The anime adaptation of Koji Shinasaka’s suspenseful manga, “Tohai: Ura Rate Mahjong Tohai Roku”, is now available for streaming on Pony Canyon’s official YouTube channel. This news comes after the series premiered in Japan in October 2024 and began its second cour in January 2025.
A Deep Dive into the World of Underground Mahjong
“Tohai: Ura Rate Mahjong Tohai Roku,” also known as “Frozen Tile: Underground Rate Mahjong Battle Record”, plunges viewers into the dark and dangerous world of underground mahjong parlors. Here, high-stakes gambling involves not only money but also women and even black market organs. The story revolves around Kei, a high school student known as “K of Ice” for his cold-hearted strategy and exceptional mahjong skills. Rumors also swirl about a girl he keeps at his home, adding a layer of mystery to his character.
The Premise
The series explores the high-pressure environment of these underground parlors, where desire and desperation fuel intense competition. Kei’s logical and calculated gameplay style contrasts with the often chaotic and emotional nature of his opponents. This creates a compelling dynamic as he navigates the seedy underbelly of the mahjong world.
Streaming Details
Pony Canyon began streaming the anime on its YouTube channel on Thursday, January 30, 2025. They have also noted that the availability of the content may be restricted in some regions. As of January 30, 2025, the first 15 episodes have been released with English subtitles, although the subtitle option on YouTube may be mislabeled as Japanese. The episodes are currently blocked in Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Macao, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
The Anime’s Production
The anime is produced by East Fish Studio, with Jun Hatori directing. Mariko Kunisawa is in charge of the series composition, while Sayaka Anezaki handled the character designs. Yusuke Shirato and Yuki Kishida are responsible for composing the music.
Key Staff Members
- Director: Jun Hatori
- Series Composition: Mariko Kunisawa
- Character Design: Sayaka Anezaki
- Music: Yusuke Shirato and Yuki Kishida
- Animation Studio: East Fish Studio
Voice Cast
The anime boasts a talented voice cast, bringing the characters to life. The main cast includes:
- Kohsuke Tanabe as Kei, the protagonist known as “K of Ice,” a high school student and skilled mahjong player.
- Ai Fairouz as Amina, a mysterious foreign girl taken to the underworld with no official records.
- Shunsuke Takeuchi as Tōjima, a highly intuitive and lucky mahjong player.
- Tsuyoshi Koyama as Noriyuki Takatsu.
- Chinatsu Akasaki as Yū Katsuragi.
- Toshihiko Seki as Hideharu Seki.
- Takehito Koyasu as Hatakeyama.
- Yōko Hikasa as Ai.
Music
The anime features an opening theme song, “GAMBLING HALL,” performed by Masayoshi Ōishi. The first ending theme song, “PLASTIC SHOWCASE,” is performed by the idol group Taiyo to Odore Tsukiyo ni Utae. For the second cour, which began on January 11, a new ending theme song, “Tumbling Dice,” is performed by Enako × Kayoko Kusano.
The Manga
The original manga series by Koji Shinasaka was serialized in Akita Shoten’s Young Champion magazine from 2006 to 2011, comprising 12 compiled book volumes. The franchise includes several spin-offs and sequels, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the series.
Series in the Tohai Franchise
- Tōhai (Original Series)
- Haō Densetsu Lion (Spinoff)
- Haō Kessen Lion (Sequel)
- Tōhai: Hitobashira-hen (Sequel)
- Tōhai: Minagoroshi-hen (Sequel)
- Tōhai: Cold Girl (Sequel)
The series has also been adapted into a live-action movie in 2013.
Mahjong: A Game of Skill, Strategy, and Luck
Mahjong, often referred to as Mah-Jongg or Mah-jongg, is a tile-based game that originated in China. It is a game of skill, strategy, and luck, and is often compared to the card game rummy. Players use a set of tiles with various suits and honors, aiming to match or sequence sets. There are multiple variations of mahjong, with the single-player version often called mahjong solitaire, becoming popularized through 1980s computer games.
While the version seen in “Tohai” is a more intense version played with gambling, the core mechanics of the game remain. It is a game where players match or sequence tiles to achieve a winning hand. The game utilizes tiles that are similar to dominoes, but feature engravings of Chinese symbols, characters, and suits.
Conclusion
“Tohai: Ura Rate Mahjong Tohai Roku” offers a thrilling glimpse into the high-stakes world of underground mahjong. With its compelling characters, suspenseful plot, and stylish animation, the series is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The availability on Pony Canyon’s YouTube channel makes it easily accessible to viewers worldwide, although some regional restrictions apply.
