Discover the 2000s Anime That Inspired Squid Game

In a surprising revelation during an interview, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of the Netflix sensation Squid Game, unveiled that the critically acclaimed series drew significant inspiration from a 2000s anime. Contrary to popular belief, which often links the show to real-life events, the underlying influences are rooted in the world of anime.

Since its debut, Squid Game has captured global attention, attracting millions of viewers with its gripping narrative and intense scenarios. This newfound insight into its anime origins offers a fascinating perspective on the creative process behind the series.

Which Anime Served as Inspiration for Squid Game?

The anime that notably influenced Squid Game is Kaiji – Against All Rules, released in 2007. Created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, who is also renowned for other works like Made In Abyss, Kaiji played a key role in shaping the thematic elements of Squid Game. In a 2021 interview, Hwang acknowledged the impact of various mangas, particularly Kaiji, as well as Battle Royale and Liar Game.

Reflecting on his creative journey, Hwang explained that he empathized with the players in these narratives, pondering how he would react if faced with such dire circumstances. However, he found the elaborate games in Kaiji to be overly intricate, prompting his decision to incorporate simpler children’s games, which ultimately contributed to the unsettling atmosphere of Squid Game.

Exploring the Similarities: Kaiji and Squid Game

Both Kaiji and Squid Game share fundamental thematic elements, particularly through their protagonists. The 1996 manga Kaiji features a high school student grappling with a gambling addiction, much like Seong Gi-hun, the main character of Squid Game. In each story, the characters face threats from loan sharks, leading them to enter perilous games with life-or-death stakes. Winning could potentially alleviate their debts, while losing comes with fatal consequences.

Tweet Loading…

Notably, both series depict graphic and harrowing deaths of characters who lose their games. Kaiji is famous for its inventively gruesome death scenarios, stirring intense emotional responses in its audience. Similarly, Squid Game has garnered attention for its disturbing visuals associated with player eliminations, maintaining a comparable level of shock value.

Moreover, another anime titled Tomodachi Game offers an intriguing parallel. Though it was released after Kaiji, its story aligns closely with the players’ experiences in Squid Game; however, it is less graphic and does not impose death as a definitive consequence. Released in 2022, Tomodachi Game is recognized as one of the better mystery anime of its year and deserves viewer attention.

What Is Kaiji – Against All Rules About?

Kaiji, based on the manga by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, has been serialized since February 1996 in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine. The plot centers around Itou Kaiji, a socially alienated individual struggling with a debilitating gambling addiction. When he is entangled in a debt due to a friend’s failure to pay, Kaiji is compelled to participate in lethal gambling games that promise substantial monetary rewards but threaten his life.

The anime intricately weaves a variety of games, from simple rock-paper-scissors to more convoluted challenges, with each loss resulting in gruesome repercussions.

Overview of Squid Game

Squid Game is a South Korean survival drama directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk. Premiering on Netflix on September 17, 2021, the nine-episode series quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It features a talented ensemble, including Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, O Yeong-su, Wi Ha-joon, Ho Seong-tae, Kim Joo-ryung, Jung Ho-yeon, and Anupam Tripathi. Notably, it became the first Korean series to reach the No. 1 spot in the U.S. streaming charts.

The storyline revolves around 456 contestants who are in dire financial straits, competing in a series of ominous games derived from children’s play to win a life-changing prize of 45.6 billion KRW. The series has garnered critical acclaim for its potent commentary on class disparity, violence, and the dark undertones of human nature.

Source & Images