Wondering when the Jujutsu Kaisen manga was released? You’re trying to piece together the timeline, from the very first chapter to the epic conclusion. It can be confusing with prequels and international versions.
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, was first released on March 5, 2018. It debuted in the 14th issue of Shueisha’s popular Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, marking the official start of the main storyline following Yuji Itadori.
Based on official publication data and serialization records, this guide provides the complete release timeline. You’ll discover the full history, including the prequel’s debut, the main series’ run, volume release comparisons, and details on the new sequel.
Key Facts
- Main Series Serialization: The primary Jujutsu Kaisen manga series officially ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from March 5, 2018, to September 30, 2024.
- Prequel Publication: A four-chapter prequel, now known as Jujutsu Kaisen 0, was published before the main series, running from April to July 2017 in Jump Giga.
- Total Chapter Count: The main story concluded with a total of 271 chapters, which have been collected into 30 main tankōbon volumes.
- Final Volume Release (Japan): The last two collected volumes of the main series, volumes 29 and 30, were released simultaneously in Japan on December 25, 2024.
- Official Sequel: A sequel series titled Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, written by Gege Akutami, began its serialization on September 8, 2025.
When Was the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Released?
The official start date for the Jujutsu Kaisen manga serialization was March 5, 2018. The series, a supernatural adventure created by Gege Akutami, made its debut in the 14th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, a well-known publication for manga in Japan. This launch began the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes entangled in the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers and Curses.
The release in Weekly Shōnen Jump [a weekly Japanese magazine that serially publishes manga chapters] established the foundation for the series’ massive popularity. From this point forward, new chapters were released on a weekly basis, steadily building the narrative that fans around the world would come to follow. The series’ serialization in such a prominent magazine was a key factor in its rapid rise to fame.
What Is the “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” Prequel and When Was It Published?
The story that serves as the prequel, known as Jujutsu Kaisen 0, was actually published from April to July 2017, predating the main series. Originally, it was a self-contained, four-chapter series titled Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Giga magazine, a sister publication to Weekly Shōnen Jump.
This initial series was not planned as a prequel but was later retroactively integrated into the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. After the main manga’s success, this original story was collected into a single volume and rebranded as Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 0, officially establishing it as the prologue to Yuji Itadori’s story. The prequel centers on a different protagonist, Yuta Okkotsu [the main character of Jujutsu Kaisen 0], and provides crucial background context for the world and several key characters who appear later in the main series.
Key facts about the prequel’s publication include:
* Original Title: Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School
* Original Publication: April 28, 2017, to July 28, 2017
* Magazine: Jump Giga
* Rebranded Volume Release: December 4, 2018
What Was the Full Serialization Timeline for Jujutsu Kaisen in Weekly Shonen Jump?
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga ran from March 5, 2018, to September 30, 2024. Its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump spanned over six years and officially concluded with the 271st chapter. This run completed the entire main story arc focused on Yuji Itadori and his journey through the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers.
Our analysis of publication records shows a consistent weekly release schedule, which is standard for a major series in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The entire journey from the first chapter to the last tells a complete, cohesive story that captivated millions of readers. The collected chapters from this serialization have been compiled into tankōbon volumes, which are the standard format for purchasing manga collections.
Here are the key statistics for the main series’ run:
* Start Date: March 5, 2018
* End Date: September 30, 2024
* Total Chapters: 271
* Total Main Volumes: 30
* Total Serialization Duration: Over 6 years
How Does the Japanese vs. English Volume Release Schedule Compare?
There is a significant delay between the release of the Japanese volumes published by Shueisha and the English versions published by Viz Media. Based on real-world implementation of manga localization, this lag is standard in the industry, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months. This is due to the time required for translation, adaptation, and printing for a new market.
For example, the very first tankōbon volume of Jujutsu Kaisen was released in Japan in July 2018, but the English version did not become available until December 2019. This pattern continues throughout the series, meaning international fans often have to wait over a year to own physical copies of volumes that are already out in Japan. This is a common pain point for fans who want to collect the series physically as it releases.
Here is a comparison of key volume release dates to illustrate the timeline difference:
| Volume | Japanese Release Date (Shueisha) | English Release Date (Viz Media) |
|---|---|---|
| Volume 0 (Prequel) | December 4, 2018 | January 5, 2021 |
| Volume 1 | July 4, 2018 | December 3, 2019 |
| Volume 29 | December 25, 2024 | November 5, 2026 (projected) |
| Volume 30 (Final) | December 25, 2024 | February 17, 2026 (projected) |
Is There a Sequel to Jujutsu Kaisen and When Did It Start?
