View source for Wandering Son

{{short description|Manga and anime series}}
{{Distinguish|Wandering Sun}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image           = Hōrō Musuko manga volume 1 cover.jpg
| alt             = A young girl in the background looking towards a young boy in the foreground on a black and white backdrop, and the series logo at the top in green
| caption         = First volume cover, featuring Yoshino (left) and Shuichi
| ja_kanji        = 放浪息子
| ja_romaji       = Hōrō Musuko
| genre           = [[Drama]], [[slice of life]]
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Takako Shimura]]
| publisher       = [[Enterbrain]]
| publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher
  | NA  = [[Fantagraphics Books]]
}}
| demographic     = ''[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]''
| magazine        = [[Comic Beam]]
| first           = December 2002
| last            = August 2013
| volumes         = 15
| volume_list     = List of Wandering Son chapters
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = [[Ei Aoki]]
| producer        = {{ubl|Jiyū Ōgi|Makoto Kimura|Shunsuke Saitō}}
| writer          = [[Mari Okada]]
| music           = {{ubl|Keiichi Okabe|[[Satoru Kōsaki]]}}
| studio          = [[Anime International Company|AIC Classic]]
| licensee        =
| network         = [[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]] ([[Noitamina]])
| first           = January 13, 2011
| last            = March 31, 2011
| episodes        = 12 (aired as 11)
| episode_list    = List of Wandering Son episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Wandering Son'''''|放浪息子|Hōrō Musuko|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Takako Shimura]]. It was originally serialized in ''[[Comic Beam]]'' from the December 2002 to August 2013 issue, and published in 15 ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes by [[Enterbrain]] from July 2003 to August 2013. The series is licensed in English by [[Fantagraphics Books]], which released the first volume in North America in July 2011. A 12-episode [[anime]] adaptation produced by [[Anime International Company|AIC Classic]] and directed by [[Ei Aoki]] aired in Japan between January and March 2011. Eleven episodes aired on television, with episodes 10 and 11 edited into a single episode, and were released individually on their respective BD/DVD volumes.

The story depicts a young [[transgender|trans]] girl named Shuichi Nitori, a student who develops a close relationship with another transgender classmate, a young boy named Yoshino Takatsuki. The series deals with issues such as coming to terms with being transgender, finding one's [[gender identity]], the onset of [[puberty]] and [[gender dysphoria]], and the social pressures associated with being transgender. Shimura was originally going to write the story about a girl in high school who wants to be a boy, but she realized that a boy who wants to be a girl before entering into puberty would have many worries related to growing up, and changed the story to fit this model. ''Wandering Son'' was selected as a recommended work by the awards jury of the tenth [[Japan Media Arts Festival]] in 2006. The series has been lauded for its exploration of gender identity and its depiction of transgender characters at the core of the story, though the emotional realism of the young characters has been called into question.

==Plot==
At the start of ''Wandering Son'', Shuichi Nitori is a student in the [[fifth grade]] who transfers into a new school. He quickly becomes friends with another student: the tall, boyish Yoshino Takatsuki. Yoshino soon learns of Shuichi's desire to be a girl. In a show of friendship, she confesses a similar desire to be a boy. Shuichi also becomes friends with Saori Chiba and Kanako Sasa, two other girls in the class. Saori instantly takes a liking to Shuichi and continuously encourages her to wear feminine clothes.

After Shuichi, Yoshino, and their friends enter sixth grade, Shuichi meets Makoto Ariga, another student their age from another class who also wants to be a girl. Shuichi and Yoshino become friends with an adult named Yuki, who is a [[trans woman]] living with a man named Shiina. Shuichi's older sister Maho becomes a model and eventually becomes friends with Maiko, a teen model whom she idolizes, and two other teen models: Tamaki Satō and Anna Suehiro. Maho gets a boyfriend, Riku Seya, and Shuichi confesses a crush on Yoshino, but Yoshino cannot reciprocate Shuichi's feelings. After Saori learns of this, she confesses she likes Shuichi, but Shuichi too cannot return her feelings. This results in a falling-out between Shuichi's friends as they prepare to enter junior high school.

In junior high school, they meet a tall, eccentric girl who befriends everyone, Chizuru Sarashina, and her prickly friend Momoko Shirai, who does not get along well with the others—especially Saori. Eventually, Saori and Yoshino rejoin Shuichi's group of friends, though Saori says she still hates Yoshino and Momoko. Shuichi and Anna start dating, much to the surprise of their friends and Shuichi's sister. Yoshino and Saori manage to halfway repair their friendship, though Saori is still standoffish to others. Shuichi's friends are split up into several classes upon entering their second year in junior high school. Shuichi becomes friends with Shinpei Doi, who previously teased her about wanting to be a girl. Yoshino attends school in a boy's uniform for a short time, and Shuichi tries to go to school dressed as a girl one day, but is laughed at, and they both become discouraged. Shuichi's friends worry as she begins skipping school. Although Shuichi eventually starts attending school regularly again, Anna breaks off their relationship. By the time Shuichi, Yoshino, and their friends enter their third year in junior high school, Shuichi's [[Puberty#Voice change|voice is changing]] which causes her [[dysphoria]] to worsen. The group of friends start thinking about their future high school plans, and Shuichi and Anna start dating again.

Shuichi begins attending the same all-boy high school as Makoto and Doi, while Yoshino and Saori begin attending a high school where uniforms are not required. Saori starts dating Fumiya Ninomiya. Yoshino starts working at Anna's modeling agency and Shuichi begins working at a cafe, but later quits. Shuichi starts writing a semi-autobiographical novel. Yoshino later tells Shuichi that they no longer wish to be seen as male and have decided to continue living as a girl. They also confess a romantic attraction to Shuichi and the pair briefly hold hands before saying goodbye. Shuichi informs Anna of her true gender identity, and much to her surprise Anna decides to stay in a relationship with her. After graduating from high school, Shuichi moves out and goes to the same college as Doi. Shuichi continues to write the novel, which is given the title {{Nihongo|''The Boy Who's a Girl''|ぼくは、おんなのこ|Boku wa, Onna no Ko}}.

