KAIJI. Photo courtesy of NTV. © Nobuyuki Fukumoto, Kodansha /2009
Japan and gambling have a love-hate relationship which is why it is not strictly regulated in the country, though it remains a taboo topic. There is a thin line between what is considered legal and illegal when it comes to gambling in Japan though, with recent developments, most online gambling, horse races, some auto races, and pachinko are all legal with some casino-integrated resorts that will are scheduled to open. For the moment, there are some gambling games that are frequently played on Japanese casino sites, and you can browse sites such as Japan-101 to learn more about the best online casinos available.
Since the casino industry is marred with contention, it provides a great opportunity for film directors and producers to capitalise on stories around it that have adventure, mystery, controversy, and adrenaline. Movies are so exciting that they may inspire some people to start gambling through online casinos, which are a better option than physical casinos since they are not regulated by the government. Some of the best Japanese gambling films are shared below.
Legendary Gambler Tetsuya
Based on a movie series from the early 2000s, this movie revolves around the title character, Tetsuya, who defeats opponents and gains plenty of money during a time when many Japanese were struggling in the wake of the war. Little did he know that he would go head-to-head with another talent, named Boushu-san, who defeats Tetsuya. Shocked by the unexpected loss that exposed how little he knew about gambling, he dedicates his life to getting back to the top. This is a great movie because of its insight into the Japanese gambling world.
Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler
Known as Eiga: Kakegurui in Japan and Compulsive Gambler in the West, this live-action movie is based on a 2017 anime series that goes by the same name. It was released in 2019, directed by Tsutomu Hanabusa. The story revolves around the Hyakaou Academy where students are graded based on their proficiency at gambling i.e. the more winnings you earn through gambling, the more you are credited. Yumeko, the protagonist, is a gorgeous and talented gambler who is thrust into the world. Eventually, his gifts get him into conflict with others. The premise of the school is that those students who do not perform become subservient to their peers which is why the introduction of Yumeko turns the school upside down.
Pale Flower
One of the oldest and best Japanese gambling movies is Pale Flower. It is based on the novel written by Shintara Ishihara. The story revolves around a Yakuza, Muraki, an ex-con recently released from prison who goes to an illegal gambling parlour. At the parlour, he meets a mysterious woman, Saeko, whom he joins to venture into the underground world of Japan. They are thrown into a world of adventure and danger that makes his life more difficult. The thrill, adventure, and twists into the world of gambling make this a worthy movie to watch.
Kaiji
Adapted from a manga in 2009, Kaiji, is originally known as Gambling Apocalypse. This is the first part of a trilogy. Kaiji is a postgraduate without a job plus the frustrations of debt, which lead shim to drink, vandalizing cars, and who would have guessed it, gambling. Drowning in his troubles, a debt collector approaches him offering him two solutions to choose from, either Kaiji pays his debt over 10 years or has one night of gambling where he can win all and more. The second option is plagued with the danger that he is unaware of. Adventure, mystery, and thrill are what you will enjoy watching this movie.
Kaiji 2 and Kaiji: Final Game
These two are the sequels to the first Kaiji movie. Kaiji 2 was released in 2011, with Kaiji, back in debt again, of 200 million yen. He has to play a game of pachinko, in the hopes of clearing his debt but he is unaware the game is remotely controlled and never pays the jackpot which leads to more problems. In the final installment, Kaiji; Final Game, Kaiji faces four crucial casino games; Gold Janken, Dream Jump, Saigo no Shinpan, and Babel no Tou. The danger and mystery with the many Japanese games make this a great watch.
Conclusion
The most popular Japanese gambling movies will give you insight into the games Japanese love coupled with some of the realities faced by gamblers. The human aspect to all these makes them relatable and worth a watch or two.