Are you tired of watching the same old anime that only offers light entertainment? If you want to stimulate your mind and delve deeper into complex and thought-provoking storylines, check out these top 5 unpopular but compelling anime series.
1. Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai (2005)
Nangou is a gambler who has racked up over three million yen in debt. He decides to risk his life in a game of mahjong against the mafia to pay off his debt. However, in the midst of despair and on the brink of death, he passes the game onto a youth who suddenly appears. The youth is Shigeru Akagi, a fugitive from the police. With no other choice, he continues the game. Initially underestimated by the mafia, he surprises everyone with his true gambling skills and ability to overcome any surprise at the mahjong table.
2. Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou (2005)
For centuries, the Iga and Kouga ninja clans have engaged in a fierce war. However, heirs from both clans fall in love and decide to marry in hopes of bringing peace between the two sides. Unfortunately, the conflict erupts again when two shogun grandsons claim themselves as the rightful heirs. To resolve the conflict, the Iga and Kouga clans are ordered to send their top 10 warriors to fight in a bloody battle.
3. Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007)
After one of his co-workers fails to repay his debt, Kaiji Itou is pressured by a loan shark to pay off the debt. With no money and no promising future prospects, he succumbs to the temptation of gambling on the Espoir cruise ship, a place of illegal gambling with a grand prize. However, Kaiji’s gambling quickly turns into a game of strategy and betrayal. In order to continue living and gain a substantial amount of money, he must strategize and choose allies carefully.
4. Joker Game (2016)
As an effort to face the nearing World War II, the Japanese government forms a spy organization called D Agency. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki, the organization assigns eight agents to infiltrate several of the strongest countries. In order to perform these dangerous tasks, they train their bodies to survive in extreme conditions and learn foreign languages. However, their greatest strength lies in their ability to manipulate people to obtain useful information for their country.
5. Kakegurui (2017)
Unlike most other schools, Hyakkaou Private Academy educates its students to survive in the harsh real world. During the day, the academy provides typical lessons. However, the academy turns into a gambling den at night. As a new student at Hyakkaou Private Academy, where money is power, Yumeko Jabami is ready to try out the school’s special curriculum. She may seem naive, but she’s crazy enough to gamble not for the sake of winning, but for pleasure.
These heavy-themed anime series may require some serious brainpower, but they are still a top choice for some fans. If you haven’t tried watching an anime like this before, give these series a chance and stimulate your mind with their intense storytelling.
