Yakuza is a word that very familiar for Japanese enthusiast, including anime fans. The sharp suits, heavily tattoed bodies and slicked hair are what we imagine about Yakuza. The culture of Yakuza giving it's own fascination compared to other crime organization in the world. And it will be always interesting to explore about Yakuza culture.
Despite they are criminal organizations, Yakuza have positive effects on Japanese society. They are known to provide relief in time of disaster giving them a positive impression within Japan.
Their strong influence in Japanese culture also making them so often referenced in anime, manga and film. When we talk about anime, there is no much anime about Yakuza. Here, I will give you some yakuza anime recommendation with Yakuza as main character, whether it is the boss, the underlings or the heir of the Yakuza leader.
1. Hinamatsuri
A mid-level Yakuza named Yoshifumi Nitta finds out his life turned into chaos because a girl fall on his head inside a strange object. The girl, Hina, is actually is from the future and with his telekinetic powers she force Nitta to let her to live with him.
Nita suddenly playing role as her father and Hina take Nitta as her family name. The problem is, she is tend to lose control of herself, causing havoc around her and dragged Yoshifumi into problem. Their dangerous life is begin and more people to involved into their trouble.
This will be a comedy story about a young Yakuza taking care an unknown girl with overwhelming power. We will delivered with a decent comedy as the story goes. The heartwarming moments between the two and the growth of their bonds throughout the time also pleasant thing to see.
Release Date: 6 April 2018
Studio: Feel
2. The Way of the Househusband (Gokushufudo)
A heartwarming story of ex-Yakuza and decided to focuses his life on taking responsibility as fulltime househusband. A legendary and feared Yakuza named Tatsu and known as The Immortal Dragon retired as Yakuza and support his wife who is a career woman.
Interesting. It's would be the first thing you would think to this series. We will see a former Yakuza starts dedicated his life to his family, do cooking and groceries shopping. The series depicts a variety of comedic scenarios packed in the short time and fast pace.
Release Date: 8 April 2021
Studio: J.C.Staff
3. Gokusen
A wonderful series about a Yakuza boss' granddaughter who dreaming to become a teacher, Kumiko Yamaguchi. Since she was a child, she is live with her grandfather who is the head of Yakuza group. Due to no other descendant, Kumiko is is next in line to head the family business.
It's not easy thing to do, but she is still managed to lead the yakuza and do her job as a teacher, in a class full of delinquents. Of course she is keep her identity from the public. Kumiko as idealistic will teach her students not just academically, but also lessons of life.
A life full of experience as a teacher who give everything to her students and as a heir of Kuroda Family Yakuza clan packed in comedic situations.
Release Date: 7 January 2002
Studio: Madhouse
4. Back Street Girls -GOKUDOLS-
Not a yakuza anime like you might expected, but still count. GOKUDOLS is a anime where a three yakuza underlings forced to become 'female' idols after their major failure. They are given the choice to commit seppuku or go to Thailand and undergo sex reassignment surgery and they choose the latter. This is where the Kentaro, Ryo, and Kazuhiko begin their idol career as Airi, Mari and Chika in Gokudols. Despite their beautiful appearance, their hearts still Yakuza and their brotherhood still strong. This is a kind of comedy that full of rude words and will give you laugh on the entire show.
Release Date: 4 July 2018
Studio: J.C.Staff
5. Nisekoi
A romance anime about Yakuza the son of a Yakuza leader and daughter of the rival gang's boss, Raku ichijo and Chitoge Kirisaki. In order to maintain the peace between the two gangs, Raku and Chitoge dragged into family affairs and thus make the two become a 'fake' couple. This is what he should do when he is actually hides his feeling for the girl he has a crush on, Kasuki Onodera. Nisekoi is somehow pretty enjoyable and entertaining show despite the generic romance. It's also offering good comedy and the cute moment surrounding the characters is one of the reason why you should watch it.
Release Date: 11 January 2014
Studio: Shaft
6. Twittering Birds Never Fly ~The Clouds Gather~
A BL anime movie about masochistic yakuza boss, Yashiro who is developing attraction to his new bodyguard, Chikara Doumeki. Twittering Birds Never Fly ~The Clouds Gather~ might not an anime every fans can enjoy. But, apart from the BL element, it is delivered a good storyline with a deep stories and full of life lesson. Just a warn: you should be mature enough to watch this anime.
Release Date: 15 February 2020
Studio: Grizzly
7. The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting
A new Yakuza anime we will enjoy in 2022. It's about a right-hand man of the Sakuragi yakuza crime family named Kirishima Toru. He is known for his violent and earn nickname "Demon of Sakuragi". Until one day, his boss giving him an assigment to become caretaker for his only daughter, Yaeka. This begin the heartwarming life of the two spending their time together.
Release Date: 7 July 2022
Studios: Feel, Gaina
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