Kaiji has established itself as a gambling manga with a strong following, but it has a variety of appealing aspects. There are many reasons for its popularity that go beyond being just a gambling manga. Here are 10 reasons why Kaiji has become so popular.
1. Unique Gambling Games Appear in the Series
One of the defining features of Kaiji is the variety of unique gambling games that appear in the series. While the rules are simple, the games, such as "Limited Rock-Paper-Scissors," "Steel Beam Walking," "E-Card," and "Chinchirorin," are played with real-life stakes, bringing depth to the game. The rules of the game are packed with elements that stimulate psychological warfare, which allows the inner thoughts of Kaiji and his friends who gamble to be portrayed in depth. Despite being a gambling manga, the fact that such a catchy game has been featured is what makes it so popular.
2. The naked human nature revealed by money
The gambling games Kaiji and his friends take on involve huge sums of money and ruin, and the true nature of people is exposed during and outside of the games. Kaiji gives us a glimpse into the true essence of humanity, not just the pretty side: those who betray others for money, those who cheat to win, and the ugly side that emerges when disaster is certain. The fact that it depicts this dirty side of human nature in such detail is also one of the reasons why it has become so popular.
3. Kaiji and his friends come up with unconventional strategies
Kaiji and his friends never just go with the flow when it comes to the various gambling games their enemies throw at them, but instead act with a solid strategy for victory. These strategies are often unconventional and beyond the ordinary. For example, I was amazed when he executed a strategy to tilt the entire building housing the casino in order to conquer the pachinko swamp. It's satisfying to watch him create and successfully execute such a winning strategy.
4. Overwhelming Narration
The narration in the anime version of Kaiji is also unique. Tachiki Fumihiko's powerful narration takes on a variety of patterns, sometimes overwhelming the viewer and sometimes sympathizing with the characters. Some of the most impactful narrations include "Sakazaki! A blissful chore...!", "An overwhelming stroke of luck...!", and "It's frustrating...! But that's okay...!" I'm sure there are many people who like this narration. You could even say that he is the hidden protagonist of this work.
5. The one-of-a-kind sound effect: "Buzz... Buzz..."
It's often said that masterpieces have distinctive sound effects, and Kaiji also has a unique sound effect: "Buzz... Buzz...." This exchange is mainly used when you have a premonition, but it's become synonymous with Kaiji. I'm sure there are many Kaiji fans who, when something disturbing happens, hear a buzzing sound in their head.
6. The psychology of gambling that risks ruin
Kaiji's gambling challenges are all grueling, with large sums of money and ruin at stake, and every move and move of the competitors is closely watched. Although it may seem like a simple move, Kaiji and his friends have carefully considered it, and it contains the kind of courage you'd expect from a bungee jump. This is a distinctive feature of the manga, as it depicts the minds of players wondering what their opponents are thinking, whether their strategy is correct, and how this move could determine whether they live or die. The psychological battles that are unique to gambling manga are what make this work so appealing.
7. It's filled with life-giving lessons.
Kaiji is a work that showcases the realities of society, and the words spoken by its characters are filled with lessons that are useful for us in life. For example, Tonegawa says, "Money is...heavier than life...!!!" and Otsuki says, "Only those who work hard today can work hard tomorrow," and despite being enemies, they say things that sharply hit at the essence of society. When you hear these kinds of words, it makes you want to reevaluate the way you live your life. Kaiji is full of helpful words that will make you reevaluate your life.
8. A Unique Spin-Off
One of the appeals of Kaiji is the fascinating spin-off works that feature supporting characters from the series as protagonists. In works such as "The Middle Management Chronicle Tonegawa" and "One-Day Outing Hanchou," characters who behaved sternly and cunningly as enemies in Kaiji are portrayed in a comical way. These spin-off works have recently become popular, and it can be said that they are helping to boost Kaiji's popularity.
9. A harsh worldview that depicts a microcosm of society
Kaiji features people from all social classes. The series clearly depicts a microcosm of society, with the lowest class of society, including Kaiji and other multiple debtors, the ruling capitalist class, such as Hyodo and Tonegawa, and the middle-class exploiters, such as Otsuki and Ichijo. In society, rules are set to give an advantage to those in higher positions. However, in Kaiji, a revolution of sorts occurs, with those from the lower class like Kaiji defeating those from the higher classes. This uprising, which rarely occurs in real society, can be seen in the world of the work, and this is one of the reasons for its popularity.
10. Kaiji's meal scenes look absolutely delicious.
Kaiji's lavish dining scene, which appears only once in the series, takes place in an underground forced labor facility. Many viewers will remember the sight of Kaiji munching on canned beer and snacks with relish. In particular, when Kaiji is described as "ice cold..." or "devilish!", he instantly makes you want to drink beer. I'm sure many people love this scene.
Summary
Kaiji is more than just a gambling manga; it's a work packed with countless elements. It is filled with various charms, such as the essential aspects of human nature, comedy scenes, and unique direction. If you are interested, be sure to check it out.
