Why Is Anime So Obsessed with Gambling? Posted Jan 26, 2023
As a fan of anime, you may have observed that many of the shows contain references to gambling. Anime and gambling have a long history in Japanese culture, with both forms of entertainment having a deep influence on one another.
Anime, with its strong characters and compelling storylines, has captivated audiences in Japan and around the world for decades. Gambling, on the other hand, has been a primary source of entertainment in Japan for centuries, despite the modern legal issues surrounding it.
In this article, we'll look into the reasons for this relationship between anime and gambling. We'll also touch on a few well-known anime characters who are connected with gambling.
Anime and Gambling in Japan
Anime and gambling are often linked due to their immense popularity. While anime has entertained Japanese locals and others with strong characters, gambling has been a primary source of entertainment in the country despite legality issues. Many gamblers enjoy betting on various games and sports in the country.
Anime's obsession with gambling also reflects the popularity of online gambling in Japan. With more online platforms like Japan Bets taking over, betting has become super easy for sports bettors. This has led to an increase in the number of anime series that feature online gambling as a central theme.
Shows Strength Of Character
Another reason why anime is so obsessed with gambling is that it is a perfect way to showcase the characters' personalities and strengths. Gambling scenes in anime often involve high stakes, intense competition, and a lot of drama, making it an ideal way to highlight the characters' abilities and flaws. For example, a character who is skilled at gambling may be portrayed as cunning and strategic, while a character who is addicted to gambling may be depicted as weak-willed and self-destructive.
Many anime series, such as "Kaiji" and "Akagi," have been created around the theme of gambling, and they often depict the thrill and excitement of underground gambling dens and the high stakes of illegal gambling.
Kaiji Itou
One of the most well-known anime characters connected with gambling is Kaiji Itou from the series "Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor." Kaiji is a down-on-his-luck salaryman who finds himself drawn into the world of illegal gambling. He is a skilled and strategic gambler, using his wit and cunning to outsmart his opponents and win big. Through the series, Kaiji is portrayed as a sympathetic and relatable character, whose struggles with gambling addiction and debt are a commentary on the darker side of the gambling culture in Japan.
Akagi Shigeru
Another well-known anime character connected with gambling is Akagi Shigeru from the series "Akagi." Akagi is a high school dropout who becomes a legendary gambler in the world of underground mahjong. He is a prodigy who can read and predict his opponents' moves, and he is known for his cold and calculating demeanor. Akagi's gambling exploits are depicted as a means of overcoming his troubled past and finding his own path in life.
Yumeko Jabami
A more recent example of anime characters connected with gambling is Yumeko Jabami from the series "Kakegurui." Yumeko is a transfer student at a prestigious academy for the children of the wealthy and powerful, where students gamble for prestige and power. She is portrayed as a compulsive gambler who is addicted to the thrill of gambling, and her character is a commentary on the negative effects of excessive gambling. Despite her addiction, Yumeko is also portrayed as a strong and cunning gambler who can outsmart her opponents and turn the tables on them.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the connection between anime and gambling in Japanese culture is evident in the popularity of well-known anime characters that are associated with gambling. These characters illustrate the various facets of gambling in anime, from the excitement and thrill to the darker side of addiction and debt. They serve not only as entertainment but also as a reflection of the cultural significance of gambling in Japan, as well as the increasing popularity of online gambling. Furthermore, the popularity of anime has had an impact on the iGaming industry, with anime characters being featured as the theme in many online casino games. Overall, anime's fixation on gambling is a reflection of the deep cultural connection between the two in Japan, as well as the all-around interest in gambling in all its forms.
