Gokusen

is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by . It was serialized in Shueisha's ''You'' from 2000 to 2007, with its chapters collected in 15 volumes. The story follows Kumiko Yamaguchi, the granddaughter of a yakuza boss and teacher at an all-male private high school.

The manga was adapted into a three-season television drama, with Yukie Nakama in the title role, which was broadcast on Nippon TV from 2002 to 2008, followed by a theatrical film, which premiered in 2009. A 13-episode anime television series adaptation by Madhouse was broadcast on Nippon TV in 2004. The anime series was licensed in North America by Media Blasters.

Plot

Kumiko Yamaguchi is the granddaughter of a yakuza boss, Kuroda of the Kuroda Ikka. Her parents died when she was at the age of seven, and her grandfather had no other descendants, so Kumiko is next in line to head the family business with the title of . However, her lifelong dream has been to become a teacher. While her grandfather approves of her choice, others in the family want her to become the next boss.

Kumiko becomes home teacher of class 4-2 in mathematics at an all-boys private high school, where she is known as "Yankumi". Her class is full of delinquents, but she tries her hardest to teach them not just academically, but also about lessons of life. Though she is forced to keep her family a secret from the public, her yakuza upbringing gives her the strength and the experience to reach out to her students, while also providing comedic situations.

Characters

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: Kumiko Yamaguchi, nicknamed "Yankumi" by her students, is a young teacher at Shirokin Gakuen. Orphaned in childhood, she was raised by her grandfather, the leader of a Tokyo Ninkyo organization, which influences her behavior through yakuza mannerisms and speech patterns. Despite her unconventional background, she demonstrates sincere dedication to her students. Her martial arts skills and genuine concern eventually earn their respect, though her initial teaching approach often startles them. Kumiko exhibits a notable attraction to men wearing , while her yakuza connections remain frequently overlooked by others.

Shirokin High School

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: Shin serves as the respected leader of his class, known for his calm demeanor and intelligence. During middle school, he physically confronts a teacher who refuses to apologize for mistreating an innocent student. He quickly notices his new teacher Kumiko's unusual behavior and investigates her background, eventually discovering her yakuza connections. His father holds a senior position in law enforcement. Shin develops romantic feelings for Kumiko, though she remains unaware while others recognize his affection. He frequently attempts to protect Kumiko but typically requires her assistance instead. Later pursuing legal studies to remain close to her, he eventually confesses his feelings. Shin maintains a composed personality, though he demonstrates emotional vulnerability when Kumiko faces danger.
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: Minami is a classmate and friend of Shin, known for his aggressive tendencies and frequent involvement in fights. He serves as the physically strongest member of their group, though he loses a confrontation with Ichiro Tsuruta. His close friendship with Noda is regularly depicted through their frequent appearances together.
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: Uchi is a friend of Shin known for his distinctive hairstyle. During a school trip to Okinawa, his disappearance causes difficulties for Kumiko and Shin, resulting in physical discipline from Kumiko upon his return. While presenting a tough exterior, he shows particular affection for his mother. He develops a relationship with Shiori, a horror enthusiast whose frightening behavior initially unsettles him. Over time, he grows to share her interest in horror, considering a career in special effects makeup.
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: Kumai, nicknamed "Kuma" (meaning "Bear") by his peers, is a physically imposing student known for frequent involvement in conflicts. He shares a close childhood friendship with Shin, whom he affectionately calls "Shin-chan." His mother maintained a friendship with Kumiko prior to her teaching career. As an adult, he maintains ties with Kumiko, offering guidance to her current students while drawing parallels to his own school experiences. He eventually marries his childhood sweetheart and starts a family. Each subsequent class at Shirokin Gakuen features a student bearing notable resemblance to Kumai in both appearance and behavior.
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: Takeshi is a classmate of Shin and the originator of Kumiko's "Yankumi" nickname. He demonstrates perceptiveness by being the first to recognize Shin's feelings for Kumiko. Noda develops an infatuation with teacher Shizuka Fujiyama, which leads him to photograph her at a secondary job and nearly cause her disciplinary action. He exhibits fashion sense, notably when styling Kumiko in borrowed clothing that unexpectedly suits her. Noda maintains a close friendship with Minami, frequently appearing alongside him. He occasionally displays unexpected insight and intelligence, offering astute observations about Fujiyama's stalker.
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: Shizuka joins Shirokin Gakuin's faculty alongside Kumiko as an English teacher (music teacher in some adaptations). A former middle school instructor, she values her transition to high school education. Fujiyama establishes a school choir following a student suicide attempt that profoundly impacts her teaching approach. She maintains a casual demeanor, often joking about male students' appearances. She develops romantic interest in Kyo, though she struggles to reconcile her idealized image of him with reality. While typically professional, she adopts more casual attire in certain adaptations, mirroring Kumiko's tracksuit.
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: Ken, the vice-principal, serves as Kumiko's primary adversary among the faculty. He eventually discovers her secret affiliation but only after her resignation. Initially antagonistic, his attitude gradually softens as he develops respect for her teaching methods. In one notable incident, he risks his career advancement to inform Kumiko about her students' planned graduation boycott. He maintains a contradictory personal life—while married to a matchmaker, he frequently socializes with younger women. A recurring humorous element involves his consistent ability to retain vice-principal positions at different schools, which even Kumiko finds puzzling. His professional demeanor contrasts with his personal conduct.
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: Gonzou, the principal, demonstrates an uncanny ability to appear unexpectedly with pertinent information. Aware of Kumiko's yakuza lineage when hiring her, he specifically recruits her for her ability to manage challenging students. He maintains an eccentric demeanor, often sporting bow ties and displaying cheerful mannerisms. His prescient knowledge of school affairs and unorthodox hiring decisions suggest deeper insight than his appearance implies.

