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So you’ve heard all the fuss about Squid Game, right? You’ve most likely binged it, gasped at every wild plot twist, and said, “Man, this is really new stuff!” Well, here’s something you don’t know: there was an anime that completely did it first, way before we saw all those red jumpsuits and creepy doll statues go mainstream! Meet Kaiji Ultimate Survivor, the absolute blueprint for all that high-stakes, nerve-shredding, capitalism-sucks brand of entertainment.

Released in 2007, animated by the legends at Madhouse, and based on Nobuyuki Fukumoto’s gritty manga, Kaiji is what happens when life punches you in the gut and then offers you a shady way out, in the form of gambling. Dangerous, rigged, soul-crushing gambling. And sure enough, it’s as awesome as it sounds.

Kaiji Ultimate Survivor: High stakes, higher tension

Alright, imagine this: the first game is Rock-Paper-Scissors. That’s it.

MangaDex, the popular online repository for fan-translated manga, has been subjected to a sweeping wave of DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notices throughout May, leading to the removal of thousands of chapters across an estimated 700 manga titles.

The actions, initiated by a consortium of Japanese and Korean publishers, have been described by a site moderator to MangaAlerts as the first time a takedown happened on this scale.

While an official comprehensive list is not yet available, titles compiled by fans and reported to be affected include well-known works such as 20th Century Boys, Akira, Azumanga Daioh, Claymore, Dragon Ball (and related content), Frieren, Golden Kamuy, Hajime No Ippo, JoJolion, Jujutsu Kaisen, Kaiji, Kuroko no Basket, Mushishi, Nana, One Piece, Oyasumi Punpun, Solo Leveling, Spy x Family, The Apothecary Diaries (both series), and Vinland Saga, among hundreds of others.

The chapters have now been replaced with links to the official...

The new anime is based on the beloved manga series of the same name.

Historical fantasy meets Japanese animation in “Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho,” which debuts on Hidive starting Monday, March 31 at 8:30 a.m. Et. The series takes viewers back in time to a period where frightening demons battle with brave hunters whose destinies are to defeat them. You can watch exclusively with a subscription to Hidive.

How to watch ‘Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho’ When: Premieres Monday, March 301 at 8:30 a.m. Et TV: Hidive Stream: Watch with a seven-day free trial of Hidive. From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a Vpn. Everything you need to know about “Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho”

How to watch ‘Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho’

When do new episodes come out?

Why do we recommend watching on Hidive?

Can you stream it free?...

Plenty of anime series are meant to help the viewer relax, unwind, and have fun with a low-stress story, which often leads to cozy slice-of-life stories or even the concept of iyashikei. Anime like those are certainly fun and popular, but so are their opposites, the high-intensity anime that actually want the viewer to feel stressed in a good way as the tension keeps rising. Anime like those feature high stakes, incredible plot twists, and a great deal of action, drama, or both.

These anime know that consumers of fiction generally want to worry about what's happening in the story and worry for the well-being of the protagonists. Intense, stressful anime like these torture their characters so the audience can root for them as tormented underdogs, hoping against hope that things will turn around in the end. If anime fans need a stressful and intense anime to get them engaged with a cool story,...

The rich and diverse medium of anime invites fans to experience no shortage of captivating stories. Pushing the bounds of narrative virtuosity, visual technique, and artistic expressiveness, the best anime films and series are universally acclaimed as masterpieces. In the opulent tapestry of the medium’s cream of the crop, titles like Cowboy Bebop, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Gintama, and countless other esteemed works make new fans fall in love with anime and encourage audiences to revisit them time and time again. However, like any prolific medium, anime hardly counts only admired masterworks and celebrated smash hits. Aside from the plethora of forgettable and mediocre titles, a few are situated on the very opposite end of the spectrum from the medium’s revered sensations — the worst anime of all time.

An anime series’ quality is hardly an objective metric. Nonetheless, quite a handful of titles are recognized and remembered by the...

This article discusses sensitive topics like extreme violence, sexual assault, and suicide.

