Wondering when the Jujutsu Kaisen manga came out? You’re not alone, as many fans get confused by the series’ two different starting points. This can make it tricky to know the full history.
The main Jujutsu Kaisen manga series officially came out on March 5, 2018. Its first chapter was published in the 14th issue of Shueisha’s highly regarded Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. This date marks the beginning of the main story that follows the protagonist, Yuji Itadori.
Based on official publication data and serialization records, this guide provides the definitive timeline for the entire manga series. You will discover the exact release dates for the prequel, the main series, and its conclusion, giving you a complete and accurate historical overview.
Key Facts
- Official Start Date: The main Jujutsu Kaisen manga series began serialization on March 5, 2018, as confirmed by official publisher records.
- Prequel Publication: A prequel series, now known as Jujutsu Kaisen 0, was published first, running from April to July 2017 in a different magazine.
- Completion Status: The manga is officially finished, with the final chapter released on September 30, 2024, concluding the entire narrative.
- Creator: The series was both written and illustrated by its creator, Gege Akutami, who is responsible for the story and distinctive art style.
- Official Publisher: The original Japanese version was published by Shueisha and serialized in its flagship magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump.
When did the Jujutsu Kaisen manga officially come out?
The main Jujutsu Kaisen manga series officially came out on March 5, 2018. Its first chapter debuted in the 14th issue of Shueisha’s prestigious Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. This date marks the beginning of the main story following Yuji Itadori, and it is distinct from its earlier prequel volume, which was published a year prior. This serialization was created by the author and illustrator Gege Akutami.
The launch in Weekly Shōnen Jump placed Jujutsu Kaisen among some of the most popular manga titles in the world, and it quickly gained a massive following. Real-world experience shows that a series’ debut in this specific magazine is often a strong indicator of its potential for success. The series concluded its run in the same magazine, solidifying its place in shōnen history.
For fans looking for the definitive publication details, the following table summarizes the core facts about the manga’s release.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Start Date | March 5, 2018 |
| Original Publisher | Shueisha |
| Original Magazine | Weekly Shōnen Jump (Issue 14, 2026) |
| Author & Illustrator | Gege Akutami |
| Genre | Shōnen, Supernatural, Action |
| Official End Date | September 30, 2024 |
What Was Published Before the Main Series? The Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Prequel
Before the main series began, a four-chapter prequel story was released under the title Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School. This short series was published in Shueisha’s sister magazine, Jump Giga, with its chapters running from April to July 2017. This story is a crucial part of the canon, but its separate publication often causes confusion for new readers.
This prequel focuses on a different protagonist, Yuta Okkotsu, and establishes key concepts and characters that become extremely important later in the main storyline. After the main Jujutsu Kaisen series gained popularity, this prequel was collected into a single paperback volume and officially retitled Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Recognizing this distinction is key to understanding the full narrative scope Gege Akutami planned.
Here are the key facts about the prequel:
- Original Title: Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School
- Release Window: April 28, 2017, to July 28, 2017
- Original Magazine: Jump Giga
- Protagonist: Yuta Okkotsu
- Modern Title: Jujutsu Kaisen 0
When Did the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga End?
Yes, the Jujutsu Kaisen manga is finished and is no longer ongoing. The final chapter, number 271, was officially released on September 30, 2024. This brought the story of Yuji Itadori and the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers to its definitive conclusion after a celebrated run of over six years.
The series’ conclusion was published in issue 44 of Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2026. The entire narrative spans 271 chapters, which are being compiled into a total of 30 collected paperback volumes, known as tankōbon. For readers who prefer to wait for a story to be complete, now is the perfect time to start reading Jujutsu Kaisen from beginning to end.
- Final Status: Completed
- Final Chapter: Chapter 271
- Final Release Date: September 30, 2024
- Total Volumes: 30
What is the Full Publication Timeline of the JJK Manga?
To see the complete picture, it’s helpful to lay out the entire publication history chronologically. From the initial one-shot prequel to the final chapter, the timeline reveals how the franchise was built over several years. Our analysis of the publication data gives a clear roadmap for the series’ history.
This timeline covers every major milestone in the manga’s serialization.
- April – July 2017: The prequel, Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School, is published in Jump Giga.
- March 5, 2018: The main Jujutsu Kaisen series begins serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump with Chapter 1.
- July 4, 2018: The first collected tankōbon volume of the main series is released in Japan.
- December 2018: The prequel is repackaged and released as the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 volume.
- December 2019 – February 2021: The highly popular Shibuya Incident Arc runs in the manga (Chapters 83-136), marking a major turning point in the series’ popularity and tone.
