Gokusen

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 {{nihongo||お嬢|"ojō"|"young lady"}}. 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.

;{{Nihongo|{{vanchor|Kumiko "Yankumi" Yamaguchi}}|山口 久美子|Yamaguchi Kumiko}}

:{{Voiced by|Risa Hayamizu|Caroline Lawson{{cite press release|title=English Cast of Kill La Kill to Be Featured at Otakon|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2014-07-01/english-cast-of-kill-la-kill-to-be-featured-at-otakon/.76148|author=Otakon|author-link=Otakon|via=Anime News Network|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=July 1, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726150711/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2014-07-01/english-cast-of-kill-la-kill-to-be-featured-at-otakon/.76148|url-status=live}}}}

:{{Portrayed by|Yukie Nakama, Suzuka Ohgo (young, season 1)}}

: 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 {{Transliteration|ja|fundoshi}}, while her yakuza connections remain frequently overlooked by others.

;{{Nihongo|Shin Sawada|沢田 慎|Sawada Shin}}

:{{Voiced by|Kenichi Suzumura|Kevin T. Collins}}

:{{Portrayed by|Jun Matsumoto}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Youichi Minami|南 陽一|Minami Yōichi}}

:{{Voiced by|Takurou Nakakuni|Sebastian Arcelus}}

:{{Portrayed by|Yuma Ishigaki}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Haruhiko "Uchi" Uchiyama|内山 春彦|Uchiyama Haruhiko}}

:{{Voiced by|Yōichi Masukawa|Jamie McGonnigal}}

:{{Portrayed by|Shun Oguri}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Teruo "Kuma" Kumai|熊井 輝夫|Kumai Teruo}}

:{{Voiced by|Hiromi Sugino|Ted Lewis}}

:{{Portrayed by|Tomohiro Waki}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Takeshi Noda|野田 猛|Noda Takeshi}}

:{{Voiced by|Isao Yamagishi|Matt Kaplan}}

:{{Portrayed by|Hiroki Narimiya}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Shizuka Fujiyama|藤山 静香|Fujiyama Shizuka}}

:{{Voiced by|Rica Matsumoto|Suzanne Gilad}}

:{{Portrayed by|Misaki Ito}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Goro Sawatari|猿渡 五郎|Sawatari Gorō}}

:{{Voiced by|Ken Uosaki|Marc Diraison}}

:{{Portrayed by|Katsuhisa Namase}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Gonzou Shirakawa|白川 権三|Shirakawa Gonzō}}

:{{Voiced by|Tomohiro Nishimura|Jimmy Zoppi}}

:{{Portrayed by|Ryosei Tayama}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Ryuichiro Kuroda|黒田 龍一郎|Kuroda Ryūichirō}}

:{{Voiced by|Chikao Ohtsuka|Dan Green}}

:{{Portrayed by|Ken Utsui}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Kyotaro "Kyo-san" Oshima|大島 京太郎|Ōshima Kyōtarō}}

:{{Voiced by|Norio Wakamoto|Peter Ganim}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Kouzou Wakamatsu|若松 弘三|Wakamatsu Kōzō}}

:{{Voiced by|Kenji Anan|Mike Pollock}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Minoru Tatsukawa|達川 ミノル|Tatsukawa Minoru}}

:{{Voiced by|Hiroaki Yoshida|Sean Schemmel}}

:{{Portrayed by|Shinji Uchiyama}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Tetsu Asakura|朝倉 てつ|Asakura Tetsu}}

:{{Voiced by|Keiji Hirai|Maddie Blaustein}}

:{{Portrayed by|Ken Kaneko}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Fuji Kuroda|黒田 富士|Kuroda Fuji}}

:{{Voiced by|Seizō Katō|John Avner}}

: Fuji is Kumiko's loyal dog. Though his thoughts are inaudible to most characters, Shin demonstrates an unusual ability to understand him.

;{{Nihongo|Tomoya Shinohara|篠原 智也|Shinohara Tomoya}}

:{{Voiced by|Katsuyuki Konishi|Josh Mosby}}

:{{Portrayed by|Ikki Sawamura}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Hiroki Kudoh|工藤 広樹|Kudō Hiroki}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Ichiro Tsuruta|鶴田 一郎|Tsuruta Ichirō}}

:{{Voiced by|Tadahisa Saizen|Marc Thompson}}

: 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.