In anime, the term "seinen" refers series that specifically target mature audiences. Specifically, works within this genre are marketed and aimed at young adult men. However, the range of their audience appeals to can be much broader, spanning across generations and genders.

Generally, anime that fall under the seinen category can vary wildly in subject matter, ranging from topics like adventure and science-fiction to more grounded areas like politics and sports. However, regardless of their subgenre, there are countless seinen anime that stand out as exceptional, generative pieces of art. Accordingly, they deserve to be recognized for their efforts.

Updated on February 13th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: Anyone who needs a break from conventional shonen or shojo anime is welcome to dive into the world of the best seinen anime and expand their horizons with deeper, rougher, and more...

Intense violence, gripping action, and unpredictable plot twists were expected by many upon first watching Netflix's smash hit Squid Game. That being said, almost no one foresaw the level of heartwrenching emotion that the Korean show would bring to television screens around the world. To put it mildly, tissues were likely needed on more than one occasion.

The journeys of the show's fascinating characters were always likely to end in disaster, but devastation and heartbreak came right alongside the blood and gore of the deadly high-stakes game show. Countless lives were taken over the course of Season 1, although Season 2 also had its share of heartbreaking moments. Squid Game has touched many fans around the world, and these moments were the most upsetting in a series filled with sorrowful scenes.

Updated on January 31, 2025, by Ajay Aravind: Season 2 of Squid Game was relatively less sad because Gi-hun fomented a rebellion and briefly overwhelmed the guards.

Squid Game Season 2 has taken the world by storm since its release, gaining global recognition for its gripping and intense story. However, with several months ahead before Netflix's release of Squid Game’s third season, now is the perfect time to introduce fans to a similar title to enjoy in the meantime. Fortunately, anime has plenty of options for high-stakes game series that are sure to please any Squid Game fan looking to hold onto the survival atmosphere for a little longer.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Squid Game’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, even admitted being inspired by iconic survival death game mangas like Liar Game, Kaiji, and Battle Royale. Nonetheless, one anime that shares a similar premise and tone and is a must-watch for every Squid Game fan is Tomodachi Game. Tomodachi Game is a short anime with only 12 episodes that not only shares themes with...

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If you are an anime fan with a Shudder subscription in November 2024, then you might find yourself overwhelmed with the sheer number of brilliant anime shows you can find on the horror streaming service. So, if you love anime or want to get into the colorful world of anime, then this month Shudder has some amazing options.

Parasyte – The Maxim Season 1 (November 28) Credit – Madhouse

Parasyte – The Maxim is a Japanese horror thriller drama anime series. Based on the Parasyte manga series by Hitoshi Iwaaki, the Madhouse series follows Shinichi Izumi, a high school boy whose right hand becomes the host for an alien entity who calls itself Migi after which they join forces to fight against other alien parasites feasting on humans.

Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Seasons 1-4 (November 28) Credit...

Shudder is bringing a diverse array of horror content to fans this November 2024, featuring a blend of originals, exclusives, and beloved horror franchises. The month kicks off with Doc of Chucky on November 1, an in-depth documentary chronicling the legacy of the Child’s Play franchise, followed by classics like Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky. November 4 introduces The J-Horror Virus, a deep dive into the rise of supernatural horror from Japan, accompanied by other genre-defining films like Ju-On The Grudge and One Missed Call. Fans of dark, avant-garde horror can look forward to The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula on November 5, a competition to crown the world’s first drag supermonster.

Shudder Originals like Black Cab on November 8 explore chilling narratives, while The Creep Tapes on November 15 follows the terrifying journey of a serial killer who manipulates videographers into filming his disturbing life. November 22’s Rita brings the haunting tale of an...

Kaiji is often presented as a brutal death game akin to (and inspiring) Squid Game; this comparison misses the mark, as well as what makes Kaiji so special. Kaiji is the story of the title character, Kaiji Ito, who is tricked by his friend into signing off on a predatory loan. The funds were intended for gambling, and when the money is lost and the interest accumulates, a loan shark named Yuji Endo shows up at his door.

