The Way of the Househusband
The Way of the Househusband
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Way of the Househusband is a Japanese animated comedy based on a graphic novel of the same name. It follows Tatsu, an ex-member of the yakuza (the Japanese mob), who leaves his violent ways behind in order to become the perfect househusband to his wife, Miku. Tatsu sometimes slaps his mentee, some characters are threatened with guns, and one character is hit in the head with a wooden plank and bleeds but shows no major injury. There's some bloody imagery, but it's often revealed only to be stains from cooking or wine. Occasional profanity includes "s--t" and "f--k." Characters drink wine and smoke cigarettes.
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What's the Story?
A powerful yakuza member, formerly known as the "immortal Tatsu," has given up his life of crime to pursue a new noble career in THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND. No longer fighting rival gangs, disposing of bodies, and making shady deals, Tatsu (Kenjirô Tsuda) now spends his days fighting wine stains, sorting recyclables, and finding good deals at the supermarket. Although Tatsu loves his new life, caring for his hardworking wife Miku (Shizuka Itô), he has yet to shake his intimidating yakuza demeanor.
Is It Any Good?
This Japanese animated comedy based on a comic strip uses choppy movement and static shots as if the comic panels have been given some simple animation, a style that makes the series feel unfinished. Despite The Way of the Househusband's rigid animation style (which does have its own charm), the characters' overdramatic reactions and silly scenarios are fun and funny. It's also heartwarming to watch Tatsu discover new activities that he enjoys and new friends he makes in his community.
Although the show's humor is easy to follow, a certain level of knowledge of both Japanese culture and the yakuza are necessary in order to understand all the jokes. The violence is minor, but the level of profanity in the series isn't appropriate for younger viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about profiling. How much of the way the people in the community and the police treat Tatsu is because of how he looks? Why do you believe they act this way? How does this negatively affect Tatsu and his wife?
In The Way of the Househusband Tatsu has many hobbies that he does to stay creative and active. What activities do you do that are creative? What are some ways you and your family can stay active together?
Explore the idea of reform. How do the criminals in the series change their lives for the better? Is it possible for a former criminal to completely turn away from a life of crime? How do you practice forgiveness for past mistakes?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 8, 2021
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Cooking and Baking
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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