==Characters==

===Protagonists===
[[File:Hōrō Musuko characters.jpg|thumb|300px|right|alt=A group of six junior high school students standing side by side in school uniforms. From the left is three girls, the latter two of whom are transgender, a gender non conforming girl wearing a male uniform, a trans boy, and a cis girl. |The main characters of ''Wandering Son'' (from left to right): Saori, Makoto, Shuichi, Chizuru, Yoshino, and Kanako]]

;{{Nihongo|Shuichi Nitori|二鳥 修一|Nitori Shūichi}}
:{{voiced by|Kōsuke Hatakeyama}}
:Shuichi, one of two protagonists, is in the fifth grade of [[elementary school]].<ref name="ch1">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=1|chapter=Chapter 1|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1522-6}}</ref> She uses the first-person pronoun "[[Japanese pronouns|boku]]" despite the fact that it's traditionally used by young boys. Otherwise known by the nicknames {{Nihongo|Shu|シュウ|Shū}} and {{Nihongo|Nitorin|にとりん}}, Shuichi is [[transgender|trans]] and identifies as a girl. She is described as cute by many of the other characters and is able to convincingly [[passing (gender)|pass]] as a cisgender girl when [[gender presentation|presenting]] as her identified gender, helped by her [[Femininity|feminine]] face and build. Shuichi enjoys wearing cute clothes; although initially opposed to the idea of crossdressing, her friends Yoshino Takatsuki and Saori Chiba encourage her to dress and act femininely.<ref name="ch2">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=1|chapter=Chapter 2|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1522-6}}</ref> As Shuichi grows up, [[puberty]] becomes a topic of increasing concern, such as the growth of body hair,<ref name="ch44">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=6|chapter=Chapter 44|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2007|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-3352-7}}</ref> a deepening voice,<ref name="ch39">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=5|chapter=Chapter 39|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2006|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2825-7}}</ref> and the onset of [[pimple]]s.<ref name="ch57">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=7|chapter=Chapter 57|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2007|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-3928-4}}</ref> She exhibits signs of [[gender identity|gender]] [[dysphoria]] and displays an outward attraction to two characters in the series—Yoshino<ref name="ch31">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=4|chapter=Chapter 31|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2005|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2402-0}}</ref> and Anna Suehiro. Shuichi and Anna date for a time in junior high,<ref name="ch53">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=7|chapter=Chapter 53|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2007|isbn= 978-4-7577-3928-4}}</ref> until she breaks off their relationship.<ref name="ch74">{{cite book|last=Shimura|first=Takako|author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=10|chapter=Chapter 74|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2010|isbn=978-4-0472-6412-0}}</ref> However, the two soon resume their relationship with each other.
:
:Shuichi is interested in doing indoor activities, and does not partake in activities favored by boys of the same age, such as playing sports. She enjoys and is skillful in [[baking]] [[Confectionery|sweet foods]],<ref name="ch1" /> though is never shown [[cooking]] other, more conventional foods. After starting an exchange diary with Yoshino, she becomes interested in writing stories,<ref name="ch28">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=4|chapter=Chapter 28|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2005|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2402-0}}</ref> and even joins the drama club as a writer with Saori in junior high school after they co-write a rendition of ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]'' performed by members of their class.<ref name="ch52">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=7|chapter=Chapter 52|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2007|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-3928-4}}</ref> Shuichi has an honest personality, and easily gets along with others. As a child, she has an obedient, dutiful attitude. 
:
:However, upon entering puberty, she sometimes experiences outbursts of intense emotion.<ref name="ch27">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=4|chapter=Chapter 27|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2005|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2402-0}}</ref> Shuichi can be overly sensitive at times and is often shown crying in front of others.<ref name="ch28" /> Due to these personality quirks, it is easier for her to associate with girls of the same age. Accordingly, she has few male friends.

<span id="Yoshino Takatsuki"></span>
;{{Nihongo|Yoshino Takatsuki|高槻 よしの|Takatsuki Yoshino}}
:{{voiced by|[[Asami Seto]]}}
:Yoshino, the other protagonist, is a tall, transgender boy who at the beginning of ''Wandering Son'' is a fifth grader in Shuichi's class.<ref name="ch1"/> He uses the first-person pronoun "[[Japanese pronouns|watashi]]", which is gender-neutral. Otherwise known as {{Nihongo|Takatsuki-kun|高槻くん}} by their classmates, with an [[Japanese honorifics|honorific]] used mainly with boys, he [[Transgender|wishes to be a boy]]. He usually refrains from dressing in traditionally feminine clothes, such as skirts or dresses. Despite this, his mother insists on buying such clothes for him.<ref name="ch1"/> Shortly after becoming friends with Shuichi, Yoshino gets a short haircut, taking on a more masculine appearance like the other boys his age, especially when he is dressed in a [[Japanese school uniform#Gakuran|male school uniform]].<ref name="ch4">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=1|chapter=Chapter 4|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1522-6}}</ref> Like Shuichi, he becomes increasingly concerned and resentful about undergoing puberty, such as at the beginning of [[menstruation]]<ref name="ch7">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=1|chapter=Chapter 7|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1522-6}}</ref> or the growth of breasts.<ref name="ch40">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=5|chapter=Chapter 40|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2006|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2825-7}}</ref> He goes to buy a chest-flattening garment to escape the necessity of wearing a bra.<ref name="ch56">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=7|chapter=Chapter 56| publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2007|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-3928-4}}</ref> Like Shuichi, Yoshino shows consistent symptoms of gender dysphoria, gender nonconformity, and a desire to be seen as a gender he was not assigned at birth.<ref name="ch57"/> He temporarily alleviates his dysphoria when he has personal exposure to modeling.<ref name="ch116">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=15|chapter=Chapter 116|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=<!--TBA-->|language=ja | isbn= <!--TBA-->}}</ref> By the end of the story Yoshino has adopted a more feminine appearance and admits that they no longer have the same desire to become a boy as they did in elementary school.<ref name="ch123">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=15|chapter=Chapter 122-123|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2013|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-04-729101-0}}</ref>
:Yoshino prefers to dress and act like a boy, but usually abstains from anything which would draw too much attention, such as going to school in a male uniform after entering junior high. However, he does on occasion dress in a male school uniform and go to neighboring cities while presenting as a boy; during one such time, he enjoys being hit on by an older woman.<ref name="ch4"/> Yoshino wants to look "cool" and wears clothes which are not girlish. When teased by others, he is prone to getting emotional and is known to get violent on occasion.<ref name="ch8">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=1|chapter=Chapter 8|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1522-6}}</ref> He takes up an interest in basketball after entering junior high school and joins the female basketball team with Chizuru Sarashina.<ref name="ch36">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=5|chapter=Chapter 36|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2006|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2825-7}}</ref> In junior high, he decides not to get a haircut after a comment by Saori,<ref name="ch58">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=8|chapter=Chapter 58|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2008|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-4499-8}}</ref> but later cuts it back to a short, masculine style.<ref name="ch75">{{cite book|last=Shimura|first=Takako|author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=10|chapter=Chapter 75|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2010|isbn=978-4-0472-6412-0}}</ref> However, by the end of high school Yoshino has voluntarily grown it out long again and continues to present as female.<ref name="ch123"/> Yoshino's family consists of a father, mother, older brother, and older sister.

