Season
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Most fans of Rumiko Takahashi's works fail to realize that Maison Ikkoku is the only television series to see the story of the manga from beginning to end. While Urusei Yatsura later saw its final storyline animated as a film, both Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha had numerous volumes of material that were never adapted to animation (though Inuyasha was ultimately concluded), and Kyokai no Rinne has yet to see its ending animated. Another reason to be grateful to be a fan of Maison Ikkoku! If you would like to see examples of the different styles of the various animation directors, please read our article on the animation directors of Maison Ikkoku.
Episode 85: ここが正念場! 五代と三鷹宿命の対決
Koko ga shounenba! Godai to Mitaka shukumei taiketsu (The Main Event! Godai and Mitaka's Fight-to-End-All-Fights)
As Godai prepares for his final exams, the rest of the tenants continue to party. Meanwhile, Mitaka is still recovering from the dissapointing trip to Yokohama with Kyoko. She has decided it would be best to stay away from the tennis courts for awhile, although Asuna is still coming on a regular basis. She overhears the housewives discussing Mitaka's recent meeting with Kyoko's parents and is shocked to hear that Shun is meeting with another woman when his Uncle has assured her family that the engagement between them was proceeding well. Asuna decides to go to Maison Ikkoku to confront Kyoko but instead runs into Godai. When Yusaku sees her crying he decides to go to Mitaka and tell him about the problems he is causing. When they meet Mitaka is in no mood to talk and the two decide to settle things once and for all, with their fists. The entire night is spent looking for a place to hold their much anticipated slugfest, but a determined police officer continues to interrupt them and the pair finally end up drinking their problems away. When Godai finally leaves, he finds Kyoko waiting for him at the train station. Upon seeing him drunk she slaps him hard across the face. Meanwhile, Mitaka stumbles home to find Asuna at the door of his apartment.
The headband that Godai wears harkens back to his early ronin days in the series is a hachimaki (鉢巻). Originally worn by samurai, and then the Japanese military, students began to wear them as a symbol of hard work, courage and achievement. They usually have some sort of positive slogan written on them, such as "ichiban" (一番, "number one") or "gōkaku" (ごうかく/合格, "success").
“This looks like the most auspicious day.” – Auspicious days are days in which it is lucky to get married or to become engaged. Across many different cultures the month of May is considered particularly lucky for weddings.
Mitaka’s HAAD tennis racket bag is a play on the actual tennis equipment brand, Head.
The police officer that stalks Mitaka and Godai all night is played by Tomohiro Nishimura, known for playing Amuro in Urotsukidoji, Yang in Macross Plus, and Midvalley the Hornfreak in Trigun and Kotatsuneko in Urusei Yatsura. The same officer appeared in episode 79 and will appear again in episode 94.
The song that Godai and Mitaka sing as they clap hands is called "
三太郎ものがたり〜桃太郎・金太郎・浦島太郎〜" (Santaro Mono gatari ~Momotaro, Kintaro, Urashimataro~
"The Three Taros Story: Momotaro, Kintaro, Urashimataro).
Episode 86: 衝撃の一夜! 明日菜のサラダ記念日?!
Shougeki no Ikkoku! Asuna no sarada kinenbi?! (It Happened One Shocking Night! Asuna's Salad Anniversary)
Mitaka asks Asuna why she is there, and she learns that he never wanted to be engaged to her in the first place. Hurt but brave, she agrees to end things and walks away. Shun drunkenly opens his apartment door and passes out in the entrance. Asuna returns to get her dog, Salade and finds him asleep on the floor. Generously helping him inside, Mitaka pulls her down and lays on top of her, kissing her. The next morning, Asuna leaves after putting Shun to bed and making him breakfast. Her driver, Kimida, promises that he will keep everything that happened a secret from her family. When Mitaka wakes up he can barely remember what happened the night before, but he does know that he kissed Asuna. Meanwhile, things aren't going well at Maison Ikkoku for Godai. Kyoko is ignoring him and has told everyone that she slapped him the night before. They all take her side, but she quickly cools off when Godai doesn't come home after his final. When he finally does arrive he tells everyone that he won't be staying. Yusaku has decided to stay at the Cabaret until he has completed his tests and graduated from school. Meanwhile, Mitaka fears that he may have gone too far and slept with Asuna and seeks her out. He ends up following her to Izu where he learns that she did in fact stay all night, but that she will not force him into marriage just because of what happened between them.
This is the first appearance of Kimida, the Kujo family driver. He is played by Humihiko Tachiki.
The car that Asuna is chauffeured in is a 1987 Mercedes Benz S Class 500 SEL.
The mask Godai wears to to surprise the children is Kotatsuneko from Urusei Yatsura.
“She went to our vacation home in Izu.” - Izu (伊豆市, Izu-shi) is a city located in central Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, the city had an estimated population of 30,678 in 13,390 households, and a population density of 84 persons per km2.
Episode 87: 明日菜が妊娠? 三鷹びっくり結婚宣言!!
