January 2nd
YouTube Channel Returns

To celebrate Rumic World's 25th anniversary we are giving our YouTube channel some love and we will be launching new videos each month this year. We are starting things off with a special look at the making of Ranma 1/2 Chonai Gekitohen, the first Super Famicom fighting game based on the Ranma 1/2 series. We hope you will join us each month for more videos on a wide range of topics from across Rumic World. Please be sure to subscribe and click the bell for notifications about future content. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel

December 26th
New Yashahime Opening Theme

Boy band NEWS will be performing the next opening theme song, "Bum" for Yashahime beginning on January 9th. The group consists of Keiichiro Koyama, Takahisa Masuda and Shigeaki Kato, having recently lost their fourth member, Yuya Tegoshi. Source: Anime News Network

Yashahime Episode 13

Miroku returns and it becomes clear he has been feeling helpless in the decades since the defeat of Naraku and the loss of his Wind Tunnel. Training to learn more, he has been away from his family for over two years, causing a heavy strain upon his relationship with his son. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

December 25th
Mao Chapter 74

Merry Christmas! Soma lures Mao into a trap set by Hakubi, stabbing him in the back and causing his transformation as Hakubi eagerly awaits the battle between Soma's beast and Mao's. Source: Mao Online

December 22nd
Inuyasha's Necklace for Sale, Plus More Takahashi Goods

The Shonen Sunday store is selling a copy of Inuyasha's necklace for 22,000 yen along with a number of other Takahashi goods from each of her series. Thanks to El Mundo de Rumiko for passing along the news. Source: Pal-Shop.jp

December 21st
Kagome & Kikyo Nendoroids

Just announced! Good Smile Company is beginning to take reservations for Kagome and Kikyo Nendoroids to go alongside recent release Inuyasha and the upcoming Sesshomaru figure. For more photos check out our Facebook and Twitter! Source: Good Smile Company Mikatan's Blog

December 20th
Yashahime Episode 12

Another old face returns- the demonic/human Nikosen. Towa discovers that, like her Uncle Inuyasha, the night of the new moon means her demonic powers wane leaving her vulnerable. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

December 19th
Rumiko's Manga Recommendations

In a radio interview with Manga Kingdom on Tokyo FM last night, Rumiko Takahashi revealed four manga that she's currently enjoying. Here's what she's reading at the end of the year!

1. Golden Kamuy by Satoru Noda
2. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama (as it approaches its final chapter)
3. Onna no Sono no Hoshi by Yama Wayama
4. Karaoke Iko! by Yama Wayama
Source: Manga Kingdom on Twitter

December 15th
Christmas Comes Early

Enjoy our new translation of the 20 question Yashahime article with Rumiko Takahashi from the recent issue of Shonen Sunday Super! Thanks to Laura Arias Moreno for the translation! Source: Rumic World

December 14th
Yashahime Episode 11

Numawatari and Dokumizuchi, demons from the past, return to battle against the half-demon princesses. Towa, Setsuna and Moroha all work to purifiy the lake that has become home to the creatures. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

December 13th
Mao Chapter 73

Hakubi reveals that the scroll containing the beast that the Kagami family has used for generations originated at the temple he and Mao once lived at. Reclaiming the scroll he merges the beast with Soma and then allows Mao to rescue the boy. Source: Mao Online

December 6th
New Yashahime Ending Theme

Ryokuoshoku Shakai will be performing the new ending theme to Yashahime beginning in January. The song is called Kessho and was written specifically for the anime. Source: Anime News Network

Yashahime Episode 10

Siblings Setsuna and Towa do battle against another pair of warring siblings, Kinka and Ginka. When the conjoined demon twins are attacked by their own master each of the siblings will band together to stave off her threat. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

December 4th
Mao Chapter 72

Mao rescues Soma and treats his wounds, however the boy seems disturbingly fascinated with the beast that belonged to his family. When Mao leaves to hunt it a face from the past returns to claim the boy for his own plans. You can read the summary and all prior chapter summaries at the link below. Source: Mao Online

Yashahime Soundtrack Announced

On his Twitter Kaoru Wada, the composer responsible for Inuyasha and Yashahime annouced that the first soundtrack would go on sale March 3rd. There is no cover art or price set yet, only a release date. Source: Kaoru Wada's Twitter

December 1st
Takahashi and "To-y"

The "Tribute to To-y" Exhibition is just wrapping up in Tokyo. It was held at Libest Gallery Sou from November 19th through December 2nd and featured artwork from 33 different artists celebrating the 35th anniversary of Atsushi Kamijo's landmark Shonen Sunday series To-y. Rumiko Takahashi is just one of the many artists who contributed work to the exhibition, and who's art is collected in the just released "Tribute to To-y" artbook. As a reminder we just published an interview between Takahashi and Kamijo which can be found here. Source: Comics Natalie

November 29th
Yashahime Episode 9

Meioju's son Meifuku is seeking revenge for the death of his father. Towa, Moroha and Setsuna are enlisted to help thanks to a high bounty on the head of one of the four perils involved in the murder. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

November 27th
Mao Chapter 71

The Kagami family has passed down a demon that they have allowed to possess them for generations. However when the eldest brother proves himself to be an unsuitable host the demon begins to murder people in town. Can Mao and Nanoka break the curse before the younger brother tries to assert his claim on the creature? Source: Mao Online

November 25th
Rumiko at 23

We're proud to share the earliest known interview with Rumiko Takahashi. The interview finds Takahashi in 1980, at only 23 years old, roughly six volumes into Urusei Yatsura's and having just completed Dust Spot. We're proud to share this early glimpse at a manga legend as she was just starting out. Source: Rumic World

Yashahime Episode 8

Yotsume powers up with the aid of a rainbow pearl allowing Kyuki to peer into the dreams of the half-demon princesses. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

November 19th
Kirby Morrow (1973 -2020)

We here at Rumic World are beyond saddened to share the news that Kirby Morrow who fans will know as Miroku in Inuyasha, Picolet in Ranma 1/2, and so many other great roles like Trowa in Gundam Wing and Van in The Vision of Escaflowne passed away yesterday according to his family. Mr. Morrow recently returned to voice Miroku in the first episode of Yashahime. He was 47. Source: Kirby Morrow's Facebook

Mao Chapter 70

Nanoka tries to smooth over her argument with Mao and hopes to buy him something nice. She soon learns taht even those closest to Mao have a hard time reading what sort of person he is as his non-expressive nature makes him a challenge to read. Source: Mao Online

November 18th
Inuyasha Exhibition

Anime News Network has a special feature on the just opened Inuyasha Exhibition going on now in Tokyo at the Ikebukuro Parco building. Source: Anime News Network

SixTONES booked for 71st Kohaku Uta Gassen

SixTONES will be making their first appearance on the annual New Year's Eve song festival Kohaku Uta Gassen alongside their rival group Snowman. Other artists appearing include LiSA best known for her song in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Babymetal. Due to the ongoing Coronavirus this will be the first time that the Kohaku Uta Gassen will be without a live audience. Source: Mainichi Shimbun

November 16th
Rumic World is Now on Twitter

In our ongoing effort to turn Earth into Rumic World, we have now opened a Twitter account to go along with the website as well! For more news, information, and features from the website highlighted in real time, please consider joining @rumicworld1. We've posted a full look at the recent Da Vinci magazine article on Rumiko Takahashi. Source: Rumic World on Twitter

November 15th
Yashahime Episode 7

Circling back to the first episode we see how Towa was captured and what Setsuna and Moroha were doing that lead to her rescue. Click the link below to see the latest episode summary of Yashahime. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

Mao Chapter 69

In the aftermath of their battle with Shiranui, Natsuno reveals what she saw when Sana was killed, finally putting to rest the fear that Mao may have been the one who murdered her. If it was not Mao, then who did kill Sana? Source: Mao Online

November 13th
New Two-Page Manga "Past the Point of Self-Control"

Rumiko Takahashi has published two-page full color essay manga about her working life during the Coronavirus pandemic in DaVinci magazine this month. Along with this essay manga is a lengthy interview and chat with celebrity fans of her work. Source: Rumic Theater

November 12th
Sesshomaru Nendoroid Unveiled

A Nendoroid version of Sesshomaru has been unveiled. The figure is still in the prototype phase but appears to come with two faces (with eyes looking forward and to the side), a missing arm, a new arm and his swords. Source: Good Smile Company

November 8th
Yashahime Episode 6

The half-demon princesses investigate a mountain pass where people have been disappearing and discover a coven of demonic ghost cats have set up residence in the area. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

Mao Chapter 68

Fighting their way out of the collapsed underwater temple Mao sees Sana again and Kamon finds the intact corpse of Masago still unchanged after nine hundred years. Source: Mao Online

November 7th
Yashahime Ratings
The following are the ratings for the first five episodes of Yashahime, and their rankings on the anime charts in Japan.