===Classmates===
<span id="Saori Chiba"></span>
;{{Nihongo|Saori Chiba|千葉 さおり|Chiba Saori}}
:{{voiced by|[[Yuuka Nanri]]}}
:Saori, nicknamed {{Nihongo|Saorin|さおりん}}, is a girl who is a fifth grader in Shuichi's class at the beginning of ''Wandering Son''.<ref name="ch1"/> She takes an interest in encouraging Shuichi to cross-dress, even going so far as to buy Shuichi an expensive dress as a birthday gift, which Shuichi later returns, much to her displeasure.<ref name="ch6">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=1|chapter=Chapter 6|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1522-6}}</ref> Saori finds it difficult to associate with others; she has few friends, though becomes close to Shuichi. She tends to convey what is on her mind and disregards how others may take what she says. As Saori grows up, she gradually becomes more standoffish and stoic; she even has bad relations with her teachers.<ref name="ch10">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=2|chapter=Chapter 10|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2004|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1805-0}}</ref> Despite her self-centered attitude, she remains popular among her male classmates due to her physical attractiveness. She is a sensitive girl whose temper sometimes gets the better of her when reprimanding bullies that tease Shuichi, because of the latter's femininity and cross-dressing.<ref name="ch17">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=2|chapter=Chapter 17|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2004|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1805-0}}</ref><ref name="ch47">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=6|chapter=Chapter 47|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2007|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-3352-7}}</ref> Saori is often emotionally affected by circumstances involving Shuichi, because of her feelings for the latter. Saori converts to [[Christianity]] partly because of this influence of to seek forgiveness for her previous actions,<ref name="ch7"/> though she only attends mass when feeling guilty about her behavior.

<span id="Kanako Sasa"></span>
;{{Nihongo|Kanako Sasa|佐々 かなこ|Sasa Kanako}}
:{{voiced by|[[Yoshino Nanjō]]}}
:Kanako Sasa, usually referred to by her surname, is a girl who is a fifth grader in Shuichi's class at the beginning of ''Wandering Son''.<ref name="ch1"/> She is sometimes called {{Nihongo|Kanabun|カナブン||lit. [[Rhomborrhina japonica|drone beetle]]}} by her younger brother and Chizuru. She makes her first appearance in chapter two of the manga, but is not named until volume two. She is a short, energetic girl who thinks of herself as everyone's friend and becomes distressed when her friends fight among themselves.<ref name="ch21">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=3|chapter=Chapter 21|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2004|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2091-6}}</ref> Sasa acts as a mediator between her friends in such times and tries not to leave anyone alone.<ref name="ch36"/><ref name="ch33">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=4|chapter=Chapter 33|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2005|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2402-0}}</ref> She has been friends with Yoshino since pre-school,<ref name="ch13">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=2|chapter=Chapter 13|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2004|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1805-0}}</ref> and later becomes close with Chizuru. Sasa is an innocent, childish girl who does not have many worries aside from her friends' quarrels. She tends to be a handful for her mother, who picks out her clothes for her and even helps her get ready for school in the morning.<ref name="ch25">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=3|chapter=Chapter 25|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2004|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-2091-6}}</ref> She mentions that if she thinks too hard about something, her brain becomes itchy.<ref name="ch3">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=1|chapter=Chapter 3|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1522-6}}</ref>

<span id="Makoto Ariga"></span>
;{{Nihongo|Makoto Ariga|有賀 誠|Ariga Makoto}}
:{{voiced by|[[Yūichi Iguchi]]}}
:Makoto first appears when the cast is in sixth grade, though is in a different class.<ref name="ch21"/> Known as Mako for short, though mostly only to Shuichi, she is also a trans girl;<ref name="ch21"/> it is this desire that spurs her to become Shuichi's closest friend. Due to facial [[freckle]]s and round glasses, she is not able to appear as cute as Shuichi when wearing feminine clothes.<ref name="ch50">{{cite book|last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=7|chapter=Chapter 50|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]| year=2007|language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-3928-4}}</ref> She is a romantic who wants to be in a relationship with a cool, adult man.<ref name="ch36"/> She is unusually mature and is able to think calmly and objectively while providing advice to friends.<ref name="ch25"/> She also gets along well with boys and girls of the same age, because of good listening skills, and often becomes an onlooker to what is going on in other characters' lives. Makoto is an only child whose parents run a bakery.<ref name="ch25"/>

<span id="Chizuru Sarashina"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Chizuru Sarashina|更科 千鶴|Sarashina Chizuru}}
:{{voiced by|[[Saeko Chiba]]}}
: Chizuru, nicknamed Chii-chan, is a tall girl who first appears as a classmate of Shuichi when they both enter junior high school.<ref name="ch34">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=5 | chapter=Chapter 34 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2006 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2825-7}}</ref> She is Momoko's childhood friend, and has a stylish demeanor, highlighted by her stature and long hair, which captivates both Shuichi and Yoshino when they first meet her.<ref name="ch34"/> Chizuru is described as a free spirit, someone who enjoys doing unconventional, often outrageous things which surprise those around her; she frequently acts without thinking, and as a result projects a childish personality.<ref name="ch39"/><ref name="ch41">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=5 | chapter=Chapter 41 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2006 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2825-7}}</ref> Her impulsive behavior sometimes gets her in trouble with other characters, but she quickly becomes ashamed when she realizes the consequences.<ref name="ch52"/><ref name="ch43">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=6 | chapter=Chapter 43 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2007 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-3352-7}}</ref> She tries to be everyone's friend, though Saori strongly dislikes her impulsiveness.<ref name="ch38">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura| title=Wandering Son | volume=5 | chapter=Chapter 38 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2006 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2825-7}}</ref> Chizuru joins the girls' basketball team in junior high. Her family runs a [[soba]] restaurant.<ref name="ch34"/>

