Gokusen

Gokusen is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kozueko Morimoto. It was serialized in Shueisha's You magazine from 2000 to 2007, and later compiled into 26 tankōbon volumes. The story follows Kumiko Yamaguchi, a young woman who comes from a yakuza family and is the granddaughter of a notorious gangster. Despite her upbringing, Kumiko aspires to be a teacher, and she gets a job at an all-boys high school.

The manga was adapted into a popular live-action television drama series that aired on Nippon TV in three seasons from 2002 to 2008, with Yukie Nakama starring as Kumiko. The drama was highly successful, spawning movies and specials. The plot of the drama largely follows the manga, focusing on Kumiko's struggles to teach her delinquent students while keeping her yakuza heritage a secret. Her students, known for their troublemaking and loyalty to her, often get involved in various conflicts, and Kumiko, using her unique skills and connections, manages to protect them and guide them towards a better path.

Gokusen is known for its blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming themes. It explores the complexities of family loyalty, the challenges of education, and the possibility of redemption. The series gained a significant following in Japan and internationally, contributing to the popularity of the shōjo manga genre and Japanese television dramas.