Episode 1 - 4th place, 5.3 rating
Episode 2 - 5th place, 6.6 rating
Episode 3 - 6th place, 5.5 rating
Episode 4 - 5th place, 5.0 rating
Episode 5 - 4th place, 4.8 rating

The series is consistently ranking above One Piece weekly, and falling behind Sazae-san, Chibi Maruko-chan, Detective Conan and Demon Slayer specials. Source: Anime News Network

Koda Kumi X Lum

The musical collaborations with Rumiko Takahashi continue, as today, famed singer Koda Kumi has released her new song "I Like It, I Like It, I Like It" with an Urusei Yatsura themed video showcasing the relationship of Lum and Ataru. Source: Youtube

November 3rd
English Yashahime Cast Confirmed
Great news for Inuyasha fans, it has been confirmed that nearly all of the cast from the original series is returning to the roles they originated in the initial series.

Richard Cox as Inuyasha
Kira Tozer as Kagome
Jillian Michaels as Shippo
Kelly Sheridan as Sango
Kirby Morrow as Miroku
David Kaye as Sesshomaru

And then new cast memembers Alan Lee as Kohaku and Aleks Le as Hisui. Source: Anime News Network

Celebrating Big Comic Spirits 40th Anniversary

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Big Comic Spirits many of the top artists from the magazine have gathered together in the newest issue to pay tribute to Maison Ikkoku with illustrations of the much beloved manager of Maison Ikkoku itself, Kyoko Otonashi! Artists include: Inio Asano, George Akiyama, Noboru Takahashi, and Sensha Yoshida. Rumic World has gathered the artwork together as part of our feature examining tributes to Rumiko Takahashi's works over the years. You can find the complete article here. Source: Rumic World- Rumiko Takahashi Tribute Art

November 2nd
Takahashi Wins Japan's Medal with Purple Ribbon

Mainichi Shimbun has announced that Rumiko Takahashi is the receipient of the "Medal with Purple Ribbon", an award given by the Japanese government to recognize "individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements and accomplishments." Previous winners include Shigeru Mizuki (GeGeGe no Kitaro), Fujio Akatsuka (Tensai Bakabon, Osomatsu-kun), Leiji Matsumoto (Galaxy Express 999), and Tetsuya Chiba (Ashita no Joe). Source: Mainichi Shimbun

November 1st
Yashahime Episode 5

The girls begin to explore the past and discover that Jakotsumaru, the son of a demon slain by Moroha is attempting to resurrect his father using the bones he has collected from his murder victims. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

Mao Chapter 67

In an epic twist, Kamon frees himself from the coral prison and goes one-on-one against Shiranui while Natsuno reveals she has seen Yurako's evil aura once before. Source: Mao Online

October 26th
Yashahime English Casting Announced

The three main characters from "Yashahime" have had their English voice actresses announced.

Towa Higurashi: Erica Mendez (Mash in Fate/Grand Order, Ryuko in Kill La Kill, Sailor Uranus in Sailor Moon)

Setsuna: Kira Buckland (2B in Nier: Automata, Izumo in Blue Exorcist, Ren in Magi, Jibanya in Yokai Watch)

Moroha: Morgan Berry (Botan in 7SEEDS, Rindo in Food Wars, Santa in Megalobox)

There has been no announcement on the casting of the major characters from "Inuyasha". It should be noted that these three actresses are not based in Vancouver/Ocean Group which is where the series was recorded in the past (so no news there either positive or negative). Source: Anime News Network

October 25th
Yashahime Episode 4

Towa, Setsuna and Moroha all journey back to the past thanks to the Root Head demon and discover a hint of what has become of Sesshomaru and the tasks he left undone. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

Mao Chapter 66

Kamon is trapped in a coral cocoon beneath the ocean as Mao and Nanoka attempt to save him. They find that Yurako is at the source of the black miasma that has been attacking them. Source: Mao Online

October 24th
Yashahime x Inuyasha Collaboration

Rumiko Takahashi has provided a gorgeous, full color cover for the 12th issue of Shonen Sunday S, featuring Inuyasha and Sesshomaru and their three daughters. The issue also contains a postcard of the original cover art, as well as a Q&A with Takahashi. Source: Shonen Sunday S

October 18th
Mao Chapter 65

Kamon and Mao confront Shiranui in his palace at the bottom of the sea. There he tells them the stunning truth about Masago. Source: Mao Online

October 17th
Yashahime Episode 3

Towa and Setsuna are reunited in the present day but they must work together to defeat Mistress Three-Eyes and Hitokon who tries to possess them. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

October 16th
Norah Jones and Maison Ikkoku

In news that no one could have possibly predicted, American singer/songwriter Norah Jones has released a music video for her new single "I'm Alive". While that in and of itself may not be unusual, the entire video features imagery from Maison Ikkoku and is an official collaboration. This particular video was chosen to help fans get through the current strife of the worldwide Covid-19 crisis. Comics Natalie has the following quotes from both Rumiko Takahashi and Norah Jones.

