Articles

• Animage's Anime Grand Prix Most Popular Female Characters (1979-Present)

  By Dylan Acres

  A complete history of Animage magazine's annual Anime Grand Prix female character popularity poll.

  Animage's Anime Grand Prix Most Popular Male Characters (1979-Present)

  By Dylan Acres

  A complete history of Animage magazine's annual Anime Grand Prix male character popularity poll.

• New Animation Project - Urusei Yatsura

  By My Anime Staff

  A brief introduction to the Urusei Yatsura anime from My Anime 1981 Issue 9.

• Dr. Slump vs Urusei Yatsura: A Comparison of Nonsense Gags

  By Animedia Staff

  Published in: An article analyzing the two anime changing the comedic landscape of the early 80s airing in a back to back timeslot on Fuji TV: Dr. Slump and Urusei Yatsura.Animedia's June 1982 issue. A fan who loves Benten wants to learn who plays her. Two pages.

• Fan Club Letters - November 1986

  By Various

  A translation of letters sent in by fans to the editors of Movement magazine discussing the upcoming fifth Urusei Yatsura film and whether or not Maison Ikkoku would be ending soon. Four pages.

• The Power of the 'Underground Manga' Circulating in the Shadows!

  By Asahi Geinou

  A 1987 article in Asahi Geinou magazine examines the popularity and origin of ecchi manga, adult comics and speak with Rumiko Takahashi about her feelings on seeing her characters appropriated for such stories. This article contains graphic images and language.

• Rumiko Takahashi, Princess of the Manga

  By Toren Smith

  Publisher and translator Toren Smith's well-circulated and in-depth article about Takahashi, creator of Urusei Yatsura.

• Hunting the Wild Urusei Yatsura Anime

  By Anthony D. Baranyi

  One fan's experiences in searching for uncommon Urusei Yatsura goods. Although this article is a few years out of date, it still contains some helpful information for those who are just starting to expand their collection of Urusei Yatsura stuff.

  Yamazaki on Urusei Yatsura and Lum the Forever

  By Paul Corrigan

  In light of a 1997 panel discussion with Urusei Yatsura director Kazuo Yamazaki, we analyze the motives behind the final season of Urusei Yatsura and the cryptic 4th movie 'Lum the Forever'. A must-read for anyone who's seen the movie.

• Wimps from Outer Space

  By Anthony D. Baranyi

  Anthony discusses what he sees as the warped portrayal of males as impotent figures in anime such as Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Ruroni Kenshin.

  The Dust Covered Graphic Novel

  By Michael Ward

  A story like many others, here Michael recounts what made him into the bonafide Urusei Yatsura fanatic he's become.

  Response to "Wimps from Outer Space"

  By Mason Proulx

  Some interesting points were made in the previous opinion piece. Mason just happened to have my own arguments against what was said. This is his rebuttal.

  Two Years Living With The Loons

  By Dylan Acres

  The first in a series of anniversary articles about Yusaku Godai's Life at Maison Ikkoku.

• Maison Ikkoku Fan Panel 2000 Presentation

  By John C. Lee

  An overview of Maison Ikkoku loaded with interesting facts.

  Maison Ikkoku at Image & Narrative

  By Simonetta Ceglia & Valerio Caldesi Valeri

  A scholarly look at the treatment of Maison Ikkoku in its two Italian translations.

  The Third Year in Room 5

  By Dylan Acres

  The second in a series of anniversary articles about Yusaku Godai's Life at Maison Ikkoku.

• The Fourth Year, Full of Doubt

  By Dylan Acres

  The third in a series of anniversary articles about Yusaku Godai's Life at Maison Ikkoku.

  Perfect Edition Through the Years

  By Harley Acres

  A look back at the task of building Ranma 1/2 Perfect Edition.

• A Brief Look Back

  By J.M. Steadman

  Musings from a fan on his first impressions of Urusei Yatsura, and how his views have changed years later.

  Otakon 2002 Takahashi Report

  By Margaux Zion, Keith Trudeau, and Spareblue

  Questions and answers regarding your favorite Takahashi titles from Otakon.

