During the inaugural parade of Riyadh Season 2025 In Saudi Arabia, a Satoru Gojo's giant balloonprotagonist of Jujutsu Kaisenstole the public's attention. The balloon was seen during the opening ceremony held on October 10, accompanied by floats, lights and international artists that marked the beginning of the country's most important cultural season.
What is Riyadh Season and why Gojo?
Riyadh Season is an annual entertainment festival organized by the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia. Each edition includes parades, concerts, exhibitions and shows with international guests. In 2025, the event introduced for the first time balloons inspired by fictional and pop culture characterssimilar to those of the traditional New York Thanksgiving parade. Among them, the Gojo balloon stood out, which represented the growing popularity of anime in the country.
According to Saudi media, this was the first time Riyadh Season incorporated anime characters in its inaugural parade, reflecting the global expansion of Japanese culture. The choice of Gojo, one of the most iconic characters of recent years, responds to the enormous success of Jujutsu Kaisen both in the Middle East and in the rest of the world.
Jujutsu Kaisen: the future of the franchise
The phenomenon of Jujutsu Kaisen continues to rise. The third season of the anime is scheduled to premiere in January 2026picking up the events after the Shibuya Arc. The new installment will adapt the “Culling Game” arc, one of the most anticipated by fans of Gege Akutami's manga.
Before the new season, the movie will be released Jujutsu Kaisen: Executiona cinematic compilation of key moments from the Shibuya Arc along with previously unreleased scenes. Its premiere in Japan is scheduled for November 7, 2025and will arrive in theaters in Latin America on November 20 and in Spain on November 14.
Gojo: symbol of modern anime
Since his debut in 2020, Satoru Gojo has become one of the most popular characters in contemporary anime. Its appearance as a giant balloon at an international festival like Riyadh Season not only represents the global reach of Jujutsu Kaisenbut also the recognition of Japanese anime as part of global pop culture. With the new movie and season three on the way, anime's most powerful sorcerer appears to be far from disappearing from the spotlight.
What do you think of Saudi Arabia choosing Gojo for its inaugural parade? What other character would you like to see at an event of this type?
