I was besotted with “Great Teacher Onizuka” before I became a teacher officially. Sure, his methods were unorthodox and left much to be desired, but I used to rewatch the episodes, smitten with the way he spoke compellingly from the heart to persuade his students to live better.

Two whole decades have passed since then, and it seems that Great Onizuka 2026 is down on his luck. His most recent job is hanging by a thread; his wife has moved back to her parents’ place; and his tooth is hurting. His dignity has plummeted. He doesn’t seem anything like the likeable character I gravitated towards all those years ago.

Yet, I was held spellbound by his latest escapades. At a time when my personal time has dwindled and my attention span has shrunk to that of a goldfish, I still listen to what he has to say to his students. Times might have changed. Onizuka Sensei now has to deal with the likes of tablets and online feedback channels, but his heart remains as resolute as ever. And that is super comforting to me.