Kaiji's Tragedy

Apr 20, 9:25 AM

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Jun 2023

Ending of season 1 and season 2 echoes Kaiji's bleak future

As the name “Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor” suggests, the first season depicted Kaiji’s extraordinary aptitude for gambling and his journey towards “freedom” from debt. Through gambling, Kaiji hopes to clear his debt and start a fresh life. However, towards the end, antagonists like Hyodo and Endo observe a subtle shift in Kaiji's motivation and predict his grim fate.
In the first season, while foreshadowing Kaiji’s gambling addiction, Hyodo claims that the pure form of pleasure is attained only through extraordinary circumstances. He further points out that Kaiji has escaped every life-death situation that has made him feel extreme emotions like agony and "supreme bliss". Hydo is confident that these events will further shape the course of his life and Kaiji will intentionally indulge in similar thrilling seeking experiences. He finally predicts that even if Kaiji wins 100 million, he will gamble with it to experience a similar thrill. Even though Kaiji challenges his insight, Hyodo's predictions begin to shape the events of season 2.

Throughout the anime, Kaiji's kindness and ability to remain empathic shine above every adverse circumstance, especially during the climax of the second season when Ichijou loses and is about to get punished.
Kaiji is filled with respect for Ichijou and wishes him well. This entire scene baffles Endou as he understands Ichijou's sense of superiority and cruelty towards Kaiji. Another instance that sheds light upon Kaiji's generosity is when he equally divides the money between them. Endou feels disappointed as he learns about Kaiji’s inability to understand the true nature of society and further predicts that Kaiji will get cheated over and over again. Eventually, Endou acts upon his prediction and leaves.

Unlike the other characters, Kaiji does not find money as his primary motivator for gambling. Defeating his opponents and the thrilling experience of gambling is the ultimate reward and the source of validation. Despite winning, kaiji eventually gets cheated. Kaiji’s lack of insight and inability to see through himself paints him as an ultimate tragic character.

Apr 20, 12:17 PM

kratos960203

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May 2019

259

it's a running gag in this series don't mind it

Apr 20, 3:55 PM

SKILIFT26

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Aug 2019

298

kratos960203 said:
it's a running gag in this series don't mind it

bruh what ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Apr 20, 6:43 PM

bboy_OatsnRice

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Sep 2022

338

Knock him down all you want, but he will always rise back up no matter what. His unwavering resolve and determination in the face of constant negative situations is something that those with weak constitutions would never even attempt to overcome, is a trait more people should aspire to hone. However in Kaiji's case this is a double edged sword because some of this resolve stems from his gambling addiction which is what ultimately sends him back to step one. Learn from Kaiji's few but profound shortcomings, and master the ability to fight your fears and not to fear your fights.

I'm the sonny boy (￣y▽,￣)╭

Apr 20, 9:13 PM

Loveinsanithy

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Jun 2023

Reply to bboy_OatsnRice

@bboy_OatsnRice That's a great insight

Apr 20, 9:17 PM

Loveinsanithy

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Jun 2023

Reply to kratos960203

it's a running gag in this series don't mind it

@kratos960203 Lol

Apr 20, 9:20 PM

kratos960203

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May 2019

259

SKILIFT26 said:

kratos960203 said:
it's a running gag in this series don't mind it

bruh what ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

my boy still fighting for money in this series if I am not wrong. it's been so long since I checked this series.

Apr 20, 9:20 PM

bboy_OatsnRice

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Sep 2022

338

Loveinsanithy said:
@bboy_OatsnRice That's a great insight

Thank you, as was your write up! (´・ω・｀)/

I'm the sonny boy (￣y▽,￣)╭

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Kaiji's Tragedy

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