The original Kaiji manga series, written and illustrated by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, was first published in 1996, marking the debut of the franchise.
The anime adaptation of Kaiji, titled 'Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor,' was first aired in Japan, introducing the story to a wider audience beyond manga readers.
The second season of the Kaiji anime, 'Against All Rules,' aired in Japan, continuing the story and expanding the fan base.
A live-action film adaptation of the Kaiji manga was released, bringing the story from animation and print to cinema screens.
Kaiji Itou loses his job and falls into deep debt, setting the stage for his involvement in underground gambling.
Kaiji receives an invitation to participate in the gambling ship Espoir to clear his debts.
Kaiji participates in the first game on Espoir, a harmful variation of Rock-Paper-Scissors, escaping death but accumulating further debts.
Kaiji competes in the balloon-popping bowling game to gather points and survive on the ship.
Kaiji faces the formidable opponent Endou in the final gambling match aboard Espoir.
Kaiji manages to escape the Espoir ship with a large sum of money after winning the final game.
After Espoir, Kaiji attempts to reclaim money from other indebted gamblers to improve his financial status.
Kaiji undergoes the Bog Game, gambling underground with high stakes involving unknown enemies.
Kaiji contends with even greater risks in the revived Bog Game with his life on the line.
