Yankee Bokou ni Kaeru / ヤンキー母校に帰る

Based on a true story of a Hokkaido High School that was the first in Japan to actively accept drop outs and misfits and give them a second chance. The series follows a former gang member, drop out and graduate of the school as he returns to teach there and help the students graduate.

This series is not afraid to confront social issues such as suicide, teenage pregnancy and drugs and can be quite upfront about them at times, including a 4 episode mini plot that revolves around a few students taking marijuana and the school taking serious action.

I warn you though this series is pretty old (2003) and it hasn’t aged well at all, it looks a lot older than it is and will leave you thinking “what the hell are you wearing” quite a few times. But don’t let that put you off because it is a worthwhile drama.

• Title: ヤンキー母校に帰る
• Title (romaji): Yankee Bokou ni Kaeru
• Also known as: Drop-out Teacher Returns to School
• Format: Renzoku
• Genre: Human Drama
• Episodes: 10 + SP
• Broadcast network: TBS
• Broadcast period: 2003-Oct-10 to 2003-Dec-12
• Air time: Friday 22:00
• Theme song: “Aozora no Hate” by Okuda Miwako (奥田美和子)