Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

Today, I want to introduce the first installment of the Kaiji series: Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor. Something I’ve always found curious is that while Kaiji is hugely popular in Japan, it doesn’t seem to have the same level of recognition overseas. Yet Kaiji is a masterpiece that lays bare human desire and the essence of human nature. I hope after reading this review, you’ll give the manga a try. The Kaiji series follows Kaiji Itō, an aimless young man who’s dragged into the underworld’s illegal gambling circuits run by the Teiai Group in order to repay his debts. The gambles he faces aren’t ordinary—they include unique death games such as “Restricted Rock-Paper-Scissors,” the terrifying “Steel Beam Crossing” between skyscrapers, and the infamous “E-Card.” Each gamble puts Kaiji’s very life on the line. The true appeal of Kaiji lies not only in these inventive gambling setups, but in how they expose the raw, ugly truths of human nature. Created by veteran manga artist Nobuyuki Fukumoto—who also wrote Akagi (a mahjong manga) and Gin to Kin (about underground money schemes)—Kaiji stands out as his most iconic work, spawning anime adaptations and live-action films. Readers are captivated by both the thrilling gambles and the brutal reality of what people will do when backed into a corner. One of Kaiji’s most unforgettable elements is how it strips humanity down to its essence. People betray their friends, abandon morals, and succumb to greed—all for the sake of money. The manga contains plenty of gut-wrenching, infuriating moments, but those very scenes make the story gripping and impossible to put down. Another hallmark of Fukumoto’s work is its memorable quotes. In Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, one that sears itself into the reader’s mind is from Teiai’s ruthless No.2, Tonegawa: “Money is heavier than life.” What does that mean? Tonegawa explains that 20 million yen is the amount earned only after decades of studying hard, getting into a good university, working every day, paying heavy taxes, and finally reaching middle age. That kind of money, he says, is far heavier than the life of a young person who has lived carelessly up until now. Most people instinctively say that life is more valuable than money. But Kaiji forces us to face the harsh truth that, in reality, society often treats money as heavier. That brutal honesty is what makes Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor so compelling. I strongly recommend giving it a try. And if you can’t get hold of the manga, the anime and DVDs are also available!

September 1, 2025