  The History of Tomobiki-cho: The Urusei Yatsura Web Site

  By Mason Proulx

  I'm being a bit self-serving by posting this, but it is an interesting article if you've ever wondered how this site came to be, and how it has evolved over the past six years.

  Urusei Yatsura Movie 1: Only You Review

  By Mason Proulx

  Mason gives his thoughts on the first Urusei Yatsura film, directed by Mamoru Oshii.

  Urusei Yatsura Movie 2: Beautiful Dreamer Review

  By Mason Proulx

  Mason critiques Mamoru Oshii's sequel film.

  Urusei Yatsura Movie 3: Remember My Love Review

  By Mason Proulx

  Kazuo Yamazaki steps into the director's seat in his first film in the classic series.

  Urusei Yatsura Movie 4: Lum the Forever Review

  By Mason Proulx

  Mason reviews Kazuo Yamazaki's follow-up film.

  Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter Review

  By Mason Proulx

  Satoshi Dezaki directs the conclusion of the series.

  Urusei Yatsura Movie 6: Always My Darling Review

  By Mason Proulx

  Mason reviews Katsuhisa Yamada's post-script to the series.

  The Fifth Year Renovation of Maison Ikkoku

  By Dylan Acres

  The fourth in a series of anniversary articles about Life at Maison Ikkoku.

  Rumic Quiz 2003 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The first in our annual quiz competitions. Won by AndE.

• The Maison Renaissance of Year Six

  By Dylan Acres

  The fifth in a series of anniversary articles about Life at Maison Ikkoku.

  Rumic Quiz 2004 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The second in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Star Hinson.

• The Truth About Nabiki

  By David Andersson

  A discussion on the ethics, character and actions of Ranma 1/2's Nabiki Tendo.

  The Seven Year Itch

  By Dylan Acres

  The sixth in a series of anniversary articles about Life at Maison Ikkoku.

  Rumic Quiz 2005 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The third in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Star Hinson.

• Guess When Inuyasha Ends

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  Back in 2005 we had a contest where you guessed what chapter Inuyasha would end on. Little did we know it was going to run for five more years! Won by Kiwi Jece

  The Eighth Year Arrives

  By Dylan Acres

  The seventh in a series of anniversary articles about Life at Maison Ikkoku.

  Rumic Quiz 2006 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The fourth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Lisa Price.

• The Tomobiki, Lum, and the End of Forever: An Analysis of Urusei Yatsura Movie 4

  By Nathaniel Rudiak-Gould

  An in-depth essay which attempts to clarify once and for all what is possibly the most obtuse commercial anime film ever created, Lum the Forever.

  Crossword Challenge #1

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  Rumic World's first crossword puzzle contest.

  Urusei Yatsura Director Guide

  By Harley Acres

  A complete listing of Urusei Yatsura's animation directors with examples of their work.

  Maison Ikkoku Director Guide

  By Dylan Acres

  A complete listing of Maison Ikkoku's episode and animation directors with examples of their work.

  Ranma 1/2 Director Guide

  By Harley Acres

  An overview of both television series of Ranma 1/2 and the influence exerted by the directors and animation directors of the show.

  Ranma 1/2 Beginning to End Contest

  By Harley Acres

  The contest to celebrate the English edition of Ranma 1/2 coming to an end.

  Concluding the Ninth Year

  By Dylan Acres

  The eighth in a series of anniversary articles about Life at Maison Ikkoku.

  Inuyasha 10th Anniversary

  By Dylan Acres

  A look at Shonen Sunday's bonus material in celebration of Inuyasha's 10th anniversary.

  Goodbye, Ranma

  By Harley Acres

  The end of my thirteen year odyssey with the series I love.

  Rumic Quiz 2007 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The fifth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Jessie Nutters.

• Inuyasha Director Guide

  By Dylan Acres

  The complete guide to the directors who contributed to the look of Takahashi's feudal-set television animation, Inuyasha.

  The Color Illustrations of Rumiko Takahashi

  By Dylan Acres

  A long in-the-works article chronicling and cataloging Takahashi's color art through the years.

  The Rise and Fall of Kitty Films

  By Harley Acres

  From Eighties giant to Nineties nothing, Kitty Animation hits the heights before hitting the sack.

  Maison Ikkoku II

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  As Inuyasha reaches chapter 500, Shonen Sunday announces a sequel to Maison Ikkoku. This was actually our 2007 April Fool's joke.

  Crossword Challenge #2

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  Rumic World's second crossword puzzle contest.

  The History of Rumic World

  By Shawn

  A great feature written for Comipress about the storied history of the website.

  The Mysterious Mr. Soichiro

  By Dylan Acres

  An in-depth character study of the enigmatic Soichiro.

  Fandemonium Rumiko Takahashi

  By David Welsh

  David Welsh of Comic World News interviews Rumic World's Dylan Acres about Rumiko Takahashi.

  Rumic Quiz 2008 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The sixth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Ben.

• Shonen Sunday's 50th Anniversary

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  A detailed look at the team-up between Shonen Magazine and Shonen Sunday to celebrate both magazines 50th anniversaries.

  Tokyo Animation Fair 2008

  By Star Hinson & Dylan Acres

  Rumic World visits the Tokyo Animation Festival to see what the most current Rumiko Takahashi goods in Japan are.

  Comparing Lum the Forever & the End of Inuyasha

  By Dylan Acres

  An article comparing themes from the 1986 film and the final chapters of Inuyasha. Be aware that the article details a number of spoilers from the very end of Inuyasha.

  Rumiko Takahashi Tribute Art

  By Dylan Acres

  A collection of decades of art from famous manga artists celebrating the works of Rumiko Takahashi.

  Goodbye, Inuyasha

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  Harley and Dylan look back at the time they've spent with the series over the course of almost twelve years. This article contains minor spoilers for those who haven't read the ending, and is a personal look from two fans who have been with the series since its inception.

  Lost Art, Mokoto Raiku and Shogakukan

  By Harley Acres

  When Mokoto Raiku of Zatch Bell/Gash Bell fame had his artwork lost by his publisher, what happened?

  Inuyasha Scavenger Hunt

  By Harley Acres

  Find the items and win a prize! Won by Richard Reed.

  MyLumx34 Gallery

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  A look at the Urusei Yatsura shinsobon's special feature. Each book contains a different famous manga artist's take on Lum!

  It's A Rumic World

  By Dylan & Harley Acres and Star Hinson

  Announcements, artwork and interviews concerning Takahashi's gallery exhibition.

  Through Otaku Eyes - Love Conquers All, and Takahashi Proves It

  By Kanta Ishida

  An article discussing Takahashi's effects on the popularity of manga across the world.

  “Inuyasha” The Completion of Destined Fights and Loves

  By Mizuo Watanabe

  An article from the Daily Yomiuri looking at volume 55 of Inuyasha.

  Rumic Quiz 2009 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The seventh in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Tuan-Anh Tran.

• Rumic Quiz 2010 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The eighth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Tuan-Anh Tran for a second year running.

• Crossword Challenge #3

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  Rumic World's third crossword puzzle contest.

  Rumic Quiz 2011 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The ninth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Megan Smith.

• Takahashi Manga Movable Feast: An Interview with the Hosts of Rumic World

  By Rob McMonigal

  Rob talks with the creators of the Rumic World website Harley Acres and Dylan Acres during the website's 15th anniversary in 2013.

  Rumic Quiz 2012 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The tenth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Broken Mirror.

• Shonen Sunday Cover Gallery

  By Dylan Acres

  A comprehensive look at Rumiko Takahashi's covers for Shonen Sunday, from 1978 to present.

• Rumic Quiz 2013 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The eleventh in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Greg Lee.

• Rumic Quiz 2014 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The twelfth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Greg Lee and Eva Szabo.

• Rumic Quiz 2015 results

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  The thirteenth in our annual quiz competitions. Won by Greg Lee for the third year in a row.

  Kyokai no RINNE at Tokyo Big Site

  By Megan Smith

  A special report from Japan on the festivites surrounding the debut of Kyokai no RINNE.

• The Layout of Modern Manga: From the pioneers Osamu Tezuka, Sanpei Shirato and Shigeru Mizuki, followed by Yoshiharu Tsuge, Daijiro Morohoshi, Katsuhiro Otomo and others.

  By Hiroshi Segi

  A 2019 article covering Segi's then upcoming book dealing with the transition of prewar mangaka and the rise of the postwar generation which includes Rumiko Takahashi and Katsuhiro Otomo.

  Rumiko Takahashi Becomes the Second Female Author to Win the Grand Prix at the International Comics Festival

  By Yuu Ito

  A 2019 look at the Angoulême International Comics Festival and the increasing representation of manga at the French bande dessinée festival.

  The Queen of Shonen Sunday is Still Alive and Well! Rumiko Takahashi's MAO

  By Kazuhiro Ito

  A 2019 article published in the Asahi Shinbun newspaper examining the first volume of Rumiko Takahashi's MAO and her lengthy career at Shonen Sunday.

  The Complete Rumic Anime Grand Poll

  By NHK

  In 2019 NHK aired a special collecting global poll results on the world's favorite series, characters, episodes and songs from all of Rumiko Takahashi's anime projects. These are the results.

• Obscene Anime (Atsushi Ohara's Animagedon)

  By Atsushi Ohara

  A 2020 article published in the Asahi Shinbun, Ohara discusses various scenes and characters that stirred erotic feelings in him growing up and mentions Rumiko Takahashi's fondness for Bokko from W3.

  Rumiko Takahashi & the Hanshin Tigers

  By Dylan Acres

  A look at the history between Rumiko Takahashi and her favorite baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.

• The Memorable Formative Stages Of Tomomi Mochizuki

  By Alex Swak

  Tomomi Mochizuki, the director of the Maison Ikkoku film who was also heavily involved with the first season of Ranma 1/2 is an underappreciated animation master. This article delves into the huge influence that the staff of Urusei Yatsura was having as that series wound down and Mochizuki's work on Maison Ikkoku.

  The History of Onmyodo & Rumiko Takahashi's MAO

  By Harley Acres

  An explanation about the development of onmyodo and how Rumiko Takahashi incorporates that into MAO as well as the connections with Hiroshi Aramata's Doomed Megalopolis.

  Half-Demon and Still Whole: Mixed-Race Identity in Inuyasha

  By Angela M. Sanchez

  Exploring the mixed-race aspects of the life of half-demon Inuyasha, Angela M. Sanchez unpacks the narrative of Takahashi's feudal adventure.

  The Eternal Victim: Rumiko Takahashi’s Mermaid’s Scar

  By Helen Chazan

  Immortal child Masato is the focus of an essay which explores victimhood and victimization.

  The New Generation of the 1990s

  By Matteo Watzky

  Examining the influence of Yoshinori Kanada on the animators of Ranma 1/2 Nettohen and their synthesis of his characteristic style.

  The Mysterious Urusei Yatsura Joke

  By Harley Acres

  Ataru dons golden teeth, thick glasses and a kimono then tries to sleep with Lum. What does this mean?

  The Mystery Ranma 1/2 Song

  By Harley Acres

  In episode 4 of the television series a forgotten song plays in the background. What could this song be?

  Goodbye, RINNE

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  Saying goodbye to Kyokai no RINNE at the conclusion of the English language run of the series.

  The Making of Wings of Freedom

  By Harley Acres

  An inside look at the making of the album created to celebrate 1,500 issues of Shonen Sunday.

  Funeral Rites in the Works of Rumiko Takahashi

  By Harley Acres

  An overview of the funeral rites and passages within the works of Rumiko Takahashi.

  Takahashi Rumiko and the Turning Point in the History of Manga and Anime

  By Natsume Fusanosuke

  From Shogakukan's Mangaka-Bon vol. 14 - Takahashi Rumiko Bon, Natsume Fusanosuke reflects on the rise of otaku culture and its ties to Rumiko Takahashi.

