The Gokusen (TV)

Teruo Kumai is nicknamed "Kuma" (Bear) not only because it's a derivative of his last name, but also because he tends to look, act and eat like a bear.

Kumiko Yamaguchi's name evokes her family business. "Kumiko" (久美子) is partially homophone to "Kumi" (組=group), the usual suffix for crime syndicates (and class groups). The Yamaguchi-gumi (based in Kobe) is the largest and most notorious criminal organization in Japan. Her nickname "Yankumi" evokes the word "Yankee," a word used to refer to delinquent youngsters of the bike gang type, especially women (like Uotani in Fruits Basket)

To keep with the mobster theme, the U.S. DVD release parodies Mob-related films: the Gokusen logo (The Godfather series), Vol. 1: "The Unteachables" (The Untouchables), Vol. 2: "Kumiko's Way" (Carlito's Way) and Vol. 3: "Road to Graduation" (Road to Perdition).

When Yankumi is about to enter Shin's room in episode 11, Shin is lying in his bed listening to music with his headphones on and the song that's playing is "Honto no Kotoba (My Real World)" the opening theme song of the show.