Gokusen (2002)
A yakuza heiress turned high school teacher takes on her toughest class yet in this beloved Japanese drama-comedy series.
Gokusen - Series Information
- Original Title: ｢ごくせん｣
- First Air Year: 2002
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: Kozueko Morimoto
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 33
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 17, 2002 (Canada - PG), April 17, 2002 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: 고쿠센(2002) (KR), Gokusen：The Movie (HK), 我Miss系大佬 (CN), 極道鮮師(電視劇) (TW)
- Production Countries: Japan
Gokusen - Plot
Newly graduate Yamaguchi Kumiko an idealistic teacher who entered Shirokin High to be a math teacher. Having high hopes for her students, her world turned up side down when she finds out that she'll be teaching the class 3-D the hardest class to take care of. Class 3-D is a bunch of students who looks more like delinquents and trouble makers. The students show no respect to teachers nor a little kindness. Each and every student doesn't like teacher for almost everyone has no good memories of them. The leader of the class is Sawada Shin. He is well respected for there are rumors that he beat a teacher to death. The students try there hardest to bully and make fun of her so she'll quit but all there efforts went to waste because Yamaguchi ain't an ordinary Teacher. Yamaguchi Kumiko is actually the 4th generation heir to Oedo group, a yakuza clan. Even though everyone in there clan wants her to the next leader, she made up her mind and so everyone accepted it.
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Gokusen - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kozueko Morimoto
Main Cast
- Yukie Nakama
- Katsuhisa Namase
- Kenji Anan
- Ken Kaneko
- Ken Utsui
- Shinji Uchiyama
- Hiroshi Ryogoku
- Mikihisa Azuma
- Tadashi Sakata
- Jun Matsumoto
Writers
- Michiru Egashira
- Rie Yokota
- Yuko Matsuda
Gokusen - FAQs
What is Gokusen about?
Gokusen follows Yamaguchi Kumiko, a newly graduated math teacher assigned to a class of delinquents at Shirokin High. Unknown to her students, she is the fourth-generation heir of a yakuza clan. Blending comedy and drama, the series explores her determination to reach her troubled students against all odds.
Is Gokusen based on a true story?
Gokusen is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the manga series of the same name by Kozueko Morimoto, which was serialized in Shueisha's You magazine from 2000 to 2007. The story is a fictional blend of school drama and yakuza comedy.
Who are the main actors in Gokusen?
Gokusen stars Yukie Nakama as the lead teacher Kumiko Yamaguchi, alongside Jun Matsumoto as student Shin Sawada. The supporting cast includes Katsuhisa Namase, Kenji Anan, Ken Kaneko, Ken Utsui, Shinji Uchiyama, Hiroshi Ryogoku, Mikihisa Azuma, and Tadashi Sakata.
How many seasons does Gokusen have?
Gokusen has three main seasons plus a collection of specials. Season 1 contains 12 episodes, Season 2 contains 10 episodes, and Season 3 contains 11 episodes. A specials season adds 3 additional episodes, bringing the total episode count to 33 across the entire run.
Where can you watch Gokusen online?
Gokusen is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. Availability may vary by region. You can check the most up-to-date streaming options for your country on JustWatch.
Is Gokusen worth watching?
Gokusen is widely regarded as a beloved classic of Japanese television drama. Its winning combination of heartfelt comedy, underdog storytelling, and charismatic performances — particularly Yukie Nakama's iconic lead role — has earned it a devoted fanbase across Asia and among international J-drama enthusiasts.
Did Gokusen launch any major acting careers?
Yes. Gokusen is notably credited with launching the careers of several major Japanese stars. Jun Matsumoto of Arashi rose to prominence through Season 1, while Shun Oguri and Hiroki Narimiya gained widespread recognition through Season 2, all going on to become leading figures in Japanese entertainment.
Who created Gokusen?
Gokusen was created by Kozueko Morimoto, based on her manga of the same name. The television adaptation aired on Nippon TV and was written for the screen by Michiru Egashira, Rie Yokota, and Yuko Matsuda, with music composed by Michiru Oshima.
More About Gokusen
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