Endo tempts him with a cruise called the Espoir the ship of hope. There, a death game would happen: the winners would be debt-free, while the losers would be deeper in debt, handed off to an undisclosed (at the time) fate. Kaiji initially declines, but he realizes his paycheck will mostly vanish until the loan is repaid, which will take many years. Kaiji takes his first big leap of faith and boards...

Cbr Anime Week is brought to you by Hulu Animayhem

Official Sailor Moon stage actor Riko Tanaka commemorates Usagi Tsukino and Chibiusa's birthdays with her charming cosplay from the series' 30th-anniversary musical festival.

Tanaka again stunned fans with a recent post via her official X (formerly Twitter) account, featuring an impressive cosplay of Sailor Moon's Usagi and Chibiusa for their birthdays. She captioned the post, "#UsagiTsukinoBirthday2024. Usagi-chan, Chibiusa-chan, a very happy birthday to you both." Readers can check out her cosplay below, accurately capturing both characters' 'odango' hairstyle, with Usagi in her transformed Sailor Guardian outfit and Chibiusa in a polka dot dress.

Related Sailor Moon Creator Releases All-New Artwork for Usagi & Chibiusa

Sailor Moon gets all-new artwork for the franchise's official store, commemorating Usagi Tsukino and Chibiusa's birthday with a color illustration.

#2024 pic.twitter.com/88j9ZDm3Qm (@T_rikoriko) June 30, 2024

As well as being a huge fan of the series,...

Enjoy the unpredictable high-stakes world of Hyakkaou Academy with complex characters and thrilling mind games. Memorable quotes from characters like Yumeko and Runa showcase the intense and ruthless nature of gambling matches. Themes of risk, ambition, and taking control of one's own fate resonate throughout the series, creating a tense and engaging narrative.

The series Kakegurui didn't have to be on Netflix for long before it took the Western audience by storm, and its popularity has seemed to only grow since and for good reason. The high-stakes, no-rules environment that breeds within the walls of Hyakkaou Academy is too unpredictably action-packed to look away from. Each member of the series' cast is strong, driven, and complete with their own set of complex motivations that sometimes not even the main character himself understands.

Unsurprisingly, a series that revolves so strongly around highly intelligent characters getting into each others' heads and manipulating...

Many anime are known for their unique approach to well-known subject matter. Naruto gave a whole new look to ninjas. One Piece explored the world of fantasy pirates. Haikyuu made everyone a fan of volleyball. The list could go on. The newest Spring anime, Kaiju No 8, tackles the matter of kaiju, some of the most iconic creatures across fiction.

Kaiju No 8 was introduced with the central focus of kaiju attacks on Japan. The protagonist Kafka Hibino is a pure-of-heart character looking to join the fight against kaiju. While the debut of the anime enthralled anime fans, this series has the worst depiction of kaiju ever made. This first season is only about halfway through, but so far, the anime fails to represent the sub-genre that fans have loved for several decades.

Kaiju Are Meant For Pure Monster Violence, With Plenty of Substance King Kong (1933) is technically the first...

Blue Lock redefines sports anime with its focus on individuality and selfishness over teamwork, influenced by the battle royale and football fanaticism of author Muneyuki Kaneshiro. Pifa's President, Ray Dark, is revealed in chapter #260 as a reference to Inazuma Eleven's antagonist, Reiji Kageyama, with similar traits and a connection to the protagonist. Inazuma Eleven's influence on Blue Lock is evident through Easter eggs and character similarities, showing how both series deviate from traditional sports anime norms.

Warning: Contains spoilers for Blue Lock chapter #260

Blue Lock stands out because of its premise of individuality and selfishness instead of promoting teamwork like most sports anime. This made Blue Lock redefine the shnen genre. Author Muneyuki Kaneshiro's previous work was a battle royale manga, which, along with his football fanaticism, motivated him to create a survival sports story where, when the characters lose, they don't lose their lives but their dreams. Kaneshiro has...

