Rumiko Takahashi's Maison Ikkoku, crafted from 1980 to 1987 and animated in two parts later in the 80s and 90s, to me is the true essence of a romance comedy from that era. Not too cute, too feelgood, or too fanservice based (any fanservice is too much fanservice as far as I'm concerned), Maison Ikkoku is the sweet story of Yusaku Godai's struggle to make Kyoko, his new manager, understand and reciprocate his heartfelt love for her. Throughout his journey to fulfill this most deep wish of his, he (although not the comedy) is hindered (mostly) by the rest of the residents of the infamous
...
Maison Ikkoku (meaning house at the center of it all, or so I'm told). Their shenanigans, along with other matters, such as the wealthy, hunky, manly stud of a man that is Shun Mitaka (aka alternate love interest for Kyoko) and the developing situation with Godai and his girls (he is not a player, I repeat. He is NOT a player of any sort). All of these characters drive the plot forward episode after episode and make this anime the gem that it is.
Furthermore, for clarity's sake, this show goes into my list as a 10 out of pure enjoyment, but in my attempt to write a review for you, the masses, I have broken up its attributes into the four usual subsets (art, music, characters, story) and rated those with the highest degree of impartiality for you who may not share my love of this genre or even the character types presented in this show. The 8 that I awarded it means exactly what it says: it is VERY GOOD.
To begin, I would like to describe the overall and recurring feeling of Maison Ikkoku with two words: Salted Watermelon. For those of you who may not be aware, salting watermelon is an old trick intended to make the watermelon taste even sweeter than it normally does by adding intense contrast with the flavor just prior to the consumption of the finished product. Much like salted watermelon, Maison Ikkoku's trademark strategy is to use heaps, piles, stacks, buckets, and wagons filled with pure misunderstanding. This is then emptied upon all of the characters in almost all of their interactions. Yes, you heard right... or did you? No one at Maison Ikkoku knows... Basically what this does, other than make for hilarious situations and skillfully weaving your classic dramatic irony into almost every episode is to intensify the joy of calm, peaceful resolution following many misunderstandings. Sharply following this salt, errrr... "misunderstandings" is the resolution of the drama that ensued. For example, guy 2 tells girl 1 that guy 1 is cheating on him when guy 1 is actually just clothing a starving lady or something. Girl 1 cries her head off and eventually, after a long wait filled with tension the direct confrontation occurs. Characters figure out what went wrong and are all the greater friends for it. This is the enhanced sweetness that the salt serves to create. It is an illusion based upon the fact that the incredibly sudden shift from angry or depressed to friends, or lovers, or whatever they may be, creates an undeniable happiness within your heart, knowing that with each obstacle two people overcome, they are better for it. Salted. Watermelon. Who knew salt could make something oh so sweet? (hint: Rumiko Takahashi)
As for the specific aspects of the story, apart from the general construct itself, all are to my satisfaction.
Apart from that breakdown of the general function of the story, there are the four elements of Sound, Art (animation I should say... music is art too), Character, and Story.
First things first, I actually think that it is important to cover the Art of the animation first:
Rated on a modern scale (2012 animation being the comparative field), I give Maison Ikkoku a solid 7 in art. This is because, while much of it is dated in some sense, kind of faded, and just a bit lackluster, the character designs themselves are just so striking. I would almost go so far as to say they are revitalizing when compared to the modern design of characters. Your first look at the cover art on this page and you can see the style of the characters. Rather than attempt to portray the girls as cute in any sense, the guys as whatever guys are usually projected as, and traditional guidelines for character design based upon attitude (which is present, but in altered form), Maison Ikkoku succeeds in using its art to develop the overall sense of the characters and how they interact. Rather than being some cute chick, Kyoko appears dignified in her own way. Godai doesn't fall into the "derpy looking failure of a student" character design, but has his own feel to his look. Something hard to describe, but greatly appreciated by all those who watch. Despite the fantastic design of the characters, which alone I would give a solid 8 or maybe a 9, the background and other effects are just "fine" at a 6, leaving it balanced at a 7.
