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OtapediaKakegurui

Background

First serialized in Square Enix’s Gangan Joker in 2014, Kakegurui (or Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler ) is a psychological mystery manga written by Kawamoto Homura and illustrated by Naomura Toru. It was an instant hit and went on to win 3rd place in the DaVinchi x NicoNico Tsugi Manga Awards in 2016.

The series is set in Hyakkaou Private Academy, an institute specifically developed for extremely wealthy students. The curriculum for this academy was developed around the idea that, with money and power, it’s not athletics or academics that you need, but the ability to read people and make deals. These skills are developed through classes centered around gambling. Students who are successful gamblers or donate significant sums to the school are treated like royalty, while those that fail or donate the least are treated like pets and called “pooch.”

Protagonist Jabami Yumeko throws a wrench in the school’s pre-existing hierarchy after she transfers into Hyakkaou Private Academy’s 2nd-year class. Her air of naivety instantly makes her cruel and powerful classmate Saotome Mary want to take advantage of her, so the pair plays a loaded game of rock-paper-scissors. As the “leader” of the class, Mary is able to manipulate the game with the assistance of the class’ “pooch,” the timid Suzui Ryota. Jabami reads her tricks with ease, going as far as to pin Suzui as Mary’s assistant, and wins the game. After winning she reveals herself to be a compulsive gambler who’s addicted to challenges and games.

Following her victory against Mary, Jabami continues to seek out increasingly challenging competitors, dangerous games, and higher stakes at the school.

Kakegurui

The anime adaptation of Kakegurui was announced back in February along with the reveal of the teaser visual and staff. This news was then followed by early cast reveals in March including Hayami Saori ( Anohana, Monogatari series, One-Punch Man ), Tanaka Minami ( Assassination Classroom, Schwarzesmarken, Wake Up, Girls! ), and Tokutake Tatsuya ( * Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation*, Orange ) as Jabami Yumeko, Saotome Mary, and Suzui Ryota respectively. The supporting cast also includes Sawashiro Miyuki, Ise Mariya, Udono Mayu, Sugita Tomokazu, Serizawa Yu, Fukuhara Ayaka, Nanami Karin, and Waki Yuki.

Hayashi Yuichiro ( Garo: Divine Flame, PES: Peace Eco Smile ) was chosen to lead the anime adaptation as director alongside Kobayashi Yuichiro ( Shakugan no Shana, Claymore, Attack on Titan ) as writer and Akita Manabu ( Bleach, Flowers of Evil, Fullmetal Alchemist ) as character designer. TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND ( Witch Craft Works ) worked on music in addition to Tia working on the opening theme (“Deal with devil”) and D-Selections on the ending theme (“LAYon-theLINE”). The series was animated by MAPPA, well-known for their work on Ushio and Tora, Yuri on Ice, and Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul.

The series will air on July 1, 2017, and include 12 episodes to air on Tokyo MX, MBS, BS11, RKB, and TVA.

Cast

  • Jabami Yumeko: Hayami Saori
  • Saotome Mary: Tanaka Minami
  • Suzui Ryota: Tokutake Tatsuya
  • Momobami Kirari: Sawashiro Miyuki
  • Ikishima Midari: Ise Mariya
  • Yomozuki Runa: Udono Mayu
  • Manyuda Kaede: Sugita Tomokazu
  • Yumemite Yumemi: Serizawa Yu
  • Igarashi Sayaka: Fukuhara Ayaka
  • Nishinotoin Yuriko: Nanami Karin
  • Sumeragi Itsuki: Wakai Yuki

Staff

  • Original Work: Kawamoto Homura (writer), Naomura Toru (illustrator)
  • Director: Hayashi Yuichiro
  • Writer: Kobayashi Yasuko
  • Character Design: Akita Manabu
  • Music: TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND
  • Opening Theme: Tia
  • Ending Theme: D-Selections
  • Studio: MAPPA

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