archytele The Vault

Kaiji 2007

★ 8.1/10 · 103 votes TV-MA AnimationDramaCrime 2 seasons · 52 eps Ended
Where to watch: Crunchyroll Amazon ChannelHidive Amazon ChannelAmazon Video
Quick answer

What is Kaiji?

Kaiji is a television series centered on the life of Kaiji Itou, a man who spends his time loitering, drinking beer, and stealing hubcaps. His situation changes drastically after he is tricked by a former co-worker.

Type
TV series
Year
2007
Status
Ended
Episodes
52
Runtime
23 minutes
First aired
Oct 3, 2007
Last aired
Oct 10, 2011
Original language
JA
Origin
JP
Networks
Nippon TV
Genres
Animation, Drama, Crime
Updated
Availability by region

Where to watch

Stream

Crunchyroll Amazon ChannelHidive Amazon Channel

Buy

Amazon Video
Check current availability ↗

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 52 episodes and an average 23-minute runtime.

Trailer

No official trailer is available for this title yet.

Find the trailer on YouTube ↗

Overview

Kaiji is a television series centered on the life of Kaiji Itou, a man who spends his time loitering, drinking beer, and stealing hubcaps. His situation changes drastically after he is tricked by a former co-worker. Because he is unable to repay the massive debt left behind by his associate, Kaiji finds himself in a precarious financial position. To resolve this burden, he accepts a shady offer to participate in an illegal underground gambling operation held on a cruise ship. This event marks the beginning of a dangerous new chapter in his life. Once involved in these games, Kaiji is forced into a series of life-threatening situations characterized by intense mind games, constant deceit, and cheating. The narrative follows his struggle as he navigates this treacherous environment, where the stakes are high and his survival is frequently at risk. The series explores the consequences of his choices as he is thrust into a relentless cycle of gambling and high-pressure conflict.

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“A desperate man enters a dangerous underground gambling world to repay an overwhelming debt.”

Reasons to watch
  • intense mind games
  • compelling strategic conflicts
  • high-stakes narrative
Keep in mind
  • depicts extreme desperation
  • features intense psychological stress

Watch it if you enjoy high-stakes psychological thrillers focused on strategy and survival.

The series contains themes of gambling addiction, debt, and intense psychological pressure.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Kaiji — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Kaiji worth watching?

Cast

Episode guide

Season 1 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 26 episodes

Frequently asked questions

What is the main premise of the show?

The story follows Kaiji Itou, who participates in illegal underground gambling to pay off a massive debt.

Is the series based on a manga?

Yes, the series is based on the manga titled Kaiji.

What kind of challenges does Kaiji face?

He faces life-threatening mind games, cheating, and deceit in various gambling scenarios.

When did the series first air?

The television series began airing in 2007.

What is the tone of the show?

The show features a tense and cynical tone as the protagonist navigates a life of hell.