As for the music, right away you can definitely tell that this is a show from a different time. The music seems... it's hard to descirbe, but look up the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWiu6xp1UTE
and you will understand. It all sounds like it is from that time, and despite my lack of particular interest, I would give the OP/EDs a 6-7 total ranking for hit and miss (Oh, how I love the first opening)
BUT THE BACKGROUND MUSIC. Oh, I didn't forget. I love Maison Ikkoku's background music. It helps create tone and mood and sticks with you. Even today, over a month since I watched episode 96, I caught myself humming the tune to one of the sad background tunes... It sticks with you, and for that I give it a solid 7, leaning on 8.
Also the seiyus and English VAs are all very good (despite the angering voice switch on episode 36/37)
(hint: all you Brad Swaile fangirls/fanboys have something to look forward to if you watch the dub)
The story, much of which I have covered is both interesting and semi-unique, but repetitive and lacks room for surprise. It fits the story well and rarely inhibited my satisfaction. I give it a 7.
And finally, the characters! I love the characters of Maison Ikkoku. From the good guy Godai, to Honestly Kyoko herself, and all the way back to the enigmatic Mr. Yotsuya ,there is always something to enjoy. The characters have a solid sense of depth to them, from hidden and revealed pasts, to affected futures and patterns of action, Rumiko Takahashi allows you to understand what drives the characters, yet holds off just enough to keep some characters just out of understanding's reach. Keep it interesting, you know? The problem that I found here was that by episode 25-35, you have a really solid sense of who the characters are and then... nothing changes. You roll with that sense for 60-70 more episodes, watching the characters do almost the exact same thing over and over. While I love the characters, they just don't change enough for a 96 episode series. All in all, it's another solid/high 7 for characters.
And Finally, there is my personal level of enjoyment for this series. OOh, I have been waiting for this. I give this series a solid 9 in the entertainment department. Almost every episode I had moment where I went from incredibly sad, almost a feeling of loss, back to the huge grin of success and achievement, and even to laughter several times an episode. It just keep the emotions rolling episode after episode all the way to the end.
All in all, I would give this, one of my favorite animes as of yet a technical ranking of 8 (though it will always be a 9 in my heart) It is lively, filled with drama, romance, comedy, and piles of misunderstanding (heh...heh...heh...), but it's ultimate downfall is that it is too static. Always failing to change direction or pull a twist, the same characters and same gags keep running episode after episode, the one true problem with this fine piece of work. Watch and enjoy is my best suggestion.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: Ikkoku House
Japanese: めぞん一刻
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV
Episodes:
96
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Mar 26, 1986 to Mar 2, 1988
Premiered:
Spring 1986
Broadcast:
Wednesdays at 19:30 (JST)
Licensors:
VIZ Media
Studios:
Studio Deen
Source:
Manga
Theme:
Adult Cast
Demographic:
Seinen
Duration:
25 min. per ep.
Rating:
R+ - Mild Nudity
Statistics
Ranked:
#3882
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#2563
Members:
75,600
Favorites:
1,751
Resources | Reviews
Filtered Results: 57 / 60
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Aug 26, 2012
Rumiko Takahashi's Maison Ikkoku, crafted from 1980 to 1987 and animated in two parts later in the 80s and 90s, to me is the true essence of a romance comedy from that era. Not too cute, too feelgood, or too fanservice based (any fanservice is too much fanservice as far as I'm concerned), Maison Ikkoku is the sweet story of Yusaku Godai's struggle to make Kyoko, his new manager, understand and reciprocate his heartfelt love for her. Throughout his journey to fulfill this most deep wish of his, he (although not the comedy) is hindered (mostly) by the rest of the residents of the infamous
...
Jul 30, 2023
If you are looking for a great love story sparkled with comedy, seen through rose-tinted glasses, this is it.
