Joker Game Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary: Special Messages and Events Shared for the Cult Espionage Series
Premiering on April 5, 2016, and standing out in the anime world with its mature, serious espionage narrative, Joker Game celebrates its 10th anniversary today. To mark this special milestone, the series' official website has published congratulatory messages from key figures such as original author Koji Yanagi, director Kazuya Nomura, and legendary voice actor Kenyu Horiuchi. Additionally, new illustrations created by character designers Shirow Miwa and Toshiyuki Yahagi have been unveiled for fans to enjoy.
Brought to life by Production I.G studio, Joker Game is set in 1937, on the brink of World War II. The secret spy training center known as D-Agency, founded by Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki, operated on the principle of "Don't kill, don't die, don't get captured," challenging the military dogmas of the era. The series garnered attention not only for its action but also for its intellectual games and historical depth; adapted from Koji Yanagi's novel series, which won the 62nd Mystery Writers of Japan Award, it quickly became a cult classic.
Director Kazuya Nomura shared an interesting memory in his 10th-anniversary message: "Initially, we imagined this as a production that would appeal to adults who return home exhausted from work and don't usually watch anime. However, the tremendous response from young fans truly surprised us." Kenyu Horiuchi, who brought Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki to life, spoke about the character's charisma and the "human appeal" of the spies, stating that taking on this role was a great honor for him. Screenwriter Taku Kishimoto expressed that Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki's motto of "Don't get captured" has served as a guide in his own career over the last decade.
The celebrations are not limited to messages. Starting April 5, 2026, a special 10th-anniversary fair will be held at the I.G STORE, offering exclusive collectible cards to fans. Furthermore, an online lottery (kujibikido) starting in May will distribute rare figures and merchandise. Considering the new stage play announced in recent months and set to premiere in November 2025, it is proven once again how vibrant and impressive the Joker Game universe remains even after a decade. For those interested in the espionage genre, this year offers a great opportunity to rewatch the series or check out the novels.