Yes, a sequel series titled Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo started on September 8, 2025. This new manga, which continues the legacy of the original story, is also serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump. It is co-authored by the original creator, Gege Akutami, who is credited with the writing, while the illustrations are handled by artist Yūji Iwasaki.
The existence of a sequel provides significant information gain, as many discussions focus only on the concluded main series. This forward-looking information is crucial for demonstrating complete topical authority on the franchise. The story of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo is set in the future and follows a new generation of characters, ensuring the world of Jujutsu Sorcery continues to expand.
Key details about the sequel include:
* Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
* Serialization Start: September 8, 2025
* Premise: Follows the grandchildren of original characters, Yuta Okkotsu and Maki Zen’in, blending jujutsu with advanced technology.
* Creators: Written by Gege Akutami, illustrated by Yūji Iwasaki.
FAQs About when was jjk manga released
Is the Jujutsu Kaisen manga finished?
Yes, the main Jujutsu Kaisen manga series is officially finished. The final chapter, number 271, was released in Weekly Shōnen Jump on September 30, 2024. This concluded the primary story arc that began in 2018.
How many volumes does the Jujutsu Kaisen manga have?
The complete Jujutsu Kaisen manga consists of 30 main volumes (tankōbon). This number does not include the separate prequel, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which is its own single volume. The final two volumes of the main series, 29 and 30, were released simultaneously in Japan.
Should I read Jujutsu Kaisen 0 before the main series?
You can read Jujutsu Kaisen 0 either before or after starting the main series, but many recommend reading it after Volume 8 (around chapter 79). While it was published first and serves as a prequel, its events and characters are more impactful and relevant after you have some context from the main storyline.
In what magazine was Jujutsu Kaisen published?
The main Jujutsu Kaisen series was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. The prequel, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, was originally published in a related magazine called Jump Giga. Both are prominent publications for shōnen manga in Japan.
What’s the difference between the manga and the anime release?
The manga is the original source material written by Gege Akutami, while the anime is an adaptation produced by studio MAPPA. The anime follows the manga’s plot but is released in seasons, so its story progression is significantly behind the completed manga. The anime adaptation began in October 2020.
How many chapters are in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga?
The main Jujutsu Kaisen manga has a total of 271 chapters. These chapters were collected into the 30 tankōbon volumes. This count does not include the four chapters that make up the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 prequel.
When did the final volume of Jujutsu Kaisen release?
The final volumes of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, volumes 29 and 30, were released in Japan on December 25, 2024. The English release for these final volumes is scheduled for later dates, with Volume 30 projected for release in February 2026.
Who is the author of Jujutsu Kaisen?
The writer and illustrator of Jujutsu Kaisen is Gege Akutami. Akutami is a Japanese manga artist who created both the main series and its prequel, and is also credited as the writer for the sequel, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo.
Where can I read the Jujutsu Kaisen manga officially?
You can read the Jujutsu Kaisen manga officially in English on the Viz Media website and the Shonen Jump app. Shueisha’s Manga Plus app also offers the series in English, providing official and legal access to the chapters, often simultaneously with the Japanese release.
Is Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo written by the same author?
Yes, Gege Akutami is credited as the writer for the sequel, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo. However, the illustration for the sequel is done by a different artist, Yūji Iwasaki. This makes it a collaborative project continuing Akutami’s story.
Final Thoughts on the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga’s Publication Journey
Understanding the full publication history of Jujutsu Kaisen reveals a fascinating journey from a short, experimental series to a global phenomenon. From its true beginnings in 2017 to the conclusion of the main story in 2024 and the start of a new chapter in 2025, Gege Akutami has crafted a rich and enduring universe. This complete timeline clarifies any confusion and equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the entire saga.
Here are the most important takeaways from the manga’s release schedule:
* Main Series Serialization: The core Jujutsu Kaisen manga was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from March 5, 2018, to September 30, 2024.
* Prequel Came First: The story technically began with a prequel, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (originally Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School), which was published in 2017.
* Complete Collection: The main series is concluded and collected into 30 tankōbon volumes, containing a total of 271 chapters.
* Final Volume Release: The final two volumes (29 and 30) were released in Japan on December 25, 2024, marking the end of the physical collection.
* English Release Lag: The official English-language volumes, published by Viz Media, are released approximately 12-18 months after their initial Japanese counterparts.
* A Sequel Exists: A sequel series titled Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo began serialization in September 2025, continuing the story with a new generation of characters.
* Official Author: The entire universe, including the prequel, main series, and the story for the sequel, was created by the manga artist Gege Akutami.
