Kakegurui (2017 TV series)

Kakegurui is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga of the same name written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Tōru Naomura. It is animated by MAPPA and directed by Yuichiro Hayashi. The series premiered in Japan on Tokyo MX in July 2017 and ran for twelve episodes.

Synopsis: The series is set at Hyakkaou Private Academy, a prestigious private school that distinguishes itself from typical academic institutions. Here, the student hierarchy is not determined by academic performance or athletic ability, but by gambling prowess. The students are primarily children of the wealthiest and most influential people in Japan, and their gambling skills determine their social standing. Students with high debt are designated as "house pets" and are subjected to abuse and humiliation by those who are in positions of power.

The story follows Yumeko Jabami, a seemingly innocent and beautiful transfer student who quickly demonstrates an insatiable hunger for the thrill of high-stakes gambling. Unlike her classmates who gamble for status and money, Yumeko is driven by the excitement and the psychological manipulation involved in the games. She challenges the existing hierarchy and disrupts the established order with her unconventional approach.

Characters:

• Yumeko Jabami: The main protagonist, a transfer student who is passionate about gambling.
• Ryota Suzui: A student who initially becomes a "house pet" and later allies himself with Yumeko.
• Mary Saotome: A skilled gambler who initially opposes Yumeko but later becomes her ally.
• Kirari Momobami: The enigmatic and powerful student council president who controls the academy's gambling system.

Themes:

The series explores themes of power, social hierarchy, addiction, and the psychological effects of gambling. It critiques the corrupting influence of wealth and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their position in a rigged system.

Adaptations:

In addition to the anime series, Kakegurui has also been adapted into a live-action drama series and several spin-off manga and anime series.

Reception:

Kakegurui has received a mixed reception. It has been praised for its unique premise, visual style, and portrayal of psychological manipulation. However, it has also been criticized for its excessive fan service and over-the-top character reactions.