Deborah, the Rival

Deborah, the Rival (1997) is a comedy, romance directed by Masako Matsuura rated 9.0/10.

A college girl, Asayo, falls for the star of her school’s football team, Igarashi. Her main rival in winning him is Deborah, a flamboyant drag-performing football player (okama) who shares her dorm. Despite their rivalry, Asayo and Deborah become friends, and he helps her pursue Igarashi. Complications arise when Asayo realizes Deborah secretly loves Igarashi. His feelings are eventually revealed, but Igarashi does not reciprocate. In the end, Asayo, Igarashi, and Deborah navigate romance, rivalry, and dorm life together, with friendships and loyalties intact.