When the Saints Go Marching In (1998): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1998, When the Saints Go Marching In is a drama series.

What it’s about. Exploring the perception and treatment of mentally-challenged youth and their similarities to juvenile delinquents in Japanese society, this drama series follows the trials and tribulations of a group of adolescents in a work/study program for mentally-challenged teenagers. Although the program's intention is to gently "normalize" them for introduction in society, the group is subject to constant physical and mental abuse unbeknownst to their parents and teacher, Ms Hagawa. However, the friendship between Towa, a naive but unusually articulate member of the program, and Arisu, a rebellious schoolgirl, helps both of them learn to overcome their troubles.

Who’s in it. When the Saints Go Marching In stars Issei Ishida as Machida Towa, Noriko Sakai as Hagawa Momo, Hirosue Ryoko as Tsuchiya Arisu and Masanobu Ando as Takahara Ren, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 9.7/10, When the Saints Go Marching In sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch When the Saints Go Marching In page.

If you liked it. Fans of When the Saints Go Marching In tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.