<span id="Momoko Shirai"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Momoko Shirai|白井 桃子|Shirai Momoko}}
:{{voiced by|[[Aki Toyosaki]]}}
: Momoko is a childhood friend and classmate of Chizuru in junior high school;<ref name="ch34"/> she is nicknamed Momo. She constantly hangs around Chizuru and is visibly annoyed when Chizuru socializes with others, or even if someone simply sits too close to her.<ref name="ch50"/> Momoko inevitably starts fighting Saori, who does not particularly respect Chizuru, when they talk.<ref name="ch46">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=6 | chapter=Chapter 46 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2007 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-3352-7}}</ref>

===Others===
<span id="Maho Nitori"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Maho Nitori|二鳥 真穂|Nitori Maho}}
:{{voiced by|[[Nana Mizuki]]}}
: Maho is Shuichi's sister. She is one year older than Shuichi is, and at the beginning of ''Wandering Son'', she is in the sixth grade of elementary school.<ref name="ch1"/> Maho shows a strong interest in clothes, and spends much of her money on new apparel. She is a big fan of a teen fashion model named Maiko, and to meet her, Maho auditions for the same modeling agency as Maiko.<ref name="ch18">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=3 | chapter=Chapter 18 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2004 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2091-6}}</ref> After she is hired and becomes recognized as a model, Maho enjoys being asked her autograph by complete strangers.<ref name="ch37">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=5 | chapter=Chapter 37 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2006 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2825-7}}</ref> While her modeling career initially starts out slowly, Maho soon gains confidence in her abilities, and becomes friends with Maiko and two other models, Anna Suehiro and Tamaki Satō.<ref name="ch27"/> In contrast to her younger sibling, Maho is very out-spoken and tends to be rough with Shuichi, even hitting or slapping Shuichi on occasion,<ref name="ch21"/><ref name="ch48">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=6 | chapter=Chapter 48 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2007 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-3352-7}}</ref> and she often forces things on Shuichi with little consideration of Shuichi's opinion.<ref name="ch21"/> She does not like Shuichi's cross-dressing and gets angry and disturbed when she finds Shuichi dressed as a girl.<ref name="ch36"/><ref name="ch48"/> In junior high school, Maho becomes attracted to her classmate Riku Seya, and eventually starts dating him.<ref name="ch33"/>

<span id="Riku Seya"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Riku Seya|瀬谷 理久|Seya Riku}}
:{{voiced by|[[Yoshitsugu Matsuoka]]}}
: Riku Seya, usually referred to by his surname, is a classmate of Maho's who meets her when they enter junior high school. He is generally a soft-spoken boy who initially takes an interest in Shuichi, whom he believes to be a cisgender girl, when they first meet.<ref name="ch11">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=2 | chapter=Chapter 11 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2004 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-1805-0}}</ref> When he learns that she is assigned male, Seya becomes angry at Maho for hiding this and stringing him along,<ref name="ch24">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=3 | chapter=Chapter 24 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2004 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2091-6}}</ref> but he soon reconciles with her and eventually starts dating her.<ref name="ch33"/> Seya remains polite with Shuichi, though due to their initial meeting, there is always some awkwardness between the two.

<span id="Anna Suehiro"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Anna Suehiro|末広 安那|Suehiro Anna}}
:{{voiced by|[[Yui Horie]]}}
: Anna is a teen model who is a good friend of Maiko and goes to the same all-girl school as her;<ref name="ch71">{{cite book | last=Shimura |first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=9 | chapter=Chapter 71 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2009 | isbn=978-4-7577-4995-5}}</ref> she is similarly well-known and experienced in modeling.<ref name="ch24"/> She is considered outspoken and sharp-tongued by other models.<!--from initial meeting--> Anna at first disapproves of Shuichi dressing as a girl, and even calls her a freak soon after meeting her.<ref name="ch24"/> Anna initially tells Maho she has no interest in her "weak" sibling because of Shuichi's femininity,<ref name="ch32">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=4 | chapter=Chapter 32 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2005 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2402-0}}</ref> though later dates her for a time after Shuichi asks her out.<ref name="ch53"/> Anna would later break up with her,<ref name="ch74"/> however, the two soon resume their relationship with each other once more. Furthermore, Anna's opinion of Shuichi presenting as female also changes, she says that it actually suits her,<ref name="ch60">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=8 | chapter=Chapter 60 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2008 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-4499-8}}</ref> and the two even go out together on a date with Shuichi presenting as a girl.<ref name="ch61">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=8 | chapter=Chapter 61 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2008 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-4499-8}}</ref> Anna feels Shuichi is an interesting person, and once says she is like a cute little sister.<ref name="ch59">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=8 | chapter=Chapter 59 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2008 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-4499-8}}</ref> Anna spends a lot of money on clothes, and enjoys modifying them.<ref name="ch61"/>

<span id="Yuki"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Yuki|ユキ}}
:{{voiced by|[[Takako Honda]]}}
: Yuki, born {{Nihongo|Hiroyuki Yoshida|吉田 紘之|Yoshida Hiroyuki}}, is a tall and attractive [[trans woman]] living with her boyfriend Shiina.<ref name="ch13"/> She takes an early interest in Yoshino when she believes him to be a cisgender boy, though remains on good terms with him even after learning of his assigned sex.<ref name="ch23">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=3 | chapter=Chapter 23 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2004 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2091-6}}</ref> She also gives Shuichi and Yoshino helpful advice when they are troubled. Despite the differences between their situations, Yuki sees much of herself in Shuichi: when they were growing up, Shiina was the only friend who stood by the young Hiroyuki, as she was called then, while girls teased her and the boys bullied her to change. Yuki always keeps up a positive attitude, and runs a [[gay bar]].<ref name="ch16">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=2 | chapter=Chapter 16 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2004 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-1805-0}}</ref> Since her [[Transitioning (transgender)|transition]], she has not been on good terms with her parents, who run a uniform store.<ref name="ch23"/>
: Yuki is the main character of Takako Shimura's short story {{Nihongo|"Hana"|花}}, in the collection {{Nihongo|''Boku wa, Onna no Ko''|ぼくは、おんなのこ}}, in which her family—which consists of her father, mother, brother, and sister-in-law—also appears; Yuki is revealed to be a fan of [[Keiji Sada]], a [[Shōwa period]] actor.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Boku wa Onna no Ko | chapter=Chapter 7 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2003 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-1685-8}}</ref>

