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The 7 best anime starring Yakuza characters

Yakuza is a very familiar word to Japanese enthusiasts, including anime fans. The sleek suits, heavily tattooed bodies, and sleek hair are what we imagine about Yakuza. The culture of Yakuza gives it its own allure compared to other criminal organizations in the world. And it will always be interesting.

Despite being criminal organizations, the Yakuza have positive effects on Japanese society. They are known for providing relief in times of disaster, giving them a positive impression in Japan.

Their strong influence on Japanese culture also makes them so frequently referenced in anime, manga, and movies. When it comes to anime, there aren't many anime about Yakuza. Here, I'll give you some recommendations of anime starring Yakuza characters, whether it's the boss, the subordinates, or the leader's heir.

1. Hinamatsuri

A mid-level Yakuza named Yoshifumi Nitta finds his life thrown into chaos after a girl fell headfirst into a strange object. The girl, Hina, is actually from the future and with her telekinetic powers she forces Nitta to let her live with him.

Nita suddenly plays the role of her father and Hina adopts Nitta as her family name. The problem is that she tends to lose control of herself, causing havoc around her and dragging Yoshifumi into trouble. Her dangerous life is beginning and more people get involved in her problems.

This will be a comedy story about a young Yakuza taking care of an unknown girl with overwhelming power. We will be treated to some decent comedy as the story progresses. The touching moments between the two and the growth of their bond over time are also enjoyable to watch.

Release date: April 6, 2018
Studio: Feel

2. The Way of the Househusband (Gokushufudo)

A heartwarming story of a former Yakuza who decided to focus his life on taking on the responsibility of being a full-time housewife. A legendary and feared Yakuza named Tatsu and known as The Immortal Dragon has retired from the Yakuza and supports his wife, who is a career woman.

Interesting. That would be the first thing you would think of in this series. We will see a former Yakuza begin to dedicate his life to his family, cooking and shopping. The series portrays a variety of comedic scenarios packed into a short and fast paced time.

Release date: April 8, 2021
Studio: JCStaff

3. Gokusen

A wonderful series about the granddaughter of a Yakuza boss who dreams of becoming a teacher, Kumiko Yamaguchi. Since she was a child, she has lived with her grandfather, who is the boss of the Yakuza group. Due to there being no other descendants, Kumiko is next in line to head the family business.

It's not an easy thing to do, but she still manages to lead the yakuza and do her job as a teacher, in a class full of delinquents. Of course, she must keep her identity hidden from the public. Kumiko as an idealist will teach her students not only academics, but also life lessons.

A life full of experience as a teacher who gives everything to her students and as heiress of the Kuroda Family Yakuza clan packed with comical situations.

Release date: January 7, 2002
Studio: Madhouse

4. Back Street Girls -GOKUDOLS-

It’s not a yakuza anime like you might expect, but it still counts. GOKUDOLS is an anime where three yakuza underlings are forced to become ‘female’ idols after their major failure. They are given the choice of committing seppuku or going to Thailand and undergoing sex reassignment surgery, and they choose the latter. This is where Kentaro, Ryo, and Kazuhiko begin their idol careers as Airi, Mari, and Chika in Gokudols. Despite their beautiful appearance, their hearts are still Yakuza and their brotherhood is still strong. This is a comedy full of rude words and will have you laughing the entire show.

Release date: July 4, 2018
Studio: JCStaff

5. Nisekoi

A romance anime about the Yakuza, the son of a Yakuza leader and the daughter of the rival gang boss, Raku Ichijo and Chitoge Kirisaki. In order to keep peace between the two gangs, Raku and Chitoge got involved in family matters and thus caused the two to become a 'fake' couple. This is what he has to do when he is actually hiding his feelings for the girl he has a crush on, Kasuki Onodera. Nisekoi is a pretty enjoyable and entertaining show despite the generic romance. It also has good comedy and the cute moments surrounding the characters are one of the reasons why you should watch it.

Release date: January 11, 2014
Studio: Shaft

6. Twittering Birds Never Fly ~The Clouds Gather~

A BL anime film about a masochistic yakuza boss, Yashiro, who is developing an attraction to his new bodyguard, Chikara Doumeki. Twittering Birds Never Fly ~The Clouds Gather~ may not be an anime that all fans can enjoy. But beyond the BL element, it delivers a good plot with deep stories full of life lessons. Just a warning: you must be mature enough to watch this anime.

Release date: February 15, 2020
Studio: Grizzly

7. The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting

A new Yakuza anime that we will enjoy in 2022. It is about a right-hand man of the Sakuragi yakuza crime family named Kirishima Toru. He is known by his violent and well-known nickname “Demon of Sakuragi”. Until one day, his boss gives him the task of becoming the caretaker of his only daughter, Yaeka. This begins the exciting life of the two who spend time together.