Gambling Has Never Been So Sensual
One of the anime highlights of the summer season, Kakegurui brought with it a very a different kind of protagonist and outlook on the world of gambling anime. That being the delightfully sociopathic Yumeko Jabami, whose addiction to gambling takes a very dark concept and somehow subverts it into a shounen series without losing any of its intensity or tension.
Unlike something you would find in Kaiji, where the constant betting is shown to only lead to misery and even death, Kakegurui blends similarly dangerous situations such as a life of debt and complete dehumanisation, with a much-needed splash of fun. Granted, this is only accomplished thanks to our heroine being so crazy in the head yet so likeable that we can’t wait to see what gamble she’ll get into next.
So in celebration of Yumeko and all her adorable insanity, we are counting down what we believe to be the top five best moments from Kakegurui’s first season!
Fair warning, there are MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
#5: Kitty Yumeko
After willing throwing herself into debt, Yumeko is tossed to the bottom of the social hierarchy to the point she becomes regarded as a sub-human. Otherwise affectionately known as “livestock.” Does this bother her? Of course not! In fact when other students try to ridicule her, she plays up her new role to the point where she scares them away.
#4: Manyuda Gets Obliterated
A card game against the School Council’s financial genius appears to be going very badly for Yumeko and her ally Sumeragi, to the point where the stakes are in the billions. However, when Manyuda discovers he has been played all along, he takes losing so badly that he ends up comatose. He even pulls a Ken Kaneki as his hair turns deathly white.
#3: Revenge Is Sweet
The character of Kiwatari was detestable for the brief time he was on screen. He violently attacked Yumeko, threatened to rape her, and joined a gambling derby in the hope of pushing students further into debt. Too bad that all his fun comes undone when Yumeko manages to turn everyone against him, leading to him falling into astronomical debt himself. Perfect.
#2: True InsanityÂ
During her first confrontation with a member of the Student Council, we see what has to be the best example of Yumeko’s demonic persona. After calling out Nishinotoin for her cheating, she forces her into a gamble that would burden the loser with immense debt. Its in this moment she lets her inner psychosis and love of gambling run wild.
#1: One Last Gamble
Yumeko risks expulsion during a gamble with the Student Council Head, but oddly enough its her friend Ryouta that steals the show here. Giving into the gambling sensation, he manages to save her by ending the whole thing in a draw…while simultaneously arousing her at the same time.
10:33