‘Jellyfish Can’t Swim at Night’ and ‘Whisper Me a Love Song’ will both premiere on Hidive after their North American debuts at Anime Boston 2024.

There are more changes a-brewing at Hidive! AMC’s anime-dedicated streaming service has announced it will debut two new series in the month of April, which will be exclusive simulcast streams of hotly anticipated titles from Japan. Hidive will be debuting “Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night” and “Whisper Me a Love Song” next month, with both series expected to serve as centerpieces of the streamer’s spring schedule.

“Jellyfish Can’t Swim at Night” and “Whisper Me a Love Song” will see their North American premieres at Anime Boston on March 29, with their Hidive premiere to follow soon after. Both series are brand-new releases and will stream on Hidive simultaneously with their releases in Japan. Hidive recently rolled out a big update to its user interface,...

Amazon has struck first-of-its-kind deals with Japan’s Nippon TV and BBC for podcasts.

The former tie-up will see Nippon’s Acma: Game drama series stream on Prime Video Japan starting April 7, immediately after Nippon TV’s Sunday primetime air slot, with global streaming of the series to follow on Prime Video two weeks later. Hulu Japan will also stream the series immediately after Nippon TV’s broadcast as part of the unusual deal.

Based on the popular manga of the same name written by Meeb (Brave Bell) and illustrated by Koji Megumi (Bloody Monday), Acma: Game takes place in a devil’s world where the challenge is to conquer the world by collecting 99 devil’s keys. Players are forced to participate, and if they lose, they cannot refuse any orders. The protagonist challenges the game risking his life, along with the people who are being manipulated by the devil’s key.

AMC’s anime streaming service is launching some bug updates for its apps on various devices.

Hidive is leaping into the future. The anime streaming service from AMC is launching updated apps for a wide range of devices that include a new user interface, updated features based directly on user feedback, and of course a huge variety of anime shows and movies including its popular exclusive series “Oshi no Ko” and thousands more.

Hidive now offers viewers the ability to download titles for offline viewing. The user interface of Hidive has been updated for easier browsing and quicker discovery. Hidive is part of AMC’s family of streamers, whose future still seems clouded. 7-Day Free Trial $4.99+ / month hidive via amazon.com

There’s a host of new updates to the Hidive interface rolling out for subscribers this week. Chief among these is the ability to download titles for offline viewing. This...

Anime has a unique way of portraying characters in all their diverse facets, from valiant heroes to cunning tricksters. Among these, there exists a niche group of characters who have a penchant for gambling. Whether it’s high-stakes card games or strategic wagers, these anime characters are drawn to the thrill of taking risks and testing their luck. Let’s delve deeper into the lives of some of the most famous anime characters who love to bet.

Usopp – One Piece

Usopp, known as the marksman among the Straw Hat Pirates in “One Piece,” might not fit the typical gambler mold. Still, his knack for weaving elaborate stories and embracing uncertainty secures his spot among these characters. Usopp’s exaggerated stories often involve bets and challenges that push the limits of believability, showcasing his fearless spirit and love for adventure. Whether facing off against opponents or navigating the treacherous seas, Usopp...

Crunchyroll is collaborating with Amazon to further distribute its popular anime subscription service.

According to a recent press release via Anime News Network, Crunchyroll is releasing its Fan and Mega Fan subscription tiers to Prime Video users in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Sweden. Of the three tiers that Crunchyroll offers, the Fan tier allows users to view their favorite anime with zero advertisements, with new simulcast episodes available as soon as they debut in Japan. The Mega Fan tier includes these perks, plus offline viewing and the ability to access at least four anime streams at once. Prime Video users in the U.S. gained access to Crunchyroll's subscription service on Oct. 14. Users in Canada, the UK and Sweden will get access to the service later this week.

Related: Crunchyroll Announces Production I.G/Studio Khara's Kaiji No. 8 Anime to Premiere in Spring 2024

Crunchyroll's partnership with...