;{{Nihongo|Ichikawa|一川|}}

:{{Voiced by|Hiroki Shimowada|Michael Sinterniklaas}}

: 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.

Written and illustrated by {{ill|Kozueko Morimoto|ja|森本梢子}}, Gokusen was serialized in Shueisha's manga magazine You from 2000 to 2007.{{cite web|script-title=ja:2007年02月15日のアーカイブ|url=http://manganohi.jp/2007/02/15/|website=manganohi.jp|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519013130/http://manganohi.jp/2007/02/15/|archive-date=May 19, 2008|language=ja|date=February 15, 2007|quote={{lang|ja|【YOU】YOU5号は、2月15日発売！ メガヒット連載、運命の最終回!! 森本梢子 『ごくせん』 無事卒業した3年4組の生徒たちが新たな道に進む中、慎が、そして久美子が選んだ未来とは…!？}}}} Shueisha collected its chapters in fifteen {{Transliteration|ja|wideban}} volumes, released from August 23, 2000, to April 19, 2007.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ごくせん 1|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-862503-X&mode=1|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030223121036/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-862503-X&mode=1|archive-date=February 23, 2003|language=ja}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:『ごくせん 15』|website=manganohi.jp|url=http://manganohi.jp/2007/04/5222.html|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422081129/http://manganohi.jp/2007/04/5222.html|archive-date=April 22, 2008|language=ja}}

A sequel, {{nihongo|Gokusen: Kanketsu-hen|ごくせん 完結編}} (or Gokusen 2008), was published in You from December 28, 2007, to August 1, 2009.{{cite web|script-title=ja:2007年12月28日のアーカイブ|url=http://manganohi.jp/2007/12/28/|website=manganohi.jp|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519013130/http://manganohi.jp/2007/02/15/|archive-date=May 19, 2008|language=ja|date=December 28, 2007|quote={{lang|ja|【YOU】YOU2号は、12月28日発売! 表紙＆カラー45P!! 森本梢子 『ごくせん2008』あのヤンクミが帰ってきた!! 相変わらず白金学園で教師を続けている久美子と、東大に通っている慎。その後、ふたりの関係に進展はあったのか？ 気になるあれこれ、ぜんぶ見せます!!}}}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:YOU 16号は、創刊27周年を記念した別冊付録付き特大号|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/19354|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 25, 2021|language=ja|date=August 1, 2009|archive-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725231121/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/19354|url-status=live}} These chapters were collected in a single volume, released on January 19, 2010.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ごくせん 完結編|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-782265-6&mode=1|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007213002/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-782265-6&mode=1|archive-date=October 7, 2011|language=ja|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Gokusen episodes{{!}}List of Gokusen episodes}}

The first twelve-episode season of Gokusen was broadcast on Nippon TV from April 17 to July 3, 2002.{{cite book|last1=Clements|first1=Jonathan|author-link1=Jonathan Clements|last2=Tamamuro|first2=Motoko|date=2003|title=The Dorama Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese TV Drama Since 1953|page=99|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LzeSd4SvU7cC&dq=Gokusen+2002&pg=PA99|publisher=Stone Bridge Press|isbn=978-1-880656-81-5|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130082950/https://books.google.com/books?id=LzeSd4SvU7cC&dq=Gokusen+2002&pg=PA99|url-status=live}} It was followed by a special episode, which aired on March 26, 2003.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ごくせんスペシャル「さよなら3年D組…ヤンクミ涙の卒業式」 DVD|url=https://www.ntvshop.jp/shop/g/g210-az00195/|website=Nippon TV Shop|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210726005903/https://www.ntvshop.jp/shop/g/g210-az00195/|archive-date=July 26, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}} The theme song is "{{ill|Feel your breeze|ja|Feel your breeze/one}}" by V6. The first season was broadcast with English subtitles in the United States on KSCI in 2003.{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Gokusen 2 on LA TV Station|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-10-06/gokusen-2-on-la-tv-station|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=October 6, 2005|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726153241/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-10-06/gokusen-2-on-la-tv-station|url-status=live}}

