The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues (1998)
A socially conscious entry in Japan's beloved V-Cinema franchise, exploring identity, debt, and survival on the streets of Osaka's Namba district.
The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues - Movie Information
- Original Title: 難波金融伝 ミナミの帝王11 嘆きのニューハーフ
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Sadaaki Haginiwa
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Alternative Titles: The King of Minami 11 (JP)
The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues - Plot
#25 in the King of Minami series. A trans dancer named Rio is in debt to Manda after trying to finance a trip to the US for gender reassignment surgery, still illegal in Japan. The owner of a prestigious nightclub recruits her, introduces her to a doctor in Osaka who performs the illicit surgery and even agrees to foot the bill. But when the club owner turns out to have ulterior motives, Rio turns to Manda for help.
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The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sadaaki Haginiwa
Main Cast
- Riki Takeuchi
- Shinnosuke Furumoto
- Midori Takei
- Yoko Ishino
- Mineko Nishikawa
- Ai Haruna
- Yoshiaki Umegaki
- Makoto Kitano
- Shinobu Kameyama
- Yuma Kusakawa
Writers
- Masaya Ishikawa
- Fumi Kitazawa
The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues - FAQs
What is The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues about?
The film follows Rio, a trans dancer who falls into debt with moneylender Manda while trying to fund gender reassignment surgery abroad. A nightclub owner offers help, but his hidden agenda forces Rio to seek Manda's protection again in this socially charged Japanese drama.
Where can you watch The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues?
Streaming availability for The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues varies by region. You can check current platforms, rental options, and purchase links for your country on JustWatch, which aggregates all available viewing options in one place.
Who directed The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues?
The film was directed by Sadaaki Haginiwa, who helmed multiple entries in the long-running King of Minami series, a popular Japanese V-Cinema franchise centered on Osaka moneylender Manda and the colorful cast of characters who seek his financial assistance.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The cast includes Riki Takeuchi, Shinnosuke Furumoto, Midori Takei, Yoko Ishino, Mineko Nishikawa, Ai Haruna, Yoshiaki Umegaki, Makoto Kitano, Shinobu Kameyama, and Yuma Kusakawa.
Is The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues based on a true story?
The film is not based on a specific true story. It is adapted from the long-running manga series Namba Kinyu-den: Minami no Teiou by Yuji Aoki, which follows fictional Osaka moneylender Manda. However, the storyline reflects real social issues around gender reassignment surgery laws in 1990s Japan.
What number is this in the King of Minami series?
This film is the 25th installment in the King of Minami series, a prolific Japanese V-Cinema franchise. The series follows moneylender Manda operating in Osaka's Namba district, with each entry presenting a new client facing financial and personal hardship.
How long is The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues?
The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues has a runtime of 81 minutes, making it a compact, focused entry in the long-running series. This runtime is typical for the V-Cinema format, which prioritized direct-to-video releases designed for home viewing audiences in Japan.
What language is The King of Minami: Trans Woman Blues in?
The film is entirely in Japanese, reflecting its origins as a Japanese V-Cinema production set in Osaka. International viewers will typically require subtitles. The Osaka dialect and local cultural references add authenticity to the story's setting in the Namba district.
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