Rumiko Takahashi: "It has a very nice atmosphere. It's very nostalgic to me on a personal level. Also, it is a great honor to collaborate with Norah Jones."

Norah Jones: "We're all human, and we experience many things in life, the good times and the bad. That's what 'living' is all about. Even if there may be dark patches, it isn't the end of the world; I think it's the feeling of yearning for human connection."

This is not the first time an American artist has used Rumiko Takahashi's works in a music video. In 1991 Matthew Sweet released his album "Girlfriend" which featured the Urusei Yatsura anime in the music video for I've Been Waiting. For more of Takahashi's thoughts on Matthew Sweet, his music and his Lum tattoo, you can read her archived interview from Animerica Vol. 1 No. 2. Source: Anime News Network & Comics Natalie

October 14th
New Inuyasha Anime Artbooks

Two new anime-themed artbooks for Inuyasha have been announced. The two books will be sold together in a collector's slipcase. "Volume of Heaven" will focus on color artwork, while "Volume of Earth" will collect black and white character design settei. Pre-orders run until January 17, 2021 with orders shipping in March 2021. Source: Crunchyroll

October 11th
Mao Chapter 64
In Mao chapter 64, Natsuno joins forces with Mao and the others to attack Shiranui's underwater temple. Only she and her earthen creation can penetrate the massive barrier that keeps any intruders away. Source: Mao Online

Inuyasha for Africa

Takahashi has donated a drawing of Inuyasha that was auctioned off via Yahoo Japan Auctions to benefit Covid treatment in Africa. The winning bidder paid 589,000 yen for the drawing (approximately $5,573). Source: Yahoo Japan Auctions

Cat Cafe Themed Items

The Comics Natalie shop is selling some Cat Cafe themed items include shirts, bowls and glasses with the Cat Cafe logo emblazoned on them. Source: Natalie

October 10th
Yashahime Episode 2

In Yashahime episode 2 we learn how Towa was sent through time and what her life has been like growing up as Sota Higurashi's adopted daughter, in the past Setsuna meets Moroha as they battle against Mistress Three-Eyes. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

October 7th
Takahashi vs Kamijo

Celebrating the redesign of the website we dig into the archives and continue translating past interviews with Rumiko Takahashi. Today we focus on the eve of 1988, as Takahashi talks to fellow manga artist Atsushi Kamijo. Kamijo published To-y alongside Urusei Yatsura in Shonen Sunday, as well as Sex in Young Sunday alongside One-Pound Gospel. Source: Rumic World

October 6th
Takahashi in DaVinci

The December issue of DaVinci magazine which hits newstands on November 6th has an interview with Rumiko Takahashi as well as an "essay manga" included as well. Source: Weekly Shougakukan Edition

Takahashi and Hata Interview

Rumiko Takahashi speaks with Kagiji Kumanomata (Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle) and Kenjiro Hata (Hayate the Combat Butler and Fly Me to the Moon) about their manga and history in the industry in a new two-part interview. Source: Shonen Sunday Talkback Blog

October 4th
Mao Chapter 63

In Mao chapter 63, Kamon and Mao explore the black hair that Kamon found at sea. A seance reveals the source of the thick, ebony strands- Masago. Source: Mao Online

October 3rd
Yashahime Episode 1
It's here! The debut of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon! Episode 1. Catch up with Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and Sango, to see what happened in the days since Kagome came back to the Sengoku Era, while being introduced to the charming new protagonists Towa, Setsuna and Moroha. Complete episode summaries can be found at Rumic World. Source: The Inuyasha Companion

October 1st
Rumic World 3.0 Launches

After over a year in the making Rumic World 3.0 officially launches to coincide with Rumiko Takahashi's 63rd birthday, the debut of Yashahime, and our 22nd year online! The site now has every chapter, every episode, every single of every song, revamped profiles, video game coverage from the PC88 era all the way to Playstation, as well as a treasure trove of merchandise. Coverage of everything related to Rumiko Takahashi from her dojinshi days to her professional work, and freelance design works, it's all here. Thank you for over two decades of loyal patronage, and we look forward to truly making this a Rumic World! Source: Rumic World

The Passing of Kousei Tomita

Famed voice actor Kousei Tomita passed away on Sunday at the age of 84. Tomita was known to fans of Rumiko Takahashi's works as the voice of Mr. Ichinose in Maison Ikkoku. He was best known as the voice of Shunsaku Ban in Astro Boy and across many Tezuka anime. Additionally he was the original voice of Doraemon, Watson in Sherlock Hound, Alexander Bucock in The Legend of Galactic Heroes and Dr. Saotome in Getter Robo. Source: Rumic World

Rumic World's News Archive Can Be Found Here.