What is Back Street Girls?#
If you are looking for a comedy that blends the gritty world of organized crime with the sparkling energy of the idol industry, Back Street Girls is a wild ride. The story follows three young yakuza members who make a catastrophic mistake, costing their boss millions of yen. Rather than following the traditional yakuza punishment of cutting off fingers—which wouldn’t recover the lost money—their boss sends them to Thailand for extensive plastic surgery, including transgender procedures, to transform them into a female idol group.
As they rise to success, their fans remain blissfully unaware of their true identities. The heart of the comedy lies in the struggle of these three men as they navigate the frustrations of living double lives, balancing their yakuza instincts with the demands of being pop stars. You can watch the anime on Prime Video to see this absurd premise in action.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking if Back Street Girls is finished, it is important to distinguish between the anime and the source material. The original manga ran from March 2015 to September 2018, meaning the primary story is complete. The anime adaptation, Back Street Girls: Gokudols, was released in 2018.
Whether the anime provides a fully satisfying conclusion depends on your preference for adaptations. Because the source material is finished, you can buy the manga to ensure you experience the full narrative arc and any details that may have been condensed for the screen.
Who Should Watch This?#
This series is best suited for fans of high-concept comedy and satire. It appeals to viewers who enjoy:
- Absurdist Humor: The premise of yakuza members becoming idols is inherently ridiculous.
- Gender-Bending Tropes: The forced transformation and subsequent identity crisis drive much of the plot.
- Satire of Idol Culture: The contrast between the “pure” idol image and the reality of the characters’ backgrounds provides a sharp comedic edge.
If you enjoy seeing tough characters forced into soft, cute situations, this is a perfect choice for you. While you’re enjoying the chaos, consider supporting our site on Ko-fi to help us keep investigating more series!
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to consume, here are the best paths forward. For detailed connections between the versions, please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
Release Order#
If you prefer to experience the series as it was released to the general public, start with the anime Back Street Girls: Gokudols (2018).
Completionist Order#
For those who want every bit of content, we recommend starting with the original manga (2015–2018) to get the full story, followed by the anime adaptation. You can also look for information regarding the live-action film released in February 2019 to complete your journey.
The “Source Material” Path#
If you enjoy the anime and want to see how the story concludes or see more of the characters’ struggles, start with the anime and then transition into reading the manga. This is the best way to fill in any gaps left by the adaptation.
Additional Information#
Beyond the anime and manga, the franchise expanded into a live-action film in early 2019. For fans who want to bring a piece of the “Gokudols” home, you can buy official merchandise to celebrate this unique blend of yakuza grit and idol glamour.
Back Street Girls • manga • 2015-03-16 to 2018-09-15 (serialized in <i>Weekly Young Magazine</i>)
└─(adaptation)→ Back Street Girls: Gokudols • anime • 2018-07-03