Maison Ikkoku's story is like no other rom-com. This love triangle, it is not just for our main characters, but supporting characters give their own mix into the show. The main protagonists are both adults, unlike most of the time in today's anime, therefore the problems that sprung during the show, are unique to it. Because the setting is in the mid-to-late 80's, the societal norms are different. Don't look this as a bad thing, but a glimpse into yesterday's world. Get ready for misunderstandings and spanish ... Oct 12, 2021
I watched a few episodes back in college in the 1990's, but never had a chance to watch the whole series (subtitled anime was hard to find back then, especially long series). But I have been a huge KOR fan, and I've always heard how great MI is. Now I am in my 50's, and anime is much easier to come by, so I gave it a gander.
Story: 8 I'll be honest, the first 25 episodes were really difficult to watch. I really felt no love or connection, or really anything positive about any of the characters. In the 30's, we get ... Jan 16, 2021
I'll be frank here; the anime is actually not the best way to consume Maison Ikkoku's story. The art and sound has not aged very well and is inconsistent throughout its run. The manga is far superior in that regard. However, please believe me when I say that this is without a doubt the best love story ever told in this medium. Maison Ikkoku is peak romcom anime.
Maison Ikkoku is the most human, most sincere, most complete love story you'll ever find in this medium and possibly in any medium. It's simply that good. So while it looks pretty meh I still can't give this ... May 1, 2022
Maison Ikkoku is still today one of the most emotional and romantic anime I’ve ever watched, as well as a great historical slice of life title from the ‘80s, similarly to some more recent works like Tora Dora and Clannad.
Episode after episode, this anime conquered my heart with its genuine narration, an endless twist of funny and romantic moments, along with the lovely piano soundtrack and its unforgettable characters, including the main protagonists Yusaku Godai and Kyoko Otonashi, as well as the other secondary characters who are all further and nicely explored during the various episodes. Some words apart must be told about the unforgettable ... Sep 20, 2019
Really! I do not understand how this anime is rated with such a high score under the romance genre when there is no romance in this anime. I watched 56 episodes hoping to see some good turn of events. It would be more than 3 years or so since both Mitaka and Godai met Ikako, and yet she is playing with their lives. Godai is clearly an immature person who cannot understand women feelings even he is 24 which cause the stretch of the anime. On the other hand, how can Mitaku, an eligible bachelor with a good career could wait for women for 3
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May 5, 2018
One of the best-polished and warm comedy/romance Anime! don't get discouraged by its released date !! I recommend taking a look at it!
STORY: its normal but the execution is very well done! There are few repetitive things in the middle of the episodes but all in all is very well polished altogether ART: for its date is one of the best i have seen so far! SOUND: Normal sometimes warm/ refreshing, the voice actors are well suited for each character! CHARACTER: not much of past of each character but you won't mind it! Its well developing the relationships and the interactions with each character ENJOYMENT: Well i ... Jun 22, 2019
The show has its charm, not an entire waste of time. It's certainly a throwback to simpler, more innocent times in more than one regard. However, there was so much buildup for such little payout. The show is just too slow, you get to care about the characters after a while but if you take away the episodes that revolve around some retarded "misunderstanding", which is just the author not being very creative/smart on that particular chapter, you could have cut the total number of episodes by half.
** SPOILERS AHEAD ** What was more disappointing was that they chickened out when tackling the fundamental conflict ... Mar 1, 2020
you wouldn't enjoy it if youre the type that enjoys the "strong male & weak female" stereotype, because it is more focused on the pro/cons of love itself.
and questioning yourself, will this happen to me or not? Knowing how to be patient and persistent is the key of this show. Even though it has got the old anime vibes, bad animation both art and sound but good story telling. It's like when you find an old book that the paper has gone brown and it has that distinct smell, but the wisdom and the journey of the story in the book itself outweights all of ... Apr 9, 2020
One of the earlier masterpieces of manga author, Rumiko Takahashi, Maison Ikkoku lives out to its acclaim, being an anime of the mid-80s, when shows like Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball gained popularity in the west. A show based on Takahashi’s Seinen (adult)/romance manga of the same name, Maison Ikkoku is a fun journey, with the day-to-day life of Yusaku Godai, a student in-search of clearing competitive exams to join a decent college. His reasons for living in his mundane path flips when he encounters the new Manager of their boarding house, a woman named Kyoko Otonashi, who happens to be a young widow.