  Rumiko Takahashi, Goddess of Progress [Manga Score LEGEND40].

  By Junichi Horie

  Japanese website Edist discusses what made Rumiko Takahashi so revolutionsary in the 1980s and how she rose to fame alongside the New Wave movement in manga by adapting a gekiga style with romantic comedy sensibilities.

  Ranma 1/2 vs Obocchama-kun - Why Was the Ranma Anime Cancelled?

  By Harley Acres

  A clash between the fans of Ranma 1/2 and the mangaka of Obocchama-kun, Yoshinori Kobayashi.

• Ryunosuke’s Transition: Helen Chazan Reflects on Rumiko Takahashi’s Urusei Yatsura

  By Helen Chazan

  In her essay for Solrad.co Helen Chazan discusses the relatability of Urusei Yatsura's Ryunosuke Fujinami.

  The Many Mysteries of MAO

  By Harley Acres

  Rumiko Takahashi's MAO is the author's first foray into writing mysteries. We examine how she structures her stories and gives readers the opportunity to solve the puzzles of the story for themselves.

  A Festival of Our Own: The Urusei Yatsura/Project A-ko Connection

  By Coop Bicknell

  An analysis of the genesis of Project A-ko in the wake of Mamoru Oshii's departure from Urusei Yatsura with in-depth analysis of the careers of the crew responsible for two of the iconic anime series to come out of the early 1980s.

  Orbiting Rumic World - Tetsuya Chiba

  By Harley Acres

  One of the giants of post-war manga, Tetsuya Chiba's Ashita no Joe would become the definitive boxing manga. However, Chiba has a history in shojo manga as well.

  Orbiting Rumic World - Hideo Azuma

  By Dylan Acres

  A dark horse mangaka of the 1980s, Azuma left his mark on the history of Japanese pop culture by inventing "lolicon".

  Reading MAO with Agatha Christie’s Rules & Criticism of Shogakukan’s Marketing Strategies

  By Olivia Chan Yuen Ue

  Applying Agatha Christie's rules for mystery writing to Rumiko Takahashi's MAO and commentary on publisher Shogakukan's marketing of the series.

  Who Extended Nanoka's Grandpa's Life? The Narrative Tricks in MAO

  By Olivia Chan Yuen Ue

  Olivia Chan Yuen Ue discusses the ways Rumiko Takahashi uses the narrative structure of manga to misdirect readers of her mystery series.

  Understanding Urusei Yatsura

  By Matteo Watzky

  The history of Urusei Yatsura writ large sees Matteo Watzky delving into Takahashi's history, the birth of the anime, and supplements it with some deep quotes, footnotes and illustrations from a sundry of anime magazines from the era.

  Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Subs

  By Coop Bicknell

  Tracing the history of the Urusei Yatsura anime in America from its origins with Animeigo to its blu-ray release from Discotek, Coop Bicknell discusses the process of bringing the original subtitles to the modern age.

  Kyokai no RINNE Director Guide

  By Harley & Dylan Acres

  An examination of the animation directors and episode directors of Kyokai no RINNE.

  What is This Feeling of Loneliness When Watching the New Urusei Yatsura?

  By Seiichiro Hayakawa

  The author recounts his time watching Urusei Yatsura as a child compared to revisiting the beloved series in its 2022 incarnation and the emotions this brings up.

  Orbiting Rumic World - Daijiro Morohoshi

  By Harley Acres

  Horror writer Daijiro Morohoshi is a manga artist admired by many of the top manga artists in the world, including Rumiko Takahashi.

• Goodbye, Urusei Yatsura

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  It took from 1989 when the Urusei Yatsura manga first appeared in English until 2023 until the final volume was published.

  Orbiting Rumic World - Jun Ishikawa

  By Harley Acres

  Gag mangaka Jun Ishikawa published alongside Rumiko Takahashi in the debut issue of Big Comic Spirits and has become an important manga critic and tastemaker.

