Anime is extremely popular around the world. This type of visual entertainment has its own style and deepness. Anime might be just a cartoon, but it usually tackles diverse and complicated themes that relate not only to our daily life but also – serious philosophical questions. These cartoons can boast of impressive graphics and captivating characters who easily connect with the audience. Stories and themes depicted in anime series are never shown in any other cartoons. One of them is gambling. If you have never seen a gambling anime and have no idea where to start, check this list out. We have gathered the most captivating Japanese cartoons that bring this issue up and show it from the new light. Read on and immerse yourself in the most atmospheric and thrilling series ever!
Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
This anime is based on manga that was created in 1996. For years, it wasn’t published and only in 2017 Kaiji saw the world. Recently, the famous studio Madhouse released 26 series and the positive reception encouraged them to create continuation.
When it comes to the plot, Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji is inspirational and realistic at the same time. It tells the story of a young man called Kaiji. He hits the bottom of his life – he drinks and gets into trouble all the time. The biggest problem he stumbles at is a huge debt that forces him to get sober and look for a fast solution. Kaiji joins a cruise ship and starts playing gambling games. No entertainment or best casino welcome bonus for Kaiji – he appears in the company of hardcore underground players and does everything to fix his life. The anime will definitely motivate you to change your life to better and make radical decisions bravely.
Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler
Kakegurui is a truly fantastic anime issued by Netflix. Here you will immerse into Hyakkaou Private Academy, where students show gambling skills and get marks for successful playing sessions. Strange but exciting, this title describes the world where students have to bring their own cash to the school and become winners or losers. The roulette and cards decide their trajectory of life. At some point, beautiful young student Yumeko steps on the stage and beats every gambler due to her absolute passion for games. The entire plot is connected with a dark mystery of Yumeko.
Saki
Cute and funny, Saki is a great anime that will remind you of Kakegurui series. This is an adorable story about a schoolgirl called Saki. Time ago, Mahjong has spoiled her life and she hates this game and everything that reminds of it. However, her school friend introduces her to the Mahjong club and she shows incredible skills and ability to analyze patterns. Saki’s almost supernatural abilities strike everyone – she wins tournaments and moves to the world championship steadily. The anime is filled with drama and intension, but it is light-hearted and sweet.
Death Parade
Maybe, the most allegoric anime about gambling is Death Parade. These series depict afterlife, where there is no heaven or hell, just endless gambling. Souls that get to this place have two options – vanish into the void or reincarnate. The environment is a mysterious casino where games like poker, roulette, and darts decide whether you will be lost in the dark or come back to life in the new body. This anime is filled with tough jokes, drama, and strangeness. Your soul is at stake, so the games are very thrilling.
One Outs
Being a passionate basketball player and a real gambler in his heart, Toua stands on the crossroad of his life. He plays a simplified version of street basketball One Outs and reaches success. One day, he receives an offer to become a leader of a professional basketball team. However, there is a deal – every out he pitches gives Toua $45,000; every run he lets go costs him $455,000. One Outs includes 25 series of thrilling anime gambling, psychological twists, and unexpected plot turns. This title will entertain everyone fond of sports and gambling games.
Conclusion
Anime that depicts gambling is never about games only. This motif serves as an allegory of life (and even afterlife), supportive elements, and cultural context. For instance, the native Japanese gambling game Mahjong has special meaning not obvious for the Western audience. In the post-war period, many Japanese started playing this game being desperate about destruction and poverty. They tried to make their lives better, but most of them have failed.
Gambling anime series show ambitious, triumphant, and aspiring heroes – they are here to remind us that we have to take risks and make stakes in our lives. So if you are looking for inspiration and boost – enjoy the recommended titles from the list!
Author’s Bio:
Jason Copley is a freelance blogger interested in various pop-cultural phenomena. He investigates the way important and complex topics are depicted in movies, popular literature, cartoons, advertisement, music videos, etc. Jason believes that we can learn a lot from the visual content that lies on the surface of the media environment.
