“Desperate gambler Nangou bets his life on mahjong; runaway Akagi takes over and becomes a legendary gambler.”
Akagi
闘牌伝説アカギ 闇に舞い降りた天才
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Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
Desperate gambler Nangou bets his life on mahjong; runaway Akagi takes over and becomes a legendary gambler.
While mahjong is a game that is often played with family and friends, it is also a game that is played in the darkest corners of society. Nangou is a compulsive gambler who has accumulated debt over three million yen. In a last ditch attempt to clear his record, he decides to wager his life on a game of mahjong with the mafia. Unfortunately, as the game progresses, Nangou only moves further from the prize and closer to death. When all hope seems lost, the game parlor is suddenly intruded upon by Shigeru Akagi, a young boy on the run from the police. Desperate to turn the game around, Nangou hands the game over to Akagi after teaching him a few of the rules. The mafia can only smirk as Akagi sits down to play. However, they soon come to learn that Akagi is a natural-born gambler. An imposing figure who does not fear death. One who is destined to become a legend.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 40 sampled reviews
What 40 viewers settled on.
Mostly aligned
σ 1.61 · some divergence
4.5 pts
Recommenders 8.5 · others 4.0
↓ 2.18
Running avg · Sep 2007 → Jul 2025
- 7 “If u don't know how to play mahjong's game it get a little difficult to follow it. I don't know how to play this board game. (I thought that in this game u must find the two alike, never-mind me...”
- 9 “The story flows naturally as new events unfold, and while the art style took some getting used to, it ultimately became great. Characters remain consistent to their established paths throughout the...”
- 8 “The animation looks odd at first, but it is yet another example of hidden gems. Definetely, this anime has some incredible insights on the minds of players at all kinds of games. Nevertheless, I...”
Watch Order & Related
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Cast
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See all credits →Production slate
- Format 26 × 23′ eps × min
- Total runtime 9h 58m all episodes
- Aired Oct 2005 – Mar 2006 Fall 2005
- Source Tv media type
- Rated R 17+ (violence & profanity)
- Ref. BS-0616 catalog
Produced by
- VAP Producer
- Nippon Television Network Producer
- Arts Pro Producer