The show ... Aug 13, 2018
i tried watching it when i knew about Rumiko Takahashi~ as Inuyasha's mangaka (yeah, i had my childhood in Inuyasha's era). first impression when watching this anime is : looks old! that what other people's saying too.. but, it has amazing stories~ not saying about fantasy as same as some of Takahashi's works; but it have strong, cool, weird, REAL, and touching story. i enjoyed each eps~ and WOW! its TRULY ADULT ANIME, for me!
it taught you how the real love environment is.. when love breaks out its logic. how to be more wise about walking through your love life, strong.. with very weird jokes ... Jun 27, 2024
*Romance traveling the human years, cleaning up the grime of one's inner houses*
~~ !!SPOILER-FILLED REVIEW!! ~~ Theoretically, romance traveling the human years begets an immediate reception perceiving it as more fetching than stories that feature compressed journeys of togetherness. Fiction following the footsteps of reality in slice-of-life romcom narratives always has incredible merits, for by scripting the march of everyday life to resemble the dull and dreary amidst the occasional spark of the hustle and bustle and furnishing it with the creative freedom of story-making, a person can create a reliable work for reflection, and allow others to experience a makeshift simulation of possible events. I often take a ... Mar 27, 2022
I'm a bit of an anime newb, but liked Ranma 1/2 a lot and decided to try Maison Ikkoku. Compared to a lot of anime that I've seen, I love that the characters, relations, and story actually *evolve* in Maison Ikkoku. It's tough to go back and watch some episodic anime after this, actually.
If you do try this, definitely watch at least 5-10 episodes -- it took me that long to get hooked. There are some seriously funny parts of this anime (Mitaka is always funny). It also has a nice daily life, city feel to it, if you're looking for that. Best way ... Mar 7, 2023
Maison Ikkoku feels a lot like a time capsule, showing the life of what were the 1980s and pre-Lost Decades times. It's a time when most people, including myself, can't experience it at all, but Maison Ikkoku creates vivid imagery to show it. From the clothing that people wear, the life of a recent high school grad needing to retake college exams, even the good time's everyone has, partying it up while Japan worries the Americans if their GDP will dominate the US in years to come. It's a beautiful show that reflects the average urban life of a Japanese person. Someone trying to get
...
Mar 20, 2022
I dont know how many series received remastered versions, upgrades or a new-brand animation, but Maison Ikkoku is by far the masterpiece of Takahashi-sama and surely it deserves the upgrade.
RomCom usually appears like some funny but irrelevant, with a very-low character development but here, almost 36 years agp, they did it in Maison Ikkoku. Every chapter has something interesing to tell us as you can see how the relationship between every character goes in a different way since the start until the end, being Kyoko the real kingpin of the story. the real cornerstone that fits all in the show. She's the widow and that's how you ... Mar 9, 2023
Maison Ikkoku is often hailed as Rumiko Takahashi’s best manga, and the anime adaptation is seen by a lot of people as one of the best TV series in the 80s. It’s anime is one of the few that covers the entire source material beginning to end. But how does Maison Ikkoku compare today?
The plot of the show follows our lead Godai, an indecisive young man who lives in a small apartment called Maison Ikkoku. He shares the building with several other tenants who like to make his life miserable by partying all the time and ridiculing Godai at every chance they get. Things take ... Nov 19, 2015
Rumiko Takahashi’s previous success started with Urusei Yatsura and continued with Maison Ikkoku. The Yatsura manga started in 1978 and Ikkoku started two years later. Both ended in 1987. Compared to the crazy slap stick comedy of Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku went a more serious direction in romance and writing for an older audience. The staff itself was mostly different with only the director Kazuo Yamazaki (Urusei Yatsura) carried over. Studio Deen (episodes 128-195 Yatsura) kept most of the similar staff after they took over Yatsura, and worked in conjunction with Ikkoku.
Maison Ikkoku’s story is a “sad” romance development between two main characters Yusaku Godai and ... Previous - |