Kuroda Family/Ooedo Clan

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: Kumiko's grandfather. He leads a respected yakuza organization with a small but elite membership. Though his immediate group appears modest, he wields significant influence in the underworld and can mobilize thousands of members. His highly skilled followers regularly defeat larger opposing forces, deterring potential challengers. Locally, his organization maintains public order, notably preventing Kudou's escape from the Ooedo Clan. After Kumiko's parents die, he raises her while accepting her choice to become a teacher rather than inherit the family business. He recognizes his daughter Yuriko left for similar reasons. While generally dignified, he shows playful protectiveness toward Kumiko.
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: Kyo serves as Kumiko's primary protector within the yakuza organization. Originally assigned as her guardian during childhood, he develops a paternal bond with her despite his shortcomings in this role. He trains Kumiko in self-defense to combat school bullying related to her family background. Their relationship evolves into a father-daughter dynamic, with Kumiko considering him her closest paternal figure. Kyo demonstrates fierce loyalty, going so far as to stage a confrontation to protect Kumiko's secret from her students, then attempting suicide out of remorse for striking her. While deeply protective of both Kumiko and her students, he maintains violent tendencies when perceiving threats to her wellbeing. He eventually recognizes Shin's romantic feelings for Kumiko and approves of their relationship.
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: The Kuroda family's young chief assistant maintains close ties with both Ryuichiro and Kyo. As the only married member of the group, he demonstrates unwavering loyalty to his wife Yusue, who operates a popular nightclub frequented by the organization. Like his colleagues, he develops a familial bond with Kumiko, regarding her with protective affection.
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: Minoru is a loyal member of Kumiko's yakuza organization who operates a takoyaki stand near her school with Tetsu. Kumiko took him in as a homeless teenager, establishing a sibling-like relationship. His enthusiastic support occasionally risks exposing her dual identity. He briefly pursued a romantic relationship that ended due to his attempt to leave criminal life.
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: Tetsu is a devoted member of Kumiko's yakuza group who maintains a protective watch over her. He operates alongside Minoru, often assisting Kumiko while trying to avoid exposing her secret identity. Kumiko took him in during his teenage years when he had nowhere else to go, establishing a sibling-like relationship that precludes romantic involvement. His loyalty remains steadfast despite this familial boundary.
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: Fuji is Kumiko's loyal dog. Though his thoughts are inaudible to most characters, Shin demonstrates an unusual ability to understand him.

Others

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: Shinohara serves as legal counsel for Kumiko's yakuza group, repaying her grandfather's support during his law studies. Kumiko maintains romantic feelings for him, though he recognizes Shin's affection for her and ultimately encourages their relationship. When Shinohara invites Kumiko to accompany him home, she declines after consideration. He later returns to his hometown following his father's hospitalization.
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: Kudoh is a former Shirokin Gakuen student expelled for violent behavior toward younger classmates. His conflict with Kumiko begins when she intervenes in his bullying, leading him to join the rival Nekomata Group. After attempting to frame the Ooedo Clan and kidnapping Kumiko, he is ultimately defeated by her students. Kumiko later assumes responsibility for his rehabilitation despite his initial resistance.
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: Ichiro Tsuruta is a former student expelled for bullying junior classmates alongside Kudoh. Considered the school's strongest fighter, he eventually reforms after losing to Kumiko in a secret match. Though physically imposing, he demonstrates unexpected kindness and culinary skills. He later assists classmates when needed and rejoins the school system, though his exact grade level remains unclear due to his prolonged absence.
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: A Shirokin Gakuen student frequently bullied by peers, he attracts Fujiyama's attention due to his resemblance to a former middle school student. She recruits him for the choir club to remove him from harmful social circles. Kumiko and Shin prevent his attempted suicide by intervening during a rooftop incident. He subsequently becomes an active choir member under Fujiyama's guidance.

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by , ''Gokusen'' was serialized in Shueisha's manga magazine ''You'' from 2000 to 2007. Shueisha collected its chapters in fifteen volumes, released from August 23, 2000, to April 19, 2007.

A sequel, (or ''Gokusen 2008''), was published in ''You'' from December 28, 2007, to August 1, 2009. These chapters were collected in a single volume, released on January 19, 2010.

Drama

The first twelve-episode season of ''Gokusen'' was broadcast on Nippon TV from April 17 to July 3, 2002. It was followed by a special episode, which aired on March 26, 2003. The theme song is "" by V6. The first season was broadcast with English subtitles in the United States on KSCI in 2003.

The second ten-episode season of ''Gokusen'', ''Gokusen 2'', was broadcast on Nippon TV from January 15 to March 19, 2005. The theme song is "" by D-51. It also includes an insert song,
, by Kazuya Kamenashi, who portrayed the exclusive drama character Ryū Odagiri. The second season was broadcast with English subtitles in the United States on KSCI in 2005.

The third eleven-episode season of ''Gokusen'', ''Gokusen 3'', was broadcast on Nippon TV from April 19 to June 28, 2008. It was followed by a special episode, which aired on March 28, 2009. The theme song is by Aqua Timez. It also includes an insert song, , by Hey! Say! JUMP's Yuya Takaki, who portrayed the exclusive drama character Yamato Ogata.

Amazon Prime Video started streaming the series' three seasons in October 2024.

Film

The ''Gokusen'' television drama was followed and concluded by a theatrical film, ''Gokusen: The Movie'', which premiered in Japan on July 11, 2009.

Anime

A 13-episode anime television series adaptation by Madhouse and directed by Yuzo Sato, was broadcast on Nippon TV from January 7 to March 31, 2004. The opening theme is by Foot Stamp, and the ending theme is by Aki Yashiro.

The series was licensed for English release in North America by Media Blasters, who released it on three DVDs, under its Anime Works imprint, from October 12, 2004, to March 1, 2005. The series aired in the United States on Encore WAM in 2006.

Reception

The ''Gokusen'' television drama was popular in Japan. The first season had average viewer ratings of 17.4% in 2002, while the second season jumped to 28.0% in average ratings in 2005. The last season had average viewer ratings of 22.8%, the highest average rating among other TV dramas that aired around the time.

In ''The Dorama Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese TV Drama Since 1953'', by Jonathan Clements and Motoko Tamamuro, they wrote: "''Gokusen'' begins in the style of ''GTO'', but soon veers off course into a criminal variant of ''Romeo and Juliet''. Though probably rushed into production in the wake of ''The Sopranos'', the series has a local pedigree as well, with resemblances to earlier shows such as ' and '' The Quiet Don''".

The anime series was frequently compared to Tooru Fujisawa's ''Great Teacher Onizuka''. AnimeNation's John Oppliger wrote that the conflict between Kumiko's "masculine personality" and the Japanese cultural norms, trying to "conform her into a typical contemporary Japanese woman", resulted in an "enjoyable, humorous drama". Oppliger also praised the "subtle elements of yakuza movie", including the ending animation, which "added an additional level of charm to the show".

See also

*'' Ashi-Girl'', another manga series by the same author
*'' Kōdai-ke no Hitobito'', another manga series by the same author

References

External links

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{{Madhouse

2002 Japanese television series debuts
2004 anime television series debuts
2008 Japanese television series endings
Anime and manga about the Yakuza
Comedy anime and manga
Japanese drama television series
Josei manga
Madhouse (company)
Manga adapted into films
Martial arts anime and manga
Nippon Television dramas
Shueisha franchises
Teaching anime and manga
Television shows written by Yasuko Kobayashi
Yankī anime and manga