  Lum Through the Years: Urusei Yatsura’s Gender Roles, Then and Now

  By Josie Levin

  The author dissects the changing presentation of Lum from the 1980 anime to the 2022 series, looking at the subtle differences in her presentation as well as the ever-present, unchaning uniqueness of Lum.

  Orbiting Rumic World - Ryoichi Ikegami

  By Dylan Acres

  The legendary seinen mangaka, Ryoichi Ikegami, is often cited by Rumiko Takahashi has her favorite artist and the biggest influence on her entering into the field of manga.

  Crusher Joe - All Your Favorite Creators on One Anime

  By Dylan Acres

  Examining the contributions of Rumiko Takahashi, Akira Toriyama, Katsuhiro Otomo and many, many more manga artists to the 1983 film "Crusher Joe".

  God as Man: The Egotism of Osamu Tezuka

  By Harley Acres

  For all the greatness of Osamu Tezuka, his petty rivalries mark a rarely explored facet of his legacy.

  Re-Animated "What's it like to be a Female Manga Artist in a Boys' Magazine..." Inside Rumiko Takahashi's Life During the Serialization of Urusei Yatsura

  By Masataka Kondo

  An article from 2022 on the eve of the debut of the new Urusei Yatsura anime, the author looks back on how impactful both the manga and original anime were on Japan.

• The Unveiling of "Former Ozaki Theodora Residence" Funded and Managed by Manga Artists, Kazumi Yamashita Talks About the Trajectory of the Project

  By Comic Natalie Editorial Department

  Rumiko Takahashi and a gaggle of other manga artists have donated money for the preservation of the Theodora Ozaki home in Tokyo, Japan.

  Mangaka Have Questions Following the Death of Hinako Ashihara

  By Dylan Acres

  After the suicide of mangaka Hinako Ashihara following her speaking out on the adaptation of her manga, Sexy Tanaka-san, many mangaka are speaking out about how their works are adapted and the relationship their publishers should have in representing their wishes to film producers.

  Rumiko Takahashi's Train Mascot, Marin

  By Dylan Acres

  In 1990 the East Japan Railway Company completed the new Keiyo Line running along Tokyo Bay. Welcoming passangers would be a new mascot, Marin, a 22 year old office worker designed by Rumiko Takahashi.

  Notas - Maison Ikkoku

  By Gregorio Guerrero

  The Argentine comics site Comiqueando Online discusses Maison Ikkoku in a new article written by Gregorio Guerrero. The piece talks about the history of the series and its development in the seinen magazine Big Comic Spirits.

  The Infamous Rumiko Takahashi "Quote"

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  An unattributed quote abour female-Ranma getting pregnant has long circulated the internet. Harley and Dylan Acres seek to establish or debunk the authenticity of "I don't think about that, and neither should you."

  Urusei Yatsura Top 10 Highest Rated Episodes

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  An examination of the highest ratings attained by episodes of Urusei Yatsura during its initial Japanese television broadcast.

  Maison Ikkoku Top 10 Highest Rated Episodes

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  An examination of the highest ratings attained by episodes of Maison Ikkoku during its initial Japanese television broadcast.

  Ranma 1/2 Top 10 Highest Rated Episodes

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  An examination of the highest ratings attained by episodes of Ranma 1/2 during its initial Japanese television broadcast.

  Inuyasha Top 10 Highest Rated Episodes

  By Dylan & Harley Acres

  An examination of the highest ratings attained by episodes of Inuyasha, Inuyasha: The Final Act and Yashahime during their initial Japanese television broadcast.

  Rumiko Takahashi and Gender: The Fluctuation of Boundaries Depicted by This Rare Manga Artist

  By Yuri Hanioka

  A uniquely Japanese examination of the role of gender and sexuality in the works of Rumiko Takahashi.

  Chinese in Manga: Ranma 1/2's Shampoo and Dialect

  By Harley Acres

  Do Shampoo and other Chinese characters really speak any differently than the other characters in the original Japanese language?