Asuna ga ninshin? Mitaka ga bikkuri kekkon sengen!! (Asuna's Pregnant?! Mitaka's Suprise Shotgun-Announcement)
As Mitaka arrives in Izu he clumsily asks Asuna what happened between the two of them at his apartment. She reassures him and he's greatful to learn he didn't do anything too uncooth. Back in Tokyo however Asuna's mother learns from Kimida that Asuna spent the night with Mitaka, and is furious to learn that her daughter is now 'damaged goods.' Asuna clarifies what happened much to her mother's delight. Outside Asuna is approached by the family veterinarian who tells her that Salad is pregnant. Asuna is overjoyed and rushes to the tennis courts to tell Mitaka. Unfotunately her explanation is unclear and Shun (and everyone else on the courts) think that Asuna is pregnant. Mrs. Ichinose goes back to Maison Ikkoku to tell Kyoko the news while Shun is beyond depressed and realizes that he has no choice but to marry Asuna now. Not knowing what else to do he visits Kyoko at Ikkoku and the pair end up sitting quietly on a hill. Mitaka tells her goodbye and Kyoko tells him that she hopes he'll be happy. The parting is sad, especially for Mitaka who feels lost and trapped. A few days later at his engagement ceremony with Asuna, he learns the truth about the pregnancy and is devastated. Word spreads quickly that Asuna is not pregnant, but by now it is too late, Shun is already officially engaged to be married. On the tennis courts Mitaka and Kyoko continue to see each other and she nervously tells him that she still hopes he'll find some way to be happy.
From theknot.com: “The Japanese betrothal ceremony, called the yuinou, is an exchange of symbolic gifts between the to-be-wed's families. Yuinou is a traditional ritual between the families of the bride and groom. They exchange betrothal money and gifts. It typically takes place at the bride's family house, but sometimes in a private room of a traditional Japanese restaurant. Many brides wear the furisode, a kimono for unmarried women.
Historically, some popular gifts to exchange during yuinou included: konbu, a seaweed whose name can be written to mean "child-bearing woman"; a long white piece of hemp, representing a wish that the couple will grow old and gray together; and a folding fan, which spreads to show future wealth and growth. The main gift was money (about $5,000), tucked in a special envelope called a shugi-bukuro, which has gold and silver strings that are impossible to unknot. The other gifts are given in ornate rice-paper envelopes. However, today, Yuinou is getting more casual such as a family lunch or dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant."
There is no new episode of Maison Ikkoku the following two weeks due to the New Year's holiday.
Episode 88: 愛ふたたび? こずえが残したキスの味!!
Ai futatabi? Kozue ga nokosu no aji!! (Love All Over... The Lingering Taste of Kozue's Kisses)
As Godai attempts to finish up another day of studying at the cabaret Mitaka arrives looking extremely angry. Godai and he go to a nearby park with two children that Yusaku is taking care of. Godai tells Mitaka that he heard what happened with Asuna and that he hopes things will be okay for he and Asuna. Mitaka is too angry and doesn't want Godai's pity. Even though he doesn't want to be with Asuna he tells Godai that he knows he doesn't have a choice and will have to go through with the wedding. Mitaka painfully attempts to cheer Godai on but can't bring himself to do it. Mitaka ends up walking off even more angry than he was when he arrived. Later that night he and Asuna have dinner with his family and Asuna realizes that he is not happy. Looking through an old photo album she sees Shun as a little boy, upset at losing a tennis tournament, but putting on a brave face in a photo. She realizes that this false smile from his boyhood is the same smile that he uses around her. When they are alone she confronts him with this but instead of getting upset she tells a joke to put him at ease. Mitaka laughs and smiles at her. Taking her hand in his he promises that they will make their own happiness from now on. Silently he tells Kyoko goodbye as he prepares to begin his life with Asuna. Meanwhile Kozue is having dinner with a co-worker from her bank. Out of nowhere the man shows her his bank book and asks her to marry him. Kozue is completely shocked and tells him that she'll need a few days to think about it. Instantly her mind goes to Godai and she decides she needs to see him. Not knowing where he is she goes to Maison Ikkoku and sees Kyoko and the other tenants for the first time in a long while. Kyoko is taking a few good luck charms from the tenants to Godai and agrees to take Kozue with her to the cabaret. When they arrive Kyoko quickly wants to leave, but is talked into staying by Godai and Iioka. Kozue learns that Godai has been busy studying for his final exams, and decides that now isn't the best time to burden him with her marriage dilemma. Instead she tells him that they can talk about it later, but she asks him to lean down and close his eyes. Doing as she asks, he is shocked when he suddenly feels Kozue's lips on his. For the first time in their relationship they have kissed, and as luck would have it Kyoko just so happens to be walking back to Maison Ikkoku and sees the whole thing.
The album Mitaka picks up in his room is Magical Mystery Tour by the Beatles released in 1967.
“A fishmonger cheered, wahoo!” – The humor of this joke depends on one’s knowledge of fish. A wahoo is a kind of tropical fish and also a kind of cheer.
Studio Olta is a parody of an actual place known as Studio Alta in Shinjuku. Studio Alta is a young woman's shrine to fashion, offering you everything from clothing to footwear and accessories. Its central location in front of JR Shinjuku Station's east exit and huge screen have also made the building one of Shinjuku's prime meeting spots, so it makes sense that Kozue would meet her friend there.
Episode 89: 結ばれぬ愛! 五代と響子今日でお別れ?
Musubareme ai! Godai to Kyoko konnichi de awakare? (Love Forlorn! Today is IT for Godai and Kyