Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei is an anime based on a manga by Koji Kumeta.

Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei is a comedy about a teacher named Nozomu Itoshiki, who takes all aspects of life, language and culture in the most negative light possible. At the beginning of the series, Itoshiki tries to hang himself on a sakura tree. He is saved by a very optimistic girl named Kafuka Fuura; however, she almost kills Itoshiki in the process of saving him. Kafuka, who enjoys giving whimsical nicknames to people, gives Itoshiki the nickname of "Pink Supervisor." Kafuka also offers to pay him fifty yen to call him by the name. Itoshiki bolts to the school, only to discover that Kafuka is one of his students.

When Itoshiki first introduces himself to his class, it is discovered that when he writes his name horizontally, it resembles the Japanese word for "despair." Itoshiki is trying to find ways to teach his class that hope is futile. However, Kafuka uses bizarre and childishly optimistic explanations to convince the others that there is always hope.

Another notable student in the class is Chiri Kitsu. She is very adamant that all things in her life are precise, equal, and conforming. Chiri is always trying to set things straight, but she is usually cruel and violent when she does. Chiri is the most level headed student in the class, and is the most combative against Itoshiki.

Each episode of Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei revolves around a particular aspect of life, Japanese culture, or common phrase in the Japanese language. References to pop culture can also be found throughout the series. There is even some "fanservice" that is included. However, any nudity that would be seen in the "fanservice" is covered by a graphic that includes the face of one of the staff members on the anime series.

Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei is a dark comedy, and as the series progresses, dark qualities start appearing in some of the characters that weren't evident early on. With the dark humor, the "fanservice," and topics that are included in the series, I would recommend Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei to anime viewers who are 16 or 17 years of age and older.

Title	Episodes	Release Year(s)	Director	Studio	N.A. Licensor
Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei	12	2007	Akiyuki Shinbo	Shaft	N/A
(Zoku) Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei	13	2008	Akiyuki Shinbo	Shaft	N/A
Goku: Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei	3	2008-2009	Akiyuki Shinbo	Shaft	N/A
Zan: Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei	13	2009	Akiyuki Shinbo	Shaft	N/A
Zan: Sayonara, Zetsunou-Sensei Bangaichi	3	2009-2012	Akiyuki Shinbo	Shaft	N/A