The Great Kaiji Exhibition: A Retrospective on Adversity (April 5th – May 11th)
Nobuyuki Fukumoto’s manga series "Kaiji," which commenced serialization in "Weekly Young Magazine" back in 1996, stands as a significant work in the gambling manga genre. It chronicles the journey of its protagonist, Kaiji Ito, who, burdened by substantial debt, engages in high-stakes gambles where life itself is often on the line. This event, titled "Retrospective of Adversity: The Great Kaiji Exhibition," offers a comprehensive look back at the numerous trials and tribulations depicted throughout the "Kaiji" series. Attendees will have the opportunity to view a collection of original drawings, some of which have never been publicly displayed before, alongside representations of famous scenes from the manga. This exhibition represents the most extensive collection of "Kaiji" materials assembled to date.
Steel Beam Crossing Exhibit Photo
■ Immersive Recreations and Photo Opportunities
The exhibition features several engaging photo spots designed to immerse visitors in the world of "Kaiji." Iconic scenarios such as the perilous "Steel Beam Crossing" and the humiliating "Burning Prostration" are recreated. Additionally, visitors can experience the "Loser’s Room," the confined space within the Espoir ship where participants branded as losers in Restricted Rock-Paper-Scissors were held. Other recreations include "17 Steps," which captures Kaiji’s decisive winning tile on the mahjong table, the poignant "Love is More Important than a Sword," and the tense "Friendship Confirmation Game." A highlight is the full-scale replica of "The Bog," the notorious pachinko machine from the Teiai Group’s underground casino, the creation of which was made possible through a successful crowdfunding campaign. These exhibits collectively offer a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the "Kaiji" series firsthand.
17 Steps Mahjong Exhibit Photo
■ Venue-Exclusive Newly Recorded Voices
Enhancing the immersive experience, the exhibition will feature newly recorded audio content exclusive to the venue, performed by the distinguished voice cast from the anime adaptation. This includes Masato Hagiwara reprising his role as Kaiji, Tomoyuki Morikawa as the formidable Yukio Tonegawa, and Fumihiko Tachiki as the Narrator. Visitors will be greeted by a welcome voice message, hear Tonegawa’s memorable speech delivered aboard the Espoir, and listen to narration introducing the various gambles depicted at each photo spot. A particularly notable inclusion is an audio rendition of the climactic scene from the "Tobaku Datenroku Kaiji: 17 Steps" arc—an episode not yet adapted into anime—where Kaiji dramatically declares "Ron" eleven consecutive times. Furthermore, the full-scale "The Bog" photo spot will feature a special presentation combining Kaiji’s lines, narration, and music, bringing the high-stakes pachinko battle to life.
(C)Nobuyuki Fukumoto/Kodansha
Exhibition Details
- Period: April 5th (Saturday) – May 11th (Sunday), 2025. Open every day during the exhibition period.
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 13:00 – 18:00
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
- Special Hours (April 28th – May 2nd): 10:00 – 18:00
- Last entry is permitted 30 minutes before closing time.
- Venue: Osaka Nanko ATC Gallery (ITM Building 2F, 2-1-10 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka City)
- Admission Fee:
- General: 2,000 yen (Advance/Group: 1,800 yen)
- High School/University Students: 1,500 yen (Advance/Group: 1,300 yen)
- Elementary/Junior High School Students: 500 yen (Advance/Group: 300 yen)
- Preschoolers are admitted free of charge.
- Advance Tickets: Available for purchase until April 4th (Friday) at 23:59. Advance rates also apply to groups.
- Contact: 050-1724-468 (The Great Kaiji Exhibition Osaka Venue Office)
- WEB/SNS: Official Exhibition Website
What is Kaiji?
"Kaiji" is a Japanese manga and anime series by Nobuyuki Fukumoto. It follows Kaiji Itou, a gambler caught in high-stakes games that test his survival skills. The series delves into themes of risk and human nature through its engaging narrative and well-developed characters.
Kaiji’s story begins when he is forced into gambling events to clear a large debt. These games often have severe consequences, challenging Kaiji’s mental and emotional resilience. The series is known for its complex game designs, which demand both strategy and psychological insight.
The artwork in Kaiji is notable for its unique style, enhancing the story’s tension. Fukumoto’s storytelling combines suspense and unpredictability, offering a compelling look at human behavior under pressure.
The Great Kaiji Exhibition in Osaka celebrates the series, featuring original artwork and interactive displays. Fans can engage with the series’ themes through strategic games inspired by Kaiji. Whether familiar with the series or new to it, the exhibition offers an engaging experience in the world of manga and anime.