<span id="Shiina"></span>
;{{Nihongo|Shiina|椎名}}
:{{voiced by|[[Keiji Fujiwara]]}}
:Shiina, given name unknown, otherwise referred to by his nickname {{Nihongo|Shii|しー}}, is another adult friend of Shuichi and Yoshino.<ref name="ch15">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=2 | chapter=Chapter 15 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2004 | language=ja | isbn= 978-4-7577-1805-0}}</ref> He was Yuki's classmate in elementary school, and he eventually became her boyfriend after her transition.<ref name="ch15"/> Unlike Yuki, Shiina had many friends in school.<ref name="ch73">{{cite book|last=Shimura|first=Takako|author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=9|chapter=Chapter 73|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2009|isbn=978-4-7577-4995-5}}</ref> He generally just watches over Shuichi and Yoshino with Yuki, but he sometimes does bold and unexpected things, such as grabbing Yoshino's crotch when he first meets him because he feared that, because Yoshino was presenting as a boy at the time, Yuki might be having an illicit affair with him.<ref name="ch12">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=2 | chapter=Chapter 12 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |year=2004 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-1805-0}}</ref>

<span id="Fumiya Ninomiya"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Fumiya Ninomiya|二宮 文弥|Ninomiya Fumiya}}
:{{voiced by|Kaoru Mizuhara}}
: Fumiya is a talkative boy one year older than Saori<ref name="ch32"/> whom she meets when she starts going to [[Christian Church|church]].<ref name="ch7"/> Saori is easily annoyed by him, especially when he brings her flowers from his parents' [[Floristry|flower shop]].<ref name="ch48"/><ref name="ch30">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=4 | chapter=Chapter 30 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2005 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-2402-0}}</ref> He takes an early interest in Saori and tries to become her boyfriend. After meeting Shuichi, Fumiya becomes jealous of Saori's interest in her, and finds her cross-dressing gross.<ref name="ch43"/> While initially lying to Saori and Shuichi about having an interest in cross-dressing,<ref name="ch68">{{cite book | last=Shimura | first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=9 | chapter=Chapter 68 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2009 | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7577-4995-5}}</ref> he is later seen dressed as a girl while out with Shuichi,<ref name="ch74"/> and again at the cultural festival at Shuichi's school.<ref name="ch81">{{cite book|last=Shimura|first=Takako|author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=10|chapter=Chapter 81|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2010|isbn=978-4-0472-6412-0}}</ref> Fumiya enjoys the added attention that comes from cross-dressing and admits that he likes being called cute.<ref name="ch74"/>

<span id="Shinpei Doi"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Shinpei Doi|土居伸平|Doi Shinpei}}
:{{voiced by|[[Hiroyuki Yoshino]]}}
: Shinpei is a classmate of Shuichi. He tends to be confident in himself and in his opinions. In junior high school, he often bullies Shuichi for a perceived lack of masculinity, but he has a change of heart once in high school after meeting Yuki. His admiration and gradual approval of Shuichi presenting as a girl tempers his overbearing attitude, and he tries to befriend her, attempting to apologize for his past conduct. He even begins encouraging her to come to school dressed as a girl.

<span id="Maiko"></span>
; {{Nihongo|Maiko|麻衣子}}
:{{voiced by|[[Ai Takabe]]}}
: Maiko is a classmate and best friend of Anna Suehiro. She is a singer and model. She has a large fan base among Shuichi's classmates.

==Production==
In an interview in August 2003, Takako Shimura stated that the theme of ''Wandering Son'' is similar to the second half of her previous manga series ''Shikii no Jūnin''.<ref name="Shimura-interview1">{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526021542/http://www.walkerplus.com/tokyo/20030819/bo1579_pkup.html | url=http://www.walkerplus.com/tokyo/20030819/bo1579_pkup.html | title=Takako Shimura interview | publisher=Walkerplus Tokyo | date=August 19, 2003 | archive-date=May 26, 2007 | access-date=April 5, 2009 | language=ja}}</ref> Shimura took the junior high school teacher Kentarō Kaneda from ''Shikii no Jūnin'' and inserted him into ''Wandering Son'', where he teaches at Shuichi's junior high school, because she really liked his character.<ref name="aw2">{{cite book|last=Shimura|first=Takako|author-link=Takako Shimura|title=Wandering Son|volume=8|chapter=Afterword|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2008|isbn=978-4-7577-4499-8}}</ref> Shimura originally planned to use a female high school student who wants to become a boy as the main character. However, she realized that a boy who wants to become a girl before entering into [[puberty]] would have many worries related to growing up, and changed the story accordingly. Shimura used her realization that the boy would go through significant changes as he grew up to deepen the development of the story and characters.<ref name="Shimura-interview1"/> The Japanese title, ''Hōrō Musuko'', is a [[pun]] on {{Nihongo|''hōtō musuko''|放蕩息子}}, meaning "[[Parable of the Prodigal Son|prodigal son]]".<ref name="Shimura-interview2.1">{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224042905/http://www.kanshin.jp/comic-beam/?mode=keyword&id=518153 | url=http://www.kanshin.jp/comic-beam/?mode=keyword&id=518153 | title=Ask the Manga Author! Part 6, Takako Shimura part 1 | publisher=Kanshin |date=September 2005 | archive-date=December 24, 2007 | access-date=April 5, 2009 | language=ja}}</ref>

Shimura mainly found her characters' names by looking through name dictionaries, although she also took the names of acquaintances and slightly changed them, and even used [[train station]] names for side characters appearing only once.<ref name="Shimura-interview2.1"/> Out of all the characters, Shimura is most pleased with Kanako Sasa. For the designs of clothes for the female characters, Shimura consulted various [[List of fashion magazines|fashion magazines]] for girls in their early teens, especially ''[[Nicola (magazine)|Nicola]]''.<ref name="Shimura-interview2.1"/> Shimura commented [[Self-deprecation|self-deprecatingly]] in the [[afterword]] of volume one that, like her other series, her characters do not look very different from each other, her [[Panel (comics)|panels]] are too white, and there is much [[pathos]].<ref name="aw1">{{cite book | last=Shimura |first=Takako | author-link=Takako Shimura | title=Wandering Son | volume=1 | chapter=Afterword | language=ja | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | year=2003 | isbn=978-4-7577-1522-6 | page=187}}</ref>

==Media==

===Manga===
{{see also|List of Wandering Son chapters{{!}}List of ''Wandering Son'' chapters}}
The [[manga]] ''Wandering Son'' is written and illustrated by [[Takako Shimura]].<ref name="vol1">{{cite web | url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/beam_comic/03250601.html | script-title=ja:放浪息子 1 | trans-title=''Wandering Son'' volume 1 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | access-date=April 8, 2009 | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927163113/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/beam_comic/03250601.html | archive-date=September 27, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> It was serialized in the monthly ''[[seinen manga|seinen]]'' (aimed at younger adult men) [[List of manga magazines|manga magazine]] ''[[Comic Beam]]'' from the December 2002 to August 2013 issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/comic/works/worksArchive.html|title=コミックビーム Official Web Site - 連載終了|trans-title=Comic Beam Official Web Site - Serialization Completed|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|access-date=July 11, 2013|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812141953/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/comic/works/worksArchive.html|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ANN-manga-end">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-06-11/takako-shimura-wandering-son-manga-to-end-in-july|title=Takako Shimura's ''Wandering Son'' Manga to End in July|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=June 11, 2013|access-date=June 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614035248/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-06-11/takako-shimura-wandering-son-manga-to-end-in-july|archive-date=June 14, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The individual chapters were collected and published in 15 ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes by [[Enterbrain]] from July 25, 2003 to August 28, 2013.<ref name="vol1"/><ref name="vol15">{{cite web| url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/beam_comic/13250201.html| script-title=ja:放浪息子 15| trans-title=''Wandering Son'' volume 15| publisher=[[Enterbrain]]| access-date=August 26, 2013| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922024757/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/beam_comic/13250201.html| archive-date=September 22, 2013| url-status=live}}</ref> ''Wandering Son'' was one of several manga titles included with the launch in December 2009 of the manga distribution service of the [[PlayStation Store]] for the Japanese [[PlayStation Portable]] [[handheld game console]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-24/japan-sony-psp-manga-distribution-service-detailed | title=Japan's Sony PSP Manga Distribution Service Detailed | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | date=September 24, 2009 | access-date=November 29, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124081540/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-24/japan-sony-psp-manga-distribution-service-detailed | archive-date=November 24, 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The series is licensed in English by [[Fantagraphics Books]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-06/wandering-son-by-aoi-hana-shimura-listed-in-amazon | title=''Wandering Son'' by ''Aoi Hana''{{'}}s Shimura Listed in Amazon | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | date=March 6, 2010 | access-date=March 6, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308032441/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-06/wandering-son-by-aoi-hana-shimura-listed-in-amazon | archive-date=March 8, 2010 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Cohen | first=Jacq | url=http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3956&Itemid=95 | title=Here Comes the Son - Fantagraphics Starts a Manga Line | publisher=[[Fantagraphics Books]] | date=March 8, 2010 | access-date=March 11, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613150314/http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3956&Itemid=95 | archive-date=June 13, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> which began releasing the series in North America in [[hardcover]] format starting with the first volume on July 5, 2011. [[Gary Groth]] of Fantagraphics Books said in an interview he licensed ''Wandering Son'' because "it's not a typical choice for a manga title published in the U.S. and it's not typical subject matter for comics in general,"<ref name="Groth">{{cite web | last=Aoki | first=Deb | url=http://manga.about.com/b/2010/03/11/gary-groth-talks-fantagraphics-new-manga-moto-hagio-at-comic-con.htm | title=Gary Groth Talks: Fantagraphics' New Manga, Moto Hagio at Comic-Con | publisher=[[About.com]] | date=March 11, 2010 | access-date=March 12, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018005642/http://manga.about.com/b/2010/03/11/gary-groth-talks-fantagraphics-new-manga-moto-hagio-at-comic-con.htm | archive-date=October 18, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> saying that the subject is "perfectly legitimate ... for literature—or comics."<ref name="Groth"/> Although Fantagraphics Books released eight volumes by June 2015,<ref>{{cite book|title=Wandering Son: Volume Eight|isbn=978-1606998311|last1=Takako|first1=Shimura|year=2011|publisher=Fantagraphics Books }}</ref> the release of further volumes was hampered by low sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/11/17/translator-discussing-wandering-son-manga-status|title=Translator Discusses "Wandering Son" Manga Status|publisher=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=November 17, 2015|access-date=March 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424224120/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/11/17/translator-discussing-wandering-son-manga-status|archive-date=April 24, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The series is also licensed by [[Ever Glory Publishing]] in Taiwan<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.egmanga.com.tw/manga/0502m05_05.htm | script-title=zh:放浪男孩 | trans-title=Wandering Son | publisher=[[Ever Glory Publishing]] | access-date=July 13, 2009 | language=zh | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629105743/http://www.egmanga.com.tw/manga/0502m05_05.htm | archive-date=June 29, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> and by [[Haksan Culture Company]] in Korea.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.haksanpub.co.kr/comics/c_detail.asp?comics_id=C2000390&comics_sub_id=1 | script-title=ko:방랑 소년 1권 |trans-title=''Wandering Son'' 1 | publisher=[[Haksan Culture Company]] | access-date=July 13, 2009 | language=ko |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070707212728/http://www.haksanpub.co.kr/comics/c_detail.asp?comics_id=C2000390&comics_sub_id=1 |archive-date = July 7, 2007}}</ref>