- May 2021: The Culling Game Arc begins, representing the final major saga of the story.
- September 30, 2024: The final chapter of the manga, Chapter 271, is released, concluding the series.
When Was the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Released in English?
Viz Media licensed the Jujutsu Kaisen manga for English release in North America. The first physical volume was published in English on December 3, 2019. For digital readers, new chapters were released in English simultaneously with the Japanese release on platforms like Viz’s Shonen Jump digital vault and Shueisha’s Manga Plus service.
This “simulpub” (simultaneous publication) model means that English-speaking fans did not have to wait to read new chapters as they came out in Japan. However, there was a significant delay for the physical collected volumes. Understanding this difference is important for new readers deciding whether to read digitally or collect the paperbacks.
Here is a direct comparison of the initial Japanese and English releases:
| Release | Original Japanese Date | Official English Date |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | March 5, 2018 | March 5, 2018 (Simulpub) |
| Volume 1 | July 4, 2018 | December 3, 2019 |
FAQs About when did jjk come out manga
How many chapters and volumes does the Jujutsu Kaisen manga have?
The completed Jujutsu Kaisen manga has a total of 271 chapters. These chapters have been compiled into 30 standard tankōbon volumes in Japan. The final volume collects the last remaining chapters of the series, bringing the entire story to its official conclusion.
Who wrote and illustrated the Jujutsu Kaisen manga?
The creator of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga is Gege Akutami. Akutami is responsible for both writing the story and drawing the illustrations for the entire series, including its prequel, Jujutsu Kaisen 0. They are known for their unique art style and complex world-building.
Is the Jujutsu Kaisen manga still ongoing in 2026?
No, the Jujutsu Kaisen manga is not still ongoing. The series officially concluded its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump on September 30, 2024. The story is complete, and no new chapters for the main series are being released.
What magazine was Jujutsu Kaisen published in?
The main Jujutsu Kaisen manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump. This is one of the most famous and long-running manga magazines in Japan. The prequel, however, was published in a sister magazine called Jump Giga before the main series began.
What is the difference between the manga and anime release dates?
The manga came out first on March 5, 2018, while the anime adaptation by MAPPA studio premiered much later on October 3, 2020. This is standard for the industry, as the manga must have enough source material published before an anime production can begin.
How long did the JJK manga run for?
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga was serialized for approximately 6 years and 6 months. It began its run in Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 5, 2018, and published its final chapter on September 30, 2024, spanning a significant period of consistent weekly releases.
When did the first volume of JJK release?
The first collected volume (tankōbon) of Jujutsu Kaisen was released in Japan on July 4, 2018. This was about four months after the series began its weekly serialization. The first English-language volume was released later, on December 3, 2019, by Viz Media.
What chapter does the Shibuya Incident arc start in the manga?
The Shibuya Incident arc, a major turning point in the series, begins in chapter 83 of the manga. This highly acclaimed arc is a favorite among fans and was a significant event during the manga’s serialization, running from chapter 83 to chapter 136.
Is Jujutsu Kaisen 0 required reading?
While not strictly required, reading Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is highly recommended as it introduces a key character, Yuta Okkotsu. The events and characters from the prequel become very important in the later arcs of the main story, particularly the Culling Game arc. Most fans suggest reading it after chapter 79.
Where can I legally read the completed JJK manga?
You can legally read the entire completed Jujutsu Kaisen manga in English on Viz Media’s digital Shonen Jump vault or on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app. These platforms offer many chapters for free and have the full back catalog available with a subscription, allowing you to support the official release.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the full publication timeline of Jujutsu Kaisen provides a clear roadmap for any fan, new or old. By knowing the distinct start dates and the series’ completed status, you can dive into Gege Akutami’s celebrated work with confidence.
- Main Series Debut: The Jujutsu Kaisen manga officially began in Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 5, 2018, marking the start of Yuji Itadori’s story.
- Prequel Came First: A four-chapter prequel, now known as Jujutsu Kaisen 0, was published first in April-July 2017 under the title Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School.
- The Series is Complete: The manga has officially ended. The final chapter (271) was released on September 30, 2024, concluding its 6.5-year run.
- Complete Work: The entire story consists of 271 chapters collected into a total of 30 tankōbon volumes.
- English Release: The English version was licensed by Viz Media, with the first volume released on December 3, 2019, and digital chapters released simultaneously with Japan.
With the story now complete, the entire saga is available to be experienced as a finished piece of work. Whether you choose to read digitally on official platforms like Viz or collect the physical volumes, you now have the full context to appreciate the history of this modern shōnen classic.
