Joker Game

Joker Game was produced by Production I.G and released in 2016 as an adaptation of the mystery novel series by Koji Yanagi. Set in 1937 on the precipice of the Second World War, the narrative centers on the D Agency, an elite intelligence unit founded by Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki. The series follows these highly trained spies as they conduct covert operations across international borders, emphasizing intellectual duels and psychological maneuvering over traditional combat.

The character designs were crafted by Shirow Miwa, who sought to capture the period-appropriate aesthetic of pre-war Japan while distinguishing each operative with a sharp, sophisticated look. The animation direction by Toshiyuki Yahagi aimed to evoke a grounded, noir-inspired atmosphere, stripping away the typical tropes of the genre in favor of a cerebral, understated tone. Upon its broadcast, the series was noted for its episodic structure and its commitment to depicting the cold, pragmatic nature of espionage, garnering appreciation for its mature storytelling and meticulous art style.