===Anime===
{{see also|List of Wandering Son episodes{{!}}List of ''Wandering Son'' episodes}}
A 12-episode [[anime]] television series adaptation produced by [[Anime International Company|AIC Classic]] and [[Aniplex]] aired in Japan between January 13 and March 31, 2011 on [[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]]'s [[Noitamina]] [[Block programming|programming block]].<ref name="ANN-anime-news">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-11/takako-shimura-wandering-son-manga-gets-anime|title=Takako Shimura's ''Wandering Son'' Manga Gets Anime|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 11, 2010|access-date=March 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604180303/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-11/takako-shimura-wandering-son-manga-gets-anime|archive-date=June 4, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ANN-anime-news-2">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-15/level-e-hourou-musuko-wolverine-koisento-promos-streamed|title=''Level E'', ''Hourou Musuko'', ''Wolverine'', ''Koisento'' Promos Streamed|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 15, 2010|access-date=November 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118021854/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-15/level-e-hourou-musuko-wolverine-koisento-promos-streamed|archive-date=November 18, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Crunchyroll]] simulcasted the anime on their streaming website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-01-06/crunchyroll-to-simulcast-hourou-musuko-drama-anime|title=Crunchyroll to Simulcast ''Hourou Musuko''/''Wandering Son''|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=January 6, 2011|access-date=January 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108054501/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-01-06/crunchyroll-to-simulcast-hourou-musuko-drama-anime|archive-date=January 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it was removed from Crunchyroll on April 21, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Idol Master, MEKAKUCITY ACTORS, and More Are Leaving Crunchyroll|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2021/04/15/the-idol-master-mekakucity-actors-and-more-are-leaving-crunchyroll|last=Luster|first=Joseph|date=April 15, 2021|access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Aniplex released the anime on six [[Blu-ray Disc|Blu-ray]] and DVD compilation volumes in Japan between April 27 and September 21, 2011.<ref name="bd-dvd">{{cite web|url=http://www.houroumusuko.jp/package/index.html|title=「放浪息子」アニメ公式サイト - BD & DVD|trans-title=''Wandering Son'' Anime Official Website - BD & DVD|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|access-date=February 18, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722110718/http://www.houroumusuko.jp/package/index.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Of the 11 episodes to be aired on TV, episodes 10 and 11 were edited into a single episode, and were released individually on their respective BD/DVD volumes.<ref name="10+11">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-24/wandering-son-unedited-episodes-10/11-put-on-bd/dvd|title=''Wandering Son''{{'}}s Unedited Episodes 10/11 Put on BD/DVD|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 24, 2011|access-date=March 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427115252/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-24/wandering-son-unedited-episodes-10/11-put-on-bd/dvd|archive-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the arrest of Ai Takabe, the voice actress who played Maiko, for drug possession in October 2015, [[Bandai Channel]] removed the series from its streaming catalog.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-28/japanese-streaming-services-remove-kill-me-baby-sweet-blue-flowers-wandering-son-anime/.94715 |title=Japanese Streaming Services Remove ''Kill Me Baby'', ''Sweet Blue Flowers'', ''Wandering Son'' Anime |date=October 28, 2015 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=October 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029150944/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-28/japanese-streaming-services-remove-kill-me-baby-sweet-blue-flowers-wandering-son-anime/.94715 |archive-date=October 29, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The anime adapts the story from the point where the characters enter junior high school.

The anime is directed by Ei Aoki and the screenplay was written by [[Mari Okada]]. Chief animator Ryūichi Makino based the character design used in the anime on Takako Shimura's original concept and the main animator is Michio Satō.<ref name="staff">{{cite web|url=http://www.houroumusuko.jp/staff/index.html|script-title=ja:「放浪息子」アニメ公式サイト - スタッフ&キャスト|trans-title=''Wandering Son'' Anime Official Website - Staff & Cast|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|access-date=October 28, 2010|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016230903/http://www.houroumusuko.jp/staff/index.html|archive-date=October 16, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The music was produced by Satoru Kosaki and Keiichi Okabe, both from Monaca,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monaca.jp/staff/|title=Monaca {{!}} 有限会社モナカ|trans-title=Monaca {{!}} Monaca, Inc.|publisher=Monaca|access-date=September 10, 2010|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718193850/http://www.monaca.jp/staff/|archive-date=July 18, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and the sound director is Jin Aketagawa.<ref name="staff"/> The anime's opening theme song is {{Nihongo|"Itsudatte."|いつだって。}} by Daisuke and the single was released on March 2, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houroumusuko.jp/music/index.html|script-title=ja:「放浪息子」アニメ公式サイト - オープニングテーマ|trans-title=''Wandering Son'' Anime Official Website - Opening Theme|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|access-date=January 21, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722110541/http://www.houroumusuko.jp/music/index.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The ending theme is "For You" by [[Rie fu]] and the single was released on February 16, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houroumusuko.jp/music/ed.html|script-title=ja:「放浪息子」アニメ公式サイト - エンディングテーマ|trans-title=''Wandering Son'' Anime Official Website - Ending Theme|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|access-date=January 21, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722110545/http://www.houroumusuko.jp/music/ed.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The original soundtrack was released on August 24, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houroumusuko.jp/music/ost.html|script-title=ja:「放浪息子」アニメ公式サイト - オリジナルサウンドトラック|trans-title=''Wandering Son'' Anime Official Website - Original Soundtrack|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|access-date=August 22, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614201920/http://www.houroumusuko.jp/music/ost.html|archive-date=June 14, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
It was reported in June 2013 that approximately 1.05 million copies of the manga are in print in Japan.<ref name="ANN-manga-end"/> ''Wandering Son'' was selected as a recommended work by the awards jury of the tenth [[Japan Media Arts Festival]] in 2006.<ref name="10thJMAF">{{cite web | url=http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2006/recommend/magazine.php | title=Tenth Japan Media Arts Festival manga recommendations | publisher=Japan Media Arts Plaza, [[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] | access-date=April 6, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603230753/http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2006/recommend/magazine.php | archive-date=June 3, 2008 | url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Young Adult Library Services Association]] nominated ''Wandering Son'' for its 2012 Great Graphic Novels for Teens list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-07-12/4-more-manga-nominated-for-yalsa-teens-graphic-novels|title=4 More Manga Nominated for YALSA Teens' Graphic Novels|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 12, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717103900/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-07-12/4-more-manga-nominated-for-yalsa-teens-graphic-novels|archive-date=July 17, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The anime was awarded the honorable mention prize for technical achievement in broadcast animation at the 65th Motion Picture and Television Engineering Society of Japan Awards in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-02/black-rock-shooter-wandering-son-tv-anime-win-technical-awards|title=''Black Rock Shooter'', ''Wandering Son'' TV Anime Win Technical Awards|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=August 2, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804030628/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-02/black-rock-shooter-wandering-son-tv-anime-win-technical-awards|archive-date=August 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a review of the first volume by Rebecca Silverman of [[Anime News Network]] (ANN), she praised the slow pace of the storytelling, which "gives it a more realistic feel."<ref name="ANN-vol1-review">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/wandering-son/gn-1|title=''Wandering Son'' GN 1 - Review|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=August 4, 2011|access-date=August 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805081606/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/wandering-son/gn-1|archive-date=August 5, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Silverman praises Takako Shimura for making Shuichi into a "human protagonist", but notes that "most of the children act much older than they are."<ref name="ANN-vol1-review"/> The second volume was featured in ANN's Right Turn Only [[Column (periodical)|column]] in March 2007 as the Import of the Month, where Carlo Santos lauded the series for using gender reversal as the "actual heart of the story" in contrast to "every other series" involving cross-dressing, which use "gender reversal as a goofy plot device."<ref name="ANN-RTO">{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2007-03-06 | title=Right Turn Only!! Kingdoms' Heart | first=Carlo | last=Santos | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | date=March 6, 2007 | access-date=November 29, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427071042/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2007-03-06 | archive-date=April 27, 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref> The art was praised as "simple [with] few lines, but incredibly expressive" which Santos claimed is a "style that's the most difficult and beautiful of all." Santos criticized the "emotional realism" of the work for having the young characters' "unrealistically mature attitude" towards "issues above their grade level."<ref name="ANN-RTO"/>

