Kinji Hakari Finally Debuts in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 5 Preview, Setting Up Culling Game Recruitment

The preview for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 5 confirmed the long-awaited appearance of Kinji Hakari, the suspended third-year Jujutsu High student. Official images released ahead of the January 29 premiere show Hakari making his entrance within the underground fight club setting.

Episode 5, which some reports title "Passion" and others "Heat," immediately follows the aftermath of Maki Zenin’s clan massacre. Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro are leaving Tengen’s Tomb to locate Hakari, needing him as a crucial ally for the upcoming Culling Game.

Hakari is currently operating the Gachinko Fight Club Tournament, an illegal betting ring he manages despite despising the Jujutsu higher-ups who allow it. To approach him, Yuji and Megumi must pose as random sorcerers seeking a fight.

The synopsis also detailed heavy developments elsewhere. Assassins and Gakuganji are cornering Principal Yaga following the Shibuya Incident, suggesting his death sentence is imminent. Panda is shown dealing with intense emotional fallout over his creator's fate, with flashbacks hinting back to manga Chapter 147.

Hakari’s raw cursed energy and distinct delinquent attitude are stealing the focus of the episode. Yuta Okkotsu himself previously suggested that Hakari could be stronger in specific combat areas.

Studio MAPPA is handling the animation for this installment, directed by Shota Goshozono. Crunchyroll will stream the episode globally shortly after the Japanese broadcast concludes. Preview clips suggest intense headbutts and very fluid fight choreography, setting the stage for the Culling Game preparations.