Akagi vs Kakegurui - Hard Core Anime Showdown! Posted Sep 22, 2021
Anime is ridiculously mainstream popular right now. It’s already had a loyal following beyond Japanese shores for decades, with foreign demand helping revenues hit almost $20 billion in 2017. In the United States, for example, anime has been a hit since the 1980s (and arguably before).
But now anime is also hitting peak popularity in other parts of the world, with audiences growing significantly in South America, Africa, and countries like Saudi Arabia in the Middle East. With fans no longer relying on the whims of fixed television networks, fans can binge whenever they please.
Just look at the numbers. Netflix's stats show that over 100 million accounts have watched at least one anime series in 2020; that equates to a 50% increase on the previous year. The streaming service is home to legendary classics like Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia.
But we’re not here to talk about mainstream titles. This is about a niche, not Hollywood-esque, but slightly controversial. Hardcore anime has always attracted an audience that likes to see creators doing something a little different. None of that Disney-style sanitized-for-Western-audiences drivel, but meaty stories mashed together with devilish storylines, complex and disturbing characters, and beautiful visuals.
In this showdown series, we’ll take a deep dive into two popular hardcore anime series: Akagi and Kakegurui. Both famed for pushing the envelope, they’re not for the faint of heart. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Kakegurui
Written by Homura Kawamoto and using the epic illustration skills of Tōru Naomura, Kakegurui follows the exploits of the rich and the famous. Elite and disgustingly wealthy students at Hyakkaou Private Academy live like most who occupy that space on the social ladder. Taught run-of-the-mill subjects, boring teachers, living in quarters.
But at night, the place turns into a sordid gambling den. It leads to interesting social hierarchies within the school system, with not looks or cash running school halls, but gambling success. It follows the experiences of Homura Kawamoto, who joins the academy at the start of the series. She isn’t there for climbing the social ladder or to make friends, but to indulge her secret: she’s a compulsive gambler, where no risk can satiate her desire for putting it all on the line.
This premise certainly piques the interest of anyone who isn’t a stranger to the casino. The character Midari, for example, who loves Russian Roulette, perhaps best encapsulates the thrill of the win/lose, the all-or-nothing scenarios every gambler faces.
It’s the theme of risk that draws non-gamblers in as well. Because it captures something that’s so very human. It’s why, no matter where they are in the world, punters chase the experience. However, usually, people won’t actually go for something as risky as Russian roulette - this is used in anime just to make a situation more dramatic - but a simple game of roulette is what people keep close to their hearts. As ArabianBetting explained, because online roulette is so quick to learn, it’s easily one of the most popular options among gamblers, and free games, bonuses, and promotions make playing even less risky. And of course, not having to play the movie-style Russian version of roulette also helps…! That being said, players can still go for a basic Roulette game and have the Kakegurui-like enjoyment.
Akagi
With a total of 12 episodes, Akagi is yet another anime classic that uses gambling as a vehicle for its premise and major plot points. First aired in 2005, it continues to be a hit in the ratings as a bona fide anime classic that matches any psychological thriller on Netflix today.
Set just after World War II, Japan is still reeling from the effects of the devastating conflict. The protagonist, Shigeru Akagi, is a young boy who seeks to find his place in the world.
Facing a band of Yakuza in the famous game of mahjong, he defeats them with frightening ease. He’s a prodigy, and it gives him the opportunity to change his life. Of course, his journey isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. He’s being hunted by the police, and his winning streak doesn’t quite get the applause from everyone.
The show is particularly interesting for players of mahjong, as the creators let the audience experience the game with the protagonist. It’s similar to the Queen’s Gambit in that sense. But that doesn’t mean those not familiar with the game are alienated; the core concepts of skill, risk, and nerve-wracking close matches can be appreciated by all.
If you’re not a mahjong player, we would recommend at least learning some of the basics. It really does add yet another layer of complexity to the game, and you’ll enjoy the series a lot more. But don’t let that put you off. It’s still a classic, even if you have no idea how the game works.
Of course, even the greats have critics. Akagi is sometimes derided for its slow finale, limited scope, and ‘unique’ art style. And Akagi himself perhaps lacks humanity. He’s a prodigy, a greater than us type of talent, which can lead to a slight detachment from the character.
And the Winner Is…?
We’re going to be extra lame and call it a draw. They’re both fantastic animes in their own right, each pushing the boundaries in their respective eras, offering a unique experience. In short, Akagi and Kakegurui are binge-watch-worthy anime series; check them out.
