Watch Gokusen

2004
1 Season
7.4 (345)

Gokusen is a Japanese television drama series that aired from April to July in 2004 on Nippon Television. The show features an ensemble cast of popular actors, led by Yukie Nakama, Katsuhisa Namase, Ken Utsui, Kenji Anan, Ken Kaneko, and Shinji Uchiyama. The show follows the story of Kumiko Yamaguchi, played by Nakama, a young teacher who is the granddaughter of a Yakuza boss. When her grandfather passes away, Kumiko decides to follow her dream of becoming a teacher and takes up a job at an all-boys high school. However, her new students are not your typical group of teenagers. They are mostly delinquents who have been expelled from other schools, and they come from different gangs and backgrounds.

Despite the challenges, Kumiko is determined to make a difference and help her students succeed. She takes on the role of their mentor, and over time she gains their trust and respect. Her students, in turn, gradually start to change and become more responsible and caring individuals.

One of Kumiko's biggest supporters is her homeroom teacher, Shinohara, played by Namase. He is a kind-hearted person who helps Kumiko navigate the realities of teaching and provides her with a constant source of encouragement. He also becomes a confidante and friend to Kumiko, and their interactions provide some of the most touching moments in the show.

The show also features several subplots involving Kumiko's family and her students, with each character facing their own unique challenges and struggles. One student, for example, is dealing with the pressure of living up to his father's expectations, while another is struggling to come to terms with his own sexuality.

The show is filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and some action sequences that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between the cast members is excellent, and their performances are top-notch. Nakama particularly shines in her role as Kumiko, bringing both strength and vulnerability to her character.

Overall, Gokusen is a delightful series that offers a fresh take on the typical high school drama genre. While it has its fair share of cliches, the show manages to rise above them thanks to its engaging plot, memorable characters, and strong performances. It is a must-watch for fans of Japanese dramas and anyone looking for a feel-good series with heart.

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Seasons

13. Yankumi's Final Duty

March 30, 2004

After the vice principal discovers Kumiko's background, she resigns as a teacher. After leaving the school Kumiko is kidnapped and Shin goes after her while Kuma goes to get help from the class. At first they resist but after some convincing they decide to go help.

12. Shirokin Gakuen is Closing...?!

March 23, 2004

The board of directors decides to close down Shirokin Gakuen but Kumiko won't allow them. The directors decide that if the school can become number one in Japan academically or in sports in two weeks they will not close it down. Kumiko decides to have the school become number one in boxing.

11. Shin-san Is Going To Quit School!?

March 16, 2004

Kumiko learns that Shin's father is going to have him drop out of school and once she learns why, Kumiko decides to try and get Shin to stay in school.

10. The Targeted School!

March 9, 2004

Many students is school start to wear a cat badge which is worth 10,000 yen so Kumiko decides to check things out. She finds the people selling them but is overpowered when Shin is taken hostage. Then some people from the Ooedo group come and help. The next day Shin is absent from school.

9. School Battle Breaks Out Without The Moral Code!?

March 2, 2004

The school has a festival and Kumiko's class is having a host club but things don't go well as everyone leaves to go fight the seniors except for Shin.

8. A School Field Trip with Angry Waves!!

February 24, 2004

The class goes on a field trip but things go bad when Uchi is kidnapped. It turns out that they saved the wrong Uchi but luckily they find the Uchi they had been looking for.

7. What is Mingenhiinaa!?

February 17, 2004

Ms. Fujiyama tries to get Ichikawa, a good student with bad friends, to join the choir club. Some of Ms. Fujiyama's past as a middle school teacher is shown and how a past student reminds her of Ichikawa.

6. Kyo-san's Great Act?

February 10, 2004

Shin and Kuma see Kumiko get into a car with two people who are part of the Ooedo clan. They follow her to her house but are caught and Kumiko and the clan put on a act so Shin and Kuma won't find out anything. Kuma falls for the act but Shin finds out the truth but promises to keep it a secret.

5. Oedo Group's Danger!

February 3, 2004

Kumiko must be the head of the Ooedo clan while her grandfather is hospitalized. This episode shows some of Kumiko's childhood.

4. Ojou with Blond Hair! Who's the Real Criminal?

January 27, 2004

After being suspected of stealing, the group including Kumiko, set out to catch the real thief.

3. Kuma's First Experience?

January 20, 2004

After Kumiko saves a woman from a drunk man, she is surprised to find that the woman is Kuma's mother. Kumiko grades math tests and after she learns the class' average is 21 she holds remedial classes, hoping some would come.

2. Duel!! Shin vs. Ojou?

January 13, 2004

Kumiko asks the class to behave for her evaluation test but no one shows up for class on the day of the evaluation. Shin decides that everyone will go back to class if Kumiko will fight him which Kumiko agrees to.