The 2016 anime movie, Doukyuusei: Classmates set a great example of how fluid and whimsical animations are always a stride ahead of realistic features. Narrating the stories of two teenage boys who manage to love each other despite multiple misunderstandings, it shows the struggles of the queer community.
As the title suggests, the film centers on two classmates, Kusakabe and Sajou. However, being classmates is the only similarity between them. While Kusakabe is a free-spirited boy who only thinks of the present, Sajou is a serious guy concentrating on his future.
Yet, sparks fly when the two spend time with each other, and a relationship blossoms that both can’t turn away from. The couple has multiple things to fear, be it rumors, the future, or societal acceptance, but can love stop at minor obstacles?
What Is the Plot of Doukyuusei?
Doukyuusei begins at an all-boys high school where Sajou, an aloof boy, tries to practice singing for a class choir alone. Kusakabe notices him and tries to help him by meeting and practicing together. On the last day of practice, Kusakabe impulsively kisses the other boy and can no longer face him.
The two make up with each other soon and realize that they like each other. Since a gay relationship is a taboo, they first go out secretly. Sajou misunderstands Kusakabe and thinks being with him might not make the latter happy, but Kusakabe soon breaks his derailed belief.
As Kusakabe’s band performs their last show, Sajou once again faces the fact that his lover is quite popular and might never be with him forever. The last test of their relationship comes as Shajou prepares to attend a prestigious university in Kyoto. Kusakabe is angry at being kept in the dark, but they both reconcile later.
What Happens at the End of Doukyuusei?
Toward the end of Doukyuusei, Kusakabe, and Sajou part ways because their future plans might not align in the long run. Kusakabe is rightfully angry at Sajou for keeping his choice of going to a faraway university a secret.
Both carry on with their lives for a while. Sajou continues taking classes and leaves to take a mock exam. However, he misses Kusakabe too much and loses consciousness in anxiety. Kusakabe picks him up from the train station and brings him to his exam center.
After the exam, Kusakabe confesses that leaving Sajou is no longer an option for him, and the latter conveys the same. Both decide to face the uncertain future together.
Will Doukyuusei Receive a Second Movie or Sequel?
There has been no confirmation regarding a second movie of Doukyuusei. While the movie was good, it saw mild success in theaters. The film opened at ninth place at the Japanese box office, grossing $1.3 million.
Being a BL franchise, the movie is unlikely to receive a second installment, especially when the first one couldn’t make a significant impact. For now, it is best if you read the manga, but if a movie does get announced, we will update the article.
Where to Watch Doukyuusei?
DouKyuusei is only available to buy or rent on Amazon Video. Unfortunately, the film is not in high demand and is not one of the popular titles; thus, streaming services will probably continue to ignore it.
You will also find the movie on several pirate websites, but we recommend you avoid those to support the creator.
What Happens After Doukyuusei?
After the incidents of Dokyuusei, Sajou will be accepted to study pharmacology at Kyoto University. However, his mother is diagnosed with cancer, and he introduces Kusakabe to her.
Sajou moves to Kyoto while Kusakabe stays in Tokyo to pursue music. Because of his career, the latter leaves Japan till graduation. When he returns, he finds Sajou in their previous classroom. They talk to each other about their future plans and become physically intimate for the first time.
At last, Kusakabe proposes that they get married at 20, which Sajou also accepts.
Which Manga Chapter to Read After Dyouukyusei?
The Doukyuusei: Classmates anime film adapts the manga by the same name. Its sequel manga is ‘Sotsu Gyo Sei – Winter’ or Graduate: Winter. If you want to know what happens after Doukyuusei, you should read Sotsugyosei Winter and Sotsugyosei Spring, which narrate the tale of Kusakabe and Sajou’s graduation.
It is then followed by ‘Sora and Hara,’ a spinoff that focuses on Hara-sen and his love interest, with a few cameos from the main couple.
‘Occupation to Beloved’ and ‘Blanc’ are the sequel manga, but it’s best if you discover their plot by yourself. Last but not least is ‘Home,’ where the BL series reaches a fitting finale.
The plot of Doukyuusei faces realism a lot more than other BL series of its time. It sets the franchise apart, as the common problems of a gay couple are promptly highlighted in both the anime movie and the manga.
Sajou and Kusakabe are a thrilling couple who are always on the verge of falling out, but that’s what makes you root harder for them. The sequels to Dokyuusei are also equally touching, and I bet you won’t be able to put them down.
So give the movie a watch and tell us how you like them in the comments below.
