Kaiji Ito is the protagonist of the popular gambling manga "Kaiji." In the story, he displays extraordinary gambling prowess and defeats many formidable opponents. However, he also has many different sides to his character, all of which fans will want to know. Here are 10 of Kaiji Ito's defining characteristics.
1. Kaiji Ito's Characteristics ①: Originally a Part-Timer with Debt
At the beginning of the story, Kaiji is a part-time worker who moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school. He also owes a large amount of money because he co-signed for a friend's debt. While Kaiji has a strong image as a gambler, he was originally a dull young man who suddenly showed a talent for gambling when he was cornered.
2. Kaiji Ito's Characteristic ②: He Trusts People Easily
Kaiji's weakness is that he easily trusts those who are convenient for him, even when they first meet. He trusts Endo's smooth talk and boards the Espoir, and he is deceived by Funai's promise that he has a sure-fire way to win the limited-time rock-paper-scissors game. Kaiji seems to be surprisingly trusting and easily deceived under normal circumstances.
3. Kaiji Ito's 3rd Characteristic: Never Betraying Others
Kaiji will use any and all unconventional means to win, but he never betrays his allies and has a kind, compassionate side. From rescuing Ishida-san on the Espoir to rescuing Group 45, he is compassionate and willing to help even those who do not benefit him.
4. Kaiji Ito's Characteristics ④: He Accepts Defeat with Grace
Kaiji is consistent in his gameplay, and even when he loses, he accepts defeat with grace. This image first appeared when he lost a lottery game against Hyoudou, and even though his finger was about to be amputated, he never asked for forgiveness, instead he admitted defeat and accepted the punishment. His honesty when he loses is probably the best in this work.
5. Kaiji Ito's Characteristics ⑤: His Body is Covered in Scars
Kaiji's body is covered in countless scars. For example, during an e-card game, he smashed his head against a bathroom mirror and tore off his ear. When defeated by Hyodo, he had his fingers amputated, and when he was thrown underground, he had a worker's mark branded on his shoulder. His body is covered in scars.
6. Kaiji Ito's Characteristics ⑥: He's easily defeated by his desires
Kaiji displays exceptional concentration when gambling, but is easily swayed by desires in other situations. In the underground, he spends most of his paycheck on lavish spending on alcohol and snacks within a few days, showing his tendency to succumb to his desires.
7. Kaiji Ito's Characteristics ⑦: An Unparalleled Gambler
No discussion of Kaiji can leave out his overwhelming gambling prowess. He has defeated countless formidable opponents with his well-established strategies and extraordinary insights. When Kaiji gambles, he displays a level of concentration that seems almost awakened.
8. Kaiji Ito's Characteristics ⑧: He's Sometimes Popular with Girls
Kaiji may be a dull guy, but he's also popular with girls. The one person he's attracted to is Sakazaki's only daughter, Misako. Misako is head over heels for Kaiji. Some women fall for bad men for no apparent reason. Is this psychology at work?
9. Kaiji Ito's 9th Characteristic: He's Relatively Idealistic
Kaiji makes thoroughly realistic plans to win at gambling, but when it comes to relationships, he values trust and friendship. Despite being deceived and betrayed by so many people, he still seems to have retained his idealistic side.
10. Kaiji Ito's 10th Feature: A Genius Food Reporter
Kaiji's underground dining experience left a strong impression on us readers. In particular, when drinking beer, phrases like "It's ice cold...!!" or "It's devilish!!" are unorthodox for a food review, but they still get the message across.
Summary
While Kaiji's inhuman side, like his gambling addiction, is often the focus of attention, he's also surprisingly emotional and seems to trust people, which is quite striking. Kaiji may be a bad guy, but perhaps deep down he's a good guy.
