Hyakkaou Private Academy, the prestigious and peculiar setting of Kakegurui, is home to a group of wealthy students whose lives are dictated by the high-stakes world of gambling. The series, based on the manga by Homura Kawamoto and Toru Naomura, dives deep into the psychological drama that unfolds as students gamble their fortunes, their social status, and their futures. Below is a list of seven of the most captivating characters from this intense anime that has captured the imagination of viewers worldwide.
Kakegurui: A Glimpse into an Elite, High-Stakes Academy
Kakegurui, first aired in 2017, is set at Hyakkaou Private Academy, a school where the wealthiest students compete in elaborate gambling matches. The outcomes of these games determine the students’ status: winners gain power and prestige, while losers fall into servitude. This unique premise drives the drama and intrigue that makes Kakegurui so compelling.
The anime follows Yumeko Jabami, a transfer student with a fearless love for gambling, who quickly catches the attention of the school’s Student Council, particularly its enigmatic president, Kirari Momobami. Through her journey, viewers are introduced to a cast of diverse and complex characters who each embody different aspects of the school’s cutthroat, gambling-centric environment.
1. Mary Saotome
Mary Saotome, initially introduced as an arrogant and sadistic second-year student, undergoes significant character development over the course of the series. With her blonde hair styled into two ponytails and an unmistakably cruel demeanor, Mary is initially portrayed as a bully, exploiting her victories to treat her peers, particularly Ryouta Suzui, as mere servants. However, after a pivotal defeat at the hands of Yumeko, Mary’s character softens. Though she regains her gambling prowess, she no longer exhibits the same ruthless arrogance, instead grappling with her identity and emotions.
2. Yumeko Jabami
As the central protagonist, Yumeko Jabami stands out as a charismatic and unpredictable figure in Kakegurui. With her striking black hair, pink lips, and distinctive personality, Yumeko is both charming and intense, drawing attention with her unconventional approach to gambling. While she’s cheerful and sociable, Yumeko’s deep love for high-stakes gambling leads her to take risks that often leave her in precarious situations. Despite the frequent chaos she instigates, Yumeko’s intelligence and adaptability make her a compelling character who challenges the norms of the academy.
3. Kirari Momobami
The main antagonist of Kakegurui, Kirari Momobami, is a calculating and manipulative figure whose wealth and status as the 105th Student Council President grants her immense power over the school. With her cold, almost psychopathic personality and striking appearance—gray hair, blue eyes, and a composed demeanor—Kirari commands respect and fear. Behind her poised exterior lies a ruthless, ambitious woman willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain control. Kirari’s complex relationship with Yumeko adds another layer of intrigue, as the two engage in a psychological battle for dominance.
4. Ririka Momobami
Ririka Momobami, the Vice President of the Student Council, is a character shrouded in mystery, primarily due to the white mask she wears to conceal her face. As a member of the powerful Momobami family, Ririka’s quiet, reserved personality contrasts sharply with her more aggressive and dominant relatives. Despite her shy nature, she is an adept gambler, and her subtle yet strategic actions reveal her depth and complexity. Her bond with Kirari, marked by both rivalry and mutual care, adds richness to her character arc.
5. Ryouta Suzui
Ryouta Suzui is another pivotal character whose trajectory intertwines with Yumeko’s. Initially a low-ranking student, Ryouta finds himself in debt to Mary Saotome but is later saved by Yumeko, who becomes his first true friend at Hyakkaou. Though he lacks the same gambling prowess as many of his peers, Ryouta is intelligent and observant, often acting as a grounding influence within the series. His growth throughout the story reflects his transition from a timid, insecure student to a more confident and self-assured individual, largely thanks to Yumeko’s friendship.
6. Midari Ikishima
Midari Ikishima, a former member of the Student Council and the President of the Beautification Council, is one of the more eccentric and disturbing characters in Kakegurui. With her unhinged behavior and reckless gambling style, Midari is a character defined by her obsession with risk. Her appearance—marked by purple-black hair and bandages over her arms and eye—mirrors her chaotic personality. Midari’s intelligence in manipulating the gambling environment makes her a formidable opponent, but her disregard for personal safety and well-being sets her apart from the more calculated players at the academy.
7. Itsuki Sumeragi
Itsuki Sumeragi, a first-year student with a complex background, brings a unique perspective to Kakegurui. As the son of a wealthy game company founder, Itsuki uses both his gambling skills and his family wealth to navigate the cutthroat academy environment. Despite his charming outward appearance, Itsuki’s true nature is manipulative and sadistic. He becomes involved with Yumeko Jabami in a twisted game of psychological warfare, revealing his dark side. His interactions with other characters, particularly Kaede Manyuda, showcase his internal struggle between power and genuine connection.
These seven characters represent just a glimpse of the intricate and layered personalities that populate the world of Kakegurui. Each one plays a crucial role in shaping the story’s high-stakes drama, and their complex motivations and evolving relationships continue to captivate audiences. Whether it’s the charming, risk-loving Yumeko or the calculating, power-hungry Kirari, Kakegurui’s characters are integral to its appeal, making the anime an unforgettable psychological thriller.
Related Topics
Top 10 Legendary Pokémon Cameos in the Pokémon Anime, Ranked
10 Strongest Shonen Anime Characters Kyojuro Rengoku Can Defeat
Top 10 Legendary Pokémon Cameos in the Pokémon Anime, Ranked