As its name implies, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is truly bizarre and downright unique. The series is made up of multiple parts, each taking place in different settings and time periods while focusing on a brand-new main cast of characters. What they all have in common is that each part keeps viewers wondering what could possibly happen next, as each moment seems to be even more surprising and stylish than the last.

With no other series having quite the same impact as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, it may be difficult for fans to find an experience that evokes the same feelings for them. However, there are still various anime that were seemingly inspired by or resemble aspects of Jjba, which fans are likely to find just as captivating.

Fist of the North Star

Fist of the North Star follows Kenshirou as he embarks on a journey to rescue his fiancée, Yuria, who...

An understated factor of compelling characterization, the visual design of a character can be just as important as their personality or narrative development. Strong character design serves to make a hero recognizable and encompasses the nuances of their subtle quirks, traits, and ideals through visual aesthetics. A well-executed design speaks louder than words or actions, instantaneously telling the audience everything they need to know about a character, from their general affiliations to the most intricate aspects of their personality.

Most anime series like to stick to the basics when it comes to character design, rarely venturing out of the established norms. However, some series dare to break conventions and put extra effort into making their characters stand out through their design.

Related: 15 Anime With The Most Unique Art Styles

Kaiba

Director Masaaki Yuasa was never a fan of conventional art styles, constantly experimenting with visual identities and world-bending aesthetics in his work.

AMC’s streaming arm might be struggling these days, but its anime-dedicate platform Hidive is continuing to string together successes. In late April, the service announced that its exclusive series “Oshi no Ko” became its most-streamed title in history.

Hidive is back with the announcement of another first this week. The service has revealed that it will simulstream both English-subtitled and English-overdubbed versions of the show “The Eminence in Shadow” the same day they are released in Japan this fall. “The Eminence in Shadow” Season 2 will debut in October, and fans can watch all episodes of Season 1 on-demand on Hidive now.

7-Day Free Trial $4.99 / month hidive via amazon.com

As part of the announcement, Hidive released a new English-subbed trailer for ‘The Eminence in Shadow’ Season 2.

Watch the New Trailer for ‘The Eminence in Shadow’ Season 2:

In Season 2 of ‘The Eminence in Shadow,’ everything has been going according to plan,...

The summer 2023 anime season is packed with hotly anticipated shows created by many beloved animation studios. However, The Gene Of AI, made by legendary studio Madhouse, could quickly become the season's sleeper hit. The new anime takes the concepts that made Black Mirror successful and presents them through a different lens, engaging with modern technology and social media debates in a novel new way.

The show, called The Gene Of AI, is based on the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Kyūri Yamada. The manga is set in a near-future world where around 10% of the world's population are AI-powered "humanoids." While they're accepted as part of society, life isn't easy for them. Humanoids are vulnerable to unique illnesses and have to deal with many problems, including grappling with what it means to be an artificial lifeform surrounded by humanity.

Related: How This Summer 2023 Anime Flips the Script...

Fans of Japanese animation were thrilled to learn that AMC was starting its own streaming platform dedicated to the medium in 2017. That platform is Hidive, which offers hundreds of mainstream and niche anime titles for just $4.99 per month.

7-Day Free Trial $4.99 / month hidive via amazon.com

Despite the passion that many anime fans have for the genre, there’s never been a true sensation on the service in its five year history until now. “Oshi No Ko” is that sensation, as the show has shattered records for engagement on Hidive, according to an announcement from AMC.

The show has become the most-streamed series in the service’s history, just seven days after its series premiere on Wednesday, April 12 at the Anime Boston convention. Additionally, the new anime drama’s debut shattered all trial starts records for Hidive, delivering the most trials added in the streamer’s history.

”We’ve been anxiously...

If you’ve been craving more anime content, you’re in luck. AMC Networks’ anime-focused streaming service Hidive unveiled the full slate of simulcast series that will begin their premieres in April. In addition to previous announcements, the company revealed five shows that will round out its lineup of new and ongoing series for the upcoming season. These five titles are “Tokyo Mew Mew New” Season 2, “Too Cute Crisis,” “Otaku Elf,” “Insomniacs After School,” and “Alice Gear Aegis Expansion.”

