3年B組金八先生 (Kinpachi-sensei) (S6)

Video Summaries Here and Here.

Available Summary:

"Kinpachi-sensei (3年B組金八先生, San-nen B-gumi Kinpachi-sensei) is a Japanese television drama that aired from 1979 to 2011. Kinpachi-sensei tells the story of a third-year junior high school class in Japan; its teacher is Kinpachi Sakamoto, played by Tetsuya Takeda. The series has a lot of social commentary on issues such as homosexuality, gender dysphoria, and psychological pregnancy, as well as bullying (of both students and teachers), teenage pregnancy, teenage suicide, hikikomori, and the extreme pressure to do well in school." -Wikipedia.

Jack's Summary:

Season 6 of this series introduces trans boy Nao Tsurumoto, played by actress Aya Ueto. The above reviews thoroughly examine Nao Tsurumoto's characterisation and impact. I've watched a few episodes of this season, and it's certainly a product of its time, while also being a significant example of trans male representation in the media. I loved scenes where Nao meets with a trans woman, seeking solidarity and guidance. Nao binds his chest, wears a packer in his pants, and wears masculine clothing to affirm himself. He is supported by his mother, but not by his father.

WARNING: Unsafe chest binding and confronting themes.

You should prepare for potentially distressing themes, including physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, not limited to the trans character. Nao Tsurumoto is sexually assaulted by his father, harassed by his classmates, and laughed at for his gender identity. Nao also self harms in one scene; while it is unrealistic and dramatised, it is also quite graphic and confronting. The first review linked above has timestamps in the description, allowing viewers to skip the footage.

Additionally, Nao binds with bandages, and his chest appears to have self harm scars. The show, to my memory, does not address the dangers of binding this way.

One of the most disturbing episodes is episode 22, where a male classmate decides that he will prove that Nao is female by raping and impregnating him, telling several girls (ostensibly his friends) that he will rape them as well if they expose his intentions. While two adults discourage him, the planned rape is not taken as seriously as it should be. The would-be rapist, despite being unashamedly committed to the assault beforehand, is convinced to spare Nao merely by a speech from his teacher. This episode is consistent with the whole series in terms of unrealistic conflict resolution and heavy topics.

Despite all of the ugliness, Nao does get a happy ending, and is accepted as a boy by his peers and teachers.