath, but the emotional stakes feel just as high, creating a sense of inevitability about the chaos to come. The soundtrack amplifies this, with brooding scores during Yaga’s scenes giving way to hype beats in the arena, mirroring the shift from heartbreak to hype.
Fan Reactions: A Split But Enthusiastic Crowd
Since its premiere, Episode 5 has racked up an 8.6/10 on IMDb, reflecting strong approval from global audiences. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), fans are raving about Hakari’s “perfection” of an introduction and the episode’s innovative direction—phrases like “Gosso Cinema” are trending for the long-shot mastery. Many call it an “all-timer” for its character-driven tension, with reactions videos exploding on YouTube praising the emotional depth and setup for bigger things.
That said, it’s not unanimous. Some viewers found it “chill” and slower-paced compared to the previous episode’s action frenzy, leading to divided opinions—especially in Japan, where lingering discourse from Episode 4’s Zenin Clan fallout (including Naoya’s defeat) has spilled over. Western fans seem more unified in their love, hyping the references and animation, while X posts geek out over details like traced live-action elements and Fight Club Easter eggs. Overall, the consensus is positive: it’s a pivotal episode that’s got everyone theorizing about Hakari’s role in saving jujutsu society.
Final Verdict: A Passionate Pivot Worth the Watch
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 5 isn’t the flashiest in the lineup, but it’s arguably one of the smartest. By weaving tragedy, character intros, and subtle world-building into a cohesive whole, it keeps the series’ momentum roaring toward the Culling Game. With top-tier animation, heartfelt moments, and a setup that promises feverish battles ahead, it’s a 9/10 for me—proof that JJK excels at balancing heart and hype. If you’re caught up, stream it on Crunchyroll now; if not, what are you waiting for? The curse world waits for no one.
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Hello, I am Theisen. I am a blogger and I enjoy writing about anime, manga. I have experience in writing articles about anime for a couple of years, and I am trying to make myself better in the industry.