7-Day Free Trial $4.99 / month hidive via amazon.com

“We’re thrilled to bring this exciting slate of new simulcast series to Hidive this spring,” Hidive president John Ledford said “From comedy and fantasy to drama and sci-fi, Hidive will be home to some of the best shōnen, shōjo and seinen anime premiering in Japan next season. Fans will not want to miss a minute of it.”

Joining these new additions to the season are the previously announced,...

Anime content has become increasingly popular among streamers over the past several years. Data from Parrot Analytics in January 2022 found that global demand for anime content grew 118% over the past two years, making it one of the fastest-growing content genres by that metric during the pandemic.

So it should be no surprise that AMC Networks’ anime-focused streaming service Hidive is looking to significantly up its content library. AMC has announced a deal with Japan’s Mainichi Broadcasting System (Mbs) to grant the exclusive rights to broadcast a portion of Mbs’s future schedule in all international markets outside of Asia. The output agreement includes Mbs’s slate of titles based on various hugely popular manga and light novels. The series will be simultaneously broadcast on Hidive upon their release in Japan.

7-Day Free Trial $4.99 / month hidive via amazon.com

“This is a truly historic agreement for Hidive and is the culmination of our partnership with Mbs,...

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Since its debut in September, Netflix’s South Korean survival drama Squid Game took the world by storm. It’s the streamer’s most watched show ever, and its castmembers have been showered with awards and critical acclaim, with Emmys in sight.

It’s hard to fathom, then, that writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk first had the idea for the series 14 years ago, based on his own economic struggles and the class disparity in South Korea, and was told it was “too unrealistic and too violent.” But despite the initial pushback and doubts, the show debuted at a time that mirrored a reality we face: The economic gap has been worsening and people were looking for thought-provoking yet entertaining content while stuck in their homes.

Hwang and star Lee Jung-jae, who plays Gi-hun in the series, talked to THR, through an interpreter, about how the...

Anime is extremely popular around the world. This type of visual entertainment has its own style and deepness. Anime might be just a cartoon, but it usually tackles diverse and complicated themes that relate not only to our daily life but also – serious philosophical questions. These cartoons can boast of impressive graphics and captivating characters who easily connect with the audience. Stories and themes depicted in anime series are never shown in any other cartoons. One of them is gambling. If you have never seen a gambling anime and have no idea where to start, check this list out. We have gathered the most captivating Japanese cartoons that bring this issue up and show it from the new light. Read on and immerse yourself in the most atmospheric and thrilling series ever!

Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

This anime is based on manga that was created in 1996. For years, it...

If you’re a fan of gambling and sports betting movies (like the ones depicted with sbobet), then you have to watch Kaiji.

Never heard of it? It’s a Japanese live-action film based on a manga (Japanese comics) of the same name. Written by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, it’s a top-rated series in its home country.

The film is a trilogy, with the original movie Kaiji (in the U.K., it’s titled Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler)released in October 2009. It stars Tatsuya Fujiwara in the lead role, a well-known Japanese actor who also starred in other anime adaptations such as Death Note and Battle Royale.

The producers of Kaiji released two other films in the series. They were Kaiji 2, released in 2011, and Kaiji: Final Game, in 2019. Both movies differ from the manga in terms of outcomes and choices made by Kaiji, but the settings and events remain roughly the same.

Any fan of manga or anime will know how they have taken on many forms and embraced a range of exciting and outlandish themes through the years.

However, arguably one of the biggest success stories to emerge from those areas in recent decades is Kaiji, a story that has intriguingly embraced gambling and gone on to become a major multimedia franchise.

A success in many forms

Gambling as a pastime has been popular for years and these days it is arguably bigger than ever. Sports betting and casino gaming have been given a new lease of life thanks to the internet, with many online sites now offering a range of different experiences under one roof. Genesis Casino is a good example of this trend, as the site has breathed new life into classic gambling pastimes such as roulette, blackjack and slot machines. While some may be digital forms of the games,...