Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls – An Outrageous Plot with a Twist!
Imagine this: three tough-as-nails yakuza members mess up one too many times. Their boss, fed up with their blunders, gives them a choice—either commit seppuku (that’s ritual suicide, for those not versed in yakuza culture) or undergo a bizarre transformation into a Japanese idol girl group. Naturally, they choose the latter, because who wouldn’t? Thus begins the insane journey of Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls, a story that can only be described as equal parts absurd and hilarious.
The anime follows Kentaro, Ryo, and Kazuhiko—once fearsome gangsters, now cute pop idols—who must navigate the cutthroat world of Japanese entertainment. Rebranded as Airi, Mari, and Chika, these “girls” find that singing and dancing on stage might be even tougher than their old life of crime. But no amount of glitter and glam can hide their yakuza roots, leading to some truly side-splitting situations.
The Role of Ryu – A Dual Identity
Enter Ryu, the former yakuza leader of the trio, who now has to manage their new lives as pop stars. Voiced by none other than the talented D.C. Douglas, Ryu is the embodiment of “tough on the outside, soft on the inside”—at least when it comes to protecting the newfound Gokudolls. Ryu’s struggles with maintaining his own yakuza honor while also making sure his boys… uh, girls, succeed as idols, adds another layer of comedy and drama to this wild ride.
D.C. Douglas brings a perfect blend of gravitas and humor to Ryu, making him a standout character in an already unforgettable show. Whether he’s yelling at the girls for not hitting their high notes or reminiscing about the good old days of turf wars, Ryu’s character is both a mentor and a comical reminder of their past life.
English Voice Cast
The English dub of Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls is just as entertaining as the original Japanese version, thanks in large part to a stellar voice cast. Besides D.C. Douglas as Ryu, here’s who else you can expect:
- D.C. Douglas as Ryu
- Ray Chase as Kentaro/Airi
- Robbie Daymond as Ryo/Mari
- Kyle McCarley as Kazuhiko/Chika
- Kaiji Tang as Inugane
- Christine Marie Cabanos as Chika
- Joe Zieja as George
- Rachel Robinson as Natsuko
- Laura Megan Stahl as Lina
- Tara Sands as Karin
- Bill Rogers as Cameraman
- Michael Sorich as Additional Voices
- Erin Fitzgerald as Additional Voices
- Jon Bailey as Additional Voices
These voice actors bring the bizarre blend of yakuza machismo and idol cuteness to life, making the English dub a treat for fans who prefer their anime in their native tongue.
Meet the Creators Behind the Madness
Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls was brought to life by the talented minds at J.C. Staff, a studio known for delivering unique and high-quality anime. The show is based on the manga by Jasmine Gyuh, who clearly had no qualms about pushing the boundaries of both yakuza and idol genres. The anime adaptation was directed by Chiaki Kon, a name you might recognize from other popular titles like Nodame Cantabile and Junjou Romantica.
With such a team behind it, it’s no wonder Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls manages to be both ridiculous and captivating—a true gem in the world of anime.
The Controversy – Not Everyone Was Laughing
Of course, an anime with a premise as wild as this was bound to stir up some controversy. Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls received its fair share of criticism for its portrayal of gender identity and the forced transformation of the yakuza members. Some viewers found the show offensive, arguing that it made light of serious issues such as gender dysphoria and body autonomy. The juxtaposition of hardened criminals with their new, hyper-feminine personas certainly pushed some boundaries, and not all audiences were comfortable with the way the show handled these themes.
However, others argue that the anime’s over-the-top, satirical approach was never meant to be taken seriously. The series, after all, is more about absurd humor and less about making any kind of statement on gender or identity. Still, the controversy surrounding Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls adds to the conversation about where the line should be drawn in comedy—and whether or not this series crossed it.
Why You Should Watch Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls
If you’re looking for an anime that’s unlike anything else out there, Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls is definitely worth a watch. It’s outrageous, hilarious, and surprisingly heartwarming at times. The contrast between the Gokudolls’ outward appearance and their inner gangster monologues makes for comedy gold, and the show is filled with moments that will have you laughing out loud (and maybe even cringing a little).
Plus, D.C. Douglas as Ryu adds an extra layer of charm to the series. His performance brings just the right amount of toughness and humor, making Ryu a character you can’t help but root for—even when he’s orchestrating the latest idol PR stunt.
So, grab some popcorn, prepare for a wild ride, and dive into the wacky world of Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls. Whether you watch it for the absurd premise, the stellar voice acting, or just to see what all the fuss is about, you’re in for a truly unique experience.
