In what will inevitably lead to Crunchyroll crashing at some point, Jujutsu Kaisen‘s long-awaited third season, the Culling Game, is set to premiere today. Ahead of its arrival, Toho Animation released the show’s opening theme, which, in typical JJK fashion, features stylish action. However, the sequence also includes a series of references to classical artworks that are as effective as its song choice.

That song, “Aizo” by King Gnu, pretty much sets the stage for the death game tournament arc that’ll encompass the Mappa anime’s third season. In the opening sequence, we see Juji Itadori and his fellow jujutsu sorcerers line up and square off with all the pomp and circumstance deserving of a series known for its fights. We also get an eyeful of an extended workout sequence from a new arrival to the series, comedian Fumihiko Takaba, a character who’s sure to be a fan favorite once fans see what his whole manzai-style reality-altering powerset is.

But, as noted up top, what really sells the weight of the new season, being the kind of “every frame a painting” sentiment that sakuga-loving anime fans have lauded the series for, is its opening’s reference to real-life artworks, giving the season a distinguished vibe from its predecessors. Here’s a rundown of the pieces we spotted in the opening.

Gits reference!! Opening full of reference pic.twitter.com/nxM9nhp76x

— Yatogami🕊️ (@Aizenu_00) January 8, 2026

Ophelia by John Everett Millais

© Mappa

A classic, if there ever was one, is of course Sir John Everett Millais’ 1852 painting, Ophelia. The painting, which depicts a woman drifting in a pond as flowers float around her, portrays the tragic character from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The moment itself comes after Hamlet tells Ophelia to “get thee to a nunnery.” Having come all out of sorts with her lover treating her poorly, she drowns herself. Aside from Jujutsu Kaisen, anime like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End have referenced this famous painting. However, JJK uses this moment to depict Mai Zen’in adopting the pose herself. Surely an omen for how things will pan out for her this season, seeing as how she’s got another classic painting depicting herself and her sister (and best character in the series), Maki.

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

© Mappa

Another classic painting JJK references in its opening is The Kiss by German painter Gustav Klimt. Mappa’s rendition of the painting cleverly reimagines the lovers embracing in a more horrorcore light, featuring Yuta Okkotsu and his cursed lover, Rikka Takanashi. While the painting itself depicts Yuta as an unwilling participant in their kiss, anime viewers of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 know their tragic romance transcends the ick factor.

The Scream by Edvard Munch

© Mappa

Arguably, the most recognizable painting in JJK‘s new opening is Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Mappa went the extra mile by showing a censored character writhing in agony in fluid motion. May the odds ever be in favor of whomever this is in the season to come.

Dead Mother by Egon Schiele

© Mappa

A deep pull from art references in the new JJK opening is Austrian Expressionist Egon Schiele‘s Dead Mother. It’s also one that’s steeped in spoiler territory for this season. While season two hints at Itadori’s parentage in a fever-dream flashback from his new play brother, Choso, there’s more to their bond than meets the eye, and this painting definitely points to the nature of that unholy kinship.

Two Sleeping Children by Peter Paul Rubens

© Mappa

Moving on, another family painting featured in JJK‘s opening is Peter Paul Rubens’ Two Sleeping Children. Here we see Mai Zen’in sleeping next to her sister, Maki. We’re getting a lot of the two estranged sisters featured in this opening, what with them holding hands while running through a field and the like, all but assuring they’re going to get a lot more play this time around. Zen’in stocks are up (IYKYK).

Camille Monet and a Child in the Artist’s Garden in Argenteuil by Claude Monet

© Mappa

Panda is a bit of an anomaly in JJK. All we know is that he’s kind of a real panda, but he’s also something more. A cursed object comes to life, Toy Story style, one might say. But one thing we know for a fact is that Panda is people because he’s got a papa in dear old creator Yaga Masamichi. And to further illustrate that point, Mappa depicted them in impressionist Claude Monet‘s Camille Monet and a Child in the Artist’s Garden in Argenteuil. They’re very cute. Hope nothing bad happens to them.

Dark Night Light Path N City-V by Yoko Tanadori

© Mappa

While much of JJK‘s opening theme art references take a more global approach to its depictions, there are also a few homegrown artists showcased. Key among them is Japanese oil painter and graphic designer Yoko Tanadori‘s Dark Night Light Path N City-V. Mappa’s depiction of the dark Y-shaped street showcases the backs of two characters we’ve yet to meet in the series. But given the whole fork-in-the-road visual metaphor, they’re likely to cross paths at some juncture in the season.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s woodblock-style paintings

One blink and you’ll miss this art reference in JJK‘s opening: the ukiyo-e woodblock artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Y’know, the guy behind the famous Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre painting_._ Mappa shows a bit of restraint, not referencing his most famous painting, instead opting for a very loose reference to his woodblock paintings of a mighty warrior using a Murasama sword to fell a tiger (aka the type of artwork your tattoo-loving friend has definitely considered adding to his irezumi sleeve/back piece).

The sword’s significance lies in its reputation as a cursed blade. Something especially fitting to the show’s theme. To showcase the raw power this art piece emanates, Mappa dips a bit into fandom shipping by showing quick cuts of Yuta and Maki performing the same downward slash. YutaMaki nation FTW.

#呪術廻戦#JujustuKaisen

# オープニングではほんの少量ですが作監として参加させて頂きました！
美術様を始めとする他セクション様の力でかなり良き形に仕上がっていますので見つけてみて下さい！

画像は# opから修正の一部となります！ pic.twitter.com/mh43DiWIhI

— とうふ (@tohutohutohuto) January 8, 2026

If there are any references we missed that’s got your art-hoe heart geeked, be sure to sound off in the comments. Otherwise, Jujutsu Kaisen season three premieres January 8 on Crunchyroll.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.