The second ten-episode season of Gokusen, Gokusen 2, was broadcast on Nippon TV from January 15 to March 19, 2005.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ごくせん（第2シリーズ）ストーリー|url=https://www.ntv.co.jp/gokusen2/static/story.html|publisher=Nippon TV|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210726010331/https://www.ntv.co.jp/gokusen2/static/story.html|archive-date=July 26, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}} The theme song is "{{ill|No More Cry (D-51 song)|lt=No More Cry|ja|NO MORE CRY}}" by D-51.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「NO MORE CRY」のD-51、チャゲアス の名曲をカヴァー!!|url=https://okmusic.jp/news/3505|website={{ill|OKMusic|ja|OKWAVE#OKMusic}}|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726020641/https://okmusic.jp/news/3505|archive-date=July 26, 2021|language=ja|date=February 11, 2009|url-status=live}} It also includes an insert song,

{{nihongo|"Kizuna"|絆||"Bond"}}, by Kazuya Kamenashi, who portrayed the exclusive drama character Ryū Odagiri.{{cite web|script-title=ja:商品名：ごくせん2005 DVD-BOX|url=http://www.vap-shop.jp/shop/ProductDetail.do?pid=VPBX-12928|website=VAP Online Shop|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902015031/http://www.vap-shop.jp/shop/ProductDetail.do?pid=VPBX-12928|archive-date=September 2, 2009|language=ja|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ごくせん（第3シリーズ）ストーリー|url=https://www.ntv.co.jp/gokusen/static/story.html|publisher=Nippon TV|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210726010920/https://www.ntv.co.jp/gokusen/static/story.html|archive-date=July 26, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}} It was followed by a special episode, which aired on March 28, 2009.{{cite web|script-title=ja:映画『ごくせん』抜擢であの”アッキーナの元彼”にブレイクの兆し|url=https://www.cyzo.com/2009/03/post_1667_entry.html|website={{ill|Cyzo|ja|サイゾー}}|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027184803/https://www.cyzo.com/2009/03/post_1667_entry.html|archive-date=October 27, 2020|language=ja|date=March 7, 2009|url-status=live}} The theme song is {{nihongo|"{{ill|Niji (Aqua Timez song)|lt=Niji|ja|虹 (Aqua Timezの曲)}}"|虹||"Rainbow"}} by Aqua Timez.{{cite web|script-title=ja:Aqua Timez、6thシングルは新「ごくせん」主題歌|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/6240|website=Music Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 26, 2021|language=ja|date=March 25, 2008|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726025102/https://natalie.mu/music/news/6240|url-status=live}} It also includes an insert song, {{nihongo|"Oretachi no Seishun"|俺たちの青春||"Our Youth"}}, by Hey! Say! JUMP's Yuya Takaki, who portrayed the exclusive drama character Yamato Ogata.{{cite web|script-title=ja:商品名：ごくせん2008 DVD-BOX|url=http://www.vap-shop.jp/shop/ProductDetail.do?pid=VPBX-13958|website=VAP Online Shop|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923002550/http://www.vap-shop.jp/shop/ProductDetail.do?pid=VPBX-13958|archive-date=September 23, 2009|language=ja}}

Amazon Prime Video started streaming the series' three seasons in October 2024.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Amazon Prime Video Streams Live-Action Gokusen TV Series|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-10-07/amazon-prime-video-streams-live-action-gokusen-tv-series/.216442|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007185241/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-10-07/amazon-prime-video-streams-live-action-gokusen-tv-series/.216442|archive-date=October 7, 2024|date=October 7, 2024|url-status=live}}

{{main|Gokusen: The Movie}}

The Gokusen television drama was followed and concluded by a theatrical film, Gokusen: The Movie, which premiered in Japan on July 11, 2009.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Gokusen the Movie's Trailer Streamed Online|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-29/gokusen-the-movie-trailer-streamed-online|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=May 29, 2009|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726012200/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-29/gokusen-the-movie-trailer-streamed-online|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:Aqua Timez「ごくせん THE MOVIE」で再びタッグ|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/17795|website=Music Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 26, 2021|language=ja|date=June 19, 2009|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726012215/https://natalie.mu/music/news/17795|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Gokusen episodes#The Gokusen (2004 anime){{!}}List of Gokusen episodes#The Gokusen (2004 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.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ごくせん|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C10703|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725232351/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C10703|archive-date=July 25, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}} The opening theme is {{nihongo|"Hontō no Kotoba"|本当の言葉||"Real Words"}} by Foot Stamp, and the ending theme is {{nihongo|"Onore Michi"|おのれ道||"My Road"}} 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.{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Gokusen Vol. #1 (also w/premium) (of 3)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3347.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050911123028/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3347.php|archive-date=September 11, 2005|date=November 1, 2004}}{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Gokusen Vol. #2 (of 3)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3421.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050902191534/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3421.php|archive-date=September 2, 2005|date=January 16, 2005}}{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Gokusen Vol. #3 (of 3)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3609.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101173717/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3609.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|date=March 3, 2005}} The series aired in the United States on Encore WAM in 2006.{{cite web|last=Mays|first=Jonathan|title=New Anime on Encore WAM, Starz Action|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-19/new-anime-on-encore-wam-starz-action|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=June 19, 2006|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728062053/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-19/new-anime-on-encore-wam-starz-action|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hanson|first=Brian|title=July 1st - July 7th - The Click|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-click/2006-07-01|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=July 1, 2006|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020012633/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-click/2006-07-01|url-status=live}}

The Gokusen television drama was popular in Japan.{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Gokusen Reaches Record Popularity|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-03-09/gokusen-reaches-record-popularity|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=March 9, 2005|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726035048/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-03-09/gokusen-reaches-record-popularity|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Third Gokusen Live-Action Series to Premiere in April|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-12/third-gokusen-live-action-series-to-premiere-in-april|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 26, 2021|date=December 12, 2007|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726012212/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-12/third-gokusen-live-action-series-to-premiere-in-april|url-status=live}} The last season had average viewer ratings of 22.8%, the highest average rating among other TV dramas that aired around the time.{{cite web|title=Drama 'Gokusen' to finish with film-length version|url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/drama-gokusen-to-be-a-film|website=Japan Today|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726034507/https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/drama-gokusen-to-be-a-film|archive-date=July 26, 2021|date=March 5, 2009|url-status=live}}

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 {{ill|Downton Detectives|ja|ダウンタウン探偵組}} and The Quiet Don".

The anime series was frequently compared to Tooru Fujisawa's Great Teacher Onizuka.{{cite book|last1=Clements|first1=Jonathan|author-link1=Jonathan Clements|last2=McCarthy|first2=Helen|author-link2=Helen McCarthy|date=2015|title=The Anime Encyclopedia: A Century of Japanese Animation|edition=3rd|page=894|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E03KBgAAQBAJ&dq=Gokusen+%28see+also+%2ADE%29&pg=PT1192|publisher=Stone Bridge Press|isbn=978-1611720181|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130082934/https://books.google.com/books?id=E03KBgAAQBAJ&dq=Gokusen+%28see+also+%2ADE%29&pg=PT1192|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=King|first=Patrick|title=The Gokusen Vol. 3|url=https://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/07/review/02.php|website=Animefringe|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809051721/https://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/07/review/02.php|archive-date=August 9, 2020|date=July 2005|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Oppliger|first=John|title=Ask John: What Were John's Favorite Anime of 2004?|url=http://www.animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=1011|website=AnimeNation|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207095646/http://www.animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=1011|archive-date=February 7, 2005|date=January 4, 2005}} 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 {{Transliteration|ja|enka}} ending animation, which "added an additional level of charm to the show".

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

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.ntv.co.jp/gokusen1/|Gokusen official drama website at Nippon TV}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Official website|http://www.ntv.co.jp/gokusen2/|Gokusen 2 official website at Nippon TV}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Official website|http://www.ntv.co.jp/gokusen/|Gokusen 3 official website at Nippon TV}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Official website|http://www.ntv.co.jp/a-gokusen/|Gokusen official anime website at Nippon TV}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Anime News Network|manga|2538}}

{{You (Japanese magazine)}}

{{Yuzo Sato}}

{{Madhouse}}

Category:2002 Japanese television series debuts

Category:2004 anime television series debuts

Category:2008 Japanese television series endings

Category:Anime and manga about the Yakuza

Category:Comedy anime and manga

Category:Japanese drama television series

Category:Josei manga

Category:Madhouse (company)

Category:Manga adapted into films

Category:Martial arts anime and manga

Category:Nippon Television dramas

Category:Shueisha franchises

Category:Teaching anime and manga

Category:Television shows written by Yasuko Kobayashi

Category:Yankī anime and manga