The Way of the Househusband

The Way of the Househusband is a Netflix original anime series that premiered in 2021. Adapted from the successful manga series of the same name by Kousuke Oono, the show is a heart-warming, witty, and often hilarious take on the daily life of a reformed Yakuza boss who has chosen to leave his life of crime for a more domestic path.

The story follows the life of Tatsu, once an infamous Yakuza boss known as the "Immortal Dragon" who, after an epiphany, decides to retire from his position and become a full-time househusband. Despite his haunting past and the dangerous reputation that comes along with it, Tatsu exchanges his fearless and brutal Yakuza life for aprons, grocery lists, and a joyful commitment to his wife, Miku, a workaholic designer.

The Way of the Househusband provides a humorous contrast between Tatsu's threatening appearance and the traditional househusband tasks he performs with remarkable dedication. His intimidating aura, tattooed skin, and Yakuza mannerisms alarm fellow citizens while he navigates his neighborhood, carrying out the regular duties of grocery shopping, attending cooking classes, sequentially managing house chores, and making strides to excel at his new domestic lifestyle.

With each episode lasting around 15 to 17 minutes, each one perfectly showcases the bizarre incidents caused by his old habits. Sometimes it's a yoga class turned into a Yakuza-like loyalty ceremony, or the simple task of a sale day grocery shopping mission turned into an intense strategic battle, Tatsu's ability to turn mundane events into scenes straight from an action movie inspires laughter and adds a unique charm to the series.

In addition to the humor, the series touches upon the more emotional side of Tatsu's transformation as well. Each episode comes with an underlying sense of balancing past transgressions with a new path of peace and love, subtly depicting the transition one has to go through when they make a significant lifestyle change. There are traces of the old Yakuza lifestyle that pop up every now and then, proving that it's not easy for him to break free completely from his past.

The show also entertains viewers with a cast of other quirky characters that frequently interact with Tatsu. That includes his former Yakuza associates who cannot digest his sudden transformation, a rival gang leader who wants to measure his worth against the infamous "Immortal Dragon," and various puzzled neighbors and community members met with Tatsu's Yakuza-like fervour in his everyday househusband duties.

The animation of The Way of the Househusband is distinctive given its minimalistic movement and comic-like visuals. It banks on its screenplay and dialogue delivery for its charm, rather than heavily animated sequences. Its distinct style leans more towards bringing to life illustrated manga panels, and its screenshot-like artistry lends a fresh and rich visual experience that separates it from other contemporary anime shows.

Moreover, the series is exceptional in its voice acting, with Japanese actor Kenjiro Tsuda bringing life to Tatsu and providing a captivating portrayal of the character that keeps the audience rooted to their screens. The rest of the voices cast contributes equally to deliver a fantastic auditory experience that enhances the overall viewing experience.

In essence, The Way of the Househusband is a light-hearted, humorous, and touching show that is a great watch for anyone who enjoys slice-of-life stories with a twist. It smoothly blends elements of the action-crime Yakuza genre with the feels of a domestic comedy anime, offering viewers an amalgamation of unconventional humor, action, a dash of sentiment, and endearing character connections in its short yet impactful episodes. With an original premise and a compelling protagonist, audiences can expect a delightful viewing experience as they embrace the unusual domestic journey of an ex-Yakuza boss.