1. Introduction
Kakegurui is a unique anime set in a high school where gambling dictates the social hierarchy. The students’ status is not determined by academics or athletics, but rather by how well they fare in high-stakes gambling.
This eccentric premise has captivated fans worldwide. With multiple seasons and spin-offs, understanding the correct viewing order is crucial for fully appreciating the story.
In this guide, we’ll walk beginners through the recommended viewing sequence of the Kakegurui anime series.
2. Overview of the Kakegurui Series
Kakegurui began its manga serialization in 2014, and its popularity led to an anime adaptation. The series consists of:
- Kakegurui (Season 1): Aired in 2017, with 12 episodes.
- Kakegurui×× (Season 2): Aired in 2019, also 12 episodes.
- Kakegurui Twin (Spin-off): Released on Netflix in 2022, it is a prequel to the main series, focusing on events before the arrival of the main character, Yumeko Jabami.
In addition to these, there are other spin-offs like Kakegurui Midari and Kakegurui (Kari), which expand on the characters’ backstories and add humor to the otherwise intense plot．
3. Recommended Viewing Order
Watch in the order of broadcast:
- Kakegurui (Season 1)
- This is where Yumeko Jabami enters Hyakkaou Academy and challenges the hierarchy through gambling. Watching this first is essential for understanding the Kakegurui world.
- Kakegurui×× (Season 2)
- The second season escalates the gambling stakes with the introduction of the student council election arc. It builds on the characters and the dynamics introduced in Season 1.
- Kakegurui Twin (Spin-off)
- Although it is a prequel, it’s best watched after the main series, as it provides valuable context and character development for Mary Saotome, who becomes a central figure in the series.
4. Detailed Season Highlights and Key Points
Kakegurui (Season 1)
Overview
The story begins at Hyakkaou Private Academy, a school governed by high-stakes gambling. The protagonist, Yumeko Jabami, transfers to this school, where winning means power and losing results in being treated as a “house pet.”
Unlike most students, Yumeko is not driven by the desire for money or status but by her thrill for high-risk gambles.
As she faces off against various opponents, the intensity of her battles escalates.
Key Points
The first season introduces us to the psychological mind games and manipulation that define the series.
Yumeko’s unmatched charisma and love for risk become evident as she unravels the schemes of those trying to deceive her.
A standout episode is her match against Yuriko Nishinotouin, a student council member, where Yumeko outwits a rigged game by anticipating the cheating involved.
This combination of tension, strategy, and emotional stakes keeps viewers hooked.
Kakegurui×× (Season 2)
Overview
In Season 2, the stakes get higher with the introduction of the student council election, a school-wide battle that will determine the academy’s new ruling class.
Every student has a vote, and they must gamble to win as many votes as possible.
Kirari Momobami, the current student council president, orchestrates this chaos, and Yumeko finds herself drawn into the election’s dangerous games.
Key Points
This season amplifies the drama by introducing more characters, each with unique gambling abilities.
The election battle showcases not only the intellectual combat between the students but also the emotional weight behind each gamble.
Yumeko’s increasingly risky behavior raises questions about her motives, and Mary Saotome undergoes significant character development, gaining depth and a stronger sense of agency.
Her character arc is central to the second season, particularly in her rivalry and cooperation with Yumeko.
Kakegurui Twin (Spin-off)
Overview
A prequel to the main series, Kakegurui Twin follows Mary Saotome before Yumeko’s arrival at Hyakkaou Academy.
It tells the story of how Mary rises through the school’s gambling ranks and carves out a place for herself in the academy’s cutthroat environment.
Key Points
Kakegurui Twin offers fans a deeper look into Mary’s character, showing her struggles and ambitions before becoming the confident gambler we meet in the main series.
The spin-off fleshes out her backstory, providing insight into why she acts as she does in later seasons.
The emotional depth and strategic thinking she displays here make this a compelling watch for those who enjoyed her character in the main series.
5. Fun Facts and Trivia
- Production and Animation: Produced by studio MAPPA, Kakegurui is visually striking, with dynamic shots that heighten the tension of each gamble. The vivid color schemes and exaggerated expressions help convey the high emotional stakes of each game, making the series as visually thrilling as it is narratively engaging.
- Voice Acting: The voice acting in Kakegurui is top-notch, particularly Saori Hayami as Yumeko Jabami, who masterfully captures the character’s mix of calm rationality and underlying madness. Miyuki Sawashiro as Kirari Momobami and Minami Tanaka as Mary Saotome also deliver standout performances that bring their characters to life.
6. Spin-offs and Related Works
In addition to the main anime series, Kakegurui has several spin-offs that offer further insights into the world and characters.
Kakegurui Midari centers on Midari Ikishima, one of the more unpredictable characters, while Kakegurui (Kari) presents a more humorous take on the series’ high-tension gambling scenarios.
Additionally, Kakegurui has been adapted into a live-action drama and film, which offer a new interpretation of the source material．
7. Where to Watch Kakegurui
Kakegurui is available on various streaming platforms, with Netflix being the primary source for all seasons and the spin-off Kakegurui Twin.
International viewers can also find the series on Crunchyroll and Funimation, making it easily accessible to a global audience.
These platforms offer both subtitled and dubbed versions, catering to different viewing preferences．
8. Conclusion
Kakegurui is much more than just a gambling anime—it’s a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the minds of its characters, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and the thrill of risk.
By following the recommended viewing order, you’ll be able to appreciate the characters’ growth and the complexity of the storylines.
After watching the main series, don’t forget to check out the spin-offs and live-action adaptations for a fuller experience of the Kakegurui universe.
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