Any fan of manga or anime will know how they have taken on many forms and embraced a range of exciting and outlandish themes through the years.
However, arguably one of the biggest success stories to emerge from those areas in recent decades is Kaiji, a story that has intriguingly embraced gambling and gone on to become a major multimedia franchise.
A success in many forms
Gambling as a pastime has been popular for years and these days it is arguably bigger than ever. Sports betting and casino gaming have been given a new lease of life thanks to the internet, with many online sites now offering a range of different experiences under one roof. Genesis Casino is a good example of this trend, as the site has breathed new life into classic gambling pastimes such as roulette, blackjack and slot machines. While some may be digital forms of the games, the site has also embraced streaming technology by offering ‘live’ casino experiences where the action is hosted by a dealer via a video link, instead of being simply computer generated.
Against this backdrop, it perhaps isn’t a major surprise that Kaiji has done so well in recent years. The story of a gambler who goes on to have a range of adventures was created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto and first emerged as a manga series in the mid-90s. However, it has subsequently been a success in various forms, including most recently on the big screen.
The last chapter
According to Anime News Network, Kaiji Final Game is expected to be the last chapter in the series of live-action films based on the much-loved character. The film starring Tatsuya Fujiwara opened in Japan in January and was reportedly the second most popular title at the box office on its opening weekend. It is thought to have earned more than the previous installment in the series, while it is now expected to be released in Malaysia on March 19th.
In addition to the films, Kaiji has also been adapted into an anime series, with Crunchyroll showcasing both Kaiji – Ultimate Survivor and Kaiji – Against All Rules.
Furthermore, the character has even proven to be a hit in the world of video gaming, with one of the more fascinating titles to be made being a virtual reality-style game called Steel Beam Crossing of Despair. As WatchMojo.com reports, the game was originally released for PlayStation VR before being ported to the Nintendo Switch and, as the title suggests, it harks back to a well-known moment in the manga where characters have to cross steel beams which have been precariously positioned between skyscrapers.
Well worth checking out
Manga and anime have spawned so many memorable characters through the years and, as all of the above shows, Kaiji is easily one of the most popular.
Whether you’re a beginner who is just starting to dip their toes into Asian popular culture or an experienced manga fan looking to get into something new, the adventures of Kaiji could well be worth checking out.