[[Rachel Matt Thorn]], the English translator of the manga, wrote that fans of ''[[Anne of Green Gables]]'' or ''[[The Rose of Versailles]]'' would also enjoy ''Wandering Son'',<ref>{{cite web | last=Thorn | first=Rachel | author-link=Rachel Thorn | url=http://matt-thorn.com/wordpress/?p=415 | title=Moto Hagio collection, Takako Shimura's ''Wandering Son'' | date=March 9, 2010 | access-date=March 11, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717061231/http://matt-thorn.com/wordpress/?p=415 | archive-date=July 17, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> and Silverman compared ''Wandering Son'' to ''[[Mizuiro Jidai]]''.<ref name="ANN-vol1-review"/> Thorn described the art as "clean and lovely" and went on to cite ''Wandering Son'' as "sweet, thought-provoking, funny, and moving, and I think it will resonate with readers regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation."<ref>{{cite web|author=Mautner, Chris|url=http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/03/a-short-interview-with-matt-thorn/|title=A short interview with Matt Thorn|publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=March 23, 2010|access-date=June 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017042416/http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/03/a-short-interview-with-matt-thorn/|archive-date=October 17, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The first manga volume as translated by Fantagraphics Books had an early debut at the May 2011 Toronto Comic Arts Festival and sold out within the first two hours of the event.<ref>{{cite web|author=Headley, Janice|url=http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=TCAF-2011-Totally-Cool-And-Fun.html&Itemid=113|title=TCAF 2011: Totally Cool And Fun|publisher=[[Fantagraphics Books]]|date=May 17, 2011|access-date=May 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120222638/http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=TCAF-2011-Totally-Cool-And-Fun.html&Itemid=113|archive-date=November 20, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Aoki, Deb|url=http://manga.about.com/b/2011/05/09/tcaf-2011-day-1-springtime-sunshine-manga-and-buzz-books.htm|title=TCAF 2011 Day 1: Springtime Sunshine, Manga and Buzz Books|publisher=[[About.com]]|date=May 9, 2011|access-date=May 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714053759/http://manga.about.com/b/2011/05/09/tcaf-2011-day-1-springtime-sunshine-manga-and-buzz-books.htm|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a 2019 ''[[Forbes]]''{{'s}} article about the best anime of the 2010s decade, Lauren Orsini considered it to be one of the five best anime of 2011 and called it "A breakout show in the transgender drama genre". Orsini praised the "delicate, watercolor-like art" and how the story is "treated with empathy and kindness", but "at the same time, it's far from a lecture; its focus on characters keeps it as entertaining as it is enlightening".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenorsini/2019/12/02/the-best-anime-of-the-decade2010-and-2011/#1321fdd423f8 | title=The Best Anime Of The Decade - 2010 And 2011 | first=Lauren | last=Orsini | date=December 2, 2019 | work=Forbes | access-date=December 3, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203022043/https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenorsini/2019/12/02/the-best-anime-of-the-decade2010-and-2011/#1321fdd423f8 | archive-date=December 3, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, Beatrice Viri of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] stated that the manga's ending is "rather controversial due to the treatment of the character Yoshino," but is still considered a popular LGBTQ manga.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Viri |first1=Beatrice |title=The 6 Best LGBTQ Manga (That AREN'T Yaoi or Yuri) |url=https://www.cbr.com/best-lgbtq-manga-not-yaoi-yuri/ |magazine=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |access-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215005711/https://www.cbr.com/best-lgbtq-manga-not-yaoi-yuri/ |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |date=December 14, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.houroumusuko.jp/ Anime official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*{{Anime News Network|manga|7330}}

{{Takako Shimura}}
{{Comic Beam}}
{{AIC TV series}}
{{Mari Okada}}
{{Noitamina}}
{{Fantagraphics translations}}

[[Category:2002 manga]]
[[Category:2011 Japanese television series debuts]]
[[Category:2011 Japanese television series endings]]
[[Category:Anime International Company]]
[[Category:Aniplex]]
[[Category:Coming-of-age anime and manga]]
[[Category:Drama anime and manga]]
[[Category:Enterbrain manga]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Dwango franchises]]
[[Category:Fantagraphics titles]]
[[Category:Fuji Television original programming]]
[[Category:Japanese LGBTQ-related animated television series]]
[[Category:Noitamina]]
[[Category:Anime and manga set in schools]]
[[Category:Seinen manga]]
[[Category:Television shows written by Mari Okada]]
[[Category:Transgender-related anime and manga]]
[[Category:Transgender-related television shows]]
[[Category:2010s LGBTQ-related drama television series]]
[[Category:2010s LGBTQ literature]]
[[Category:Transgender-related comics]]
[[Category:2000s LGBTQ literature]]
[[Category:2002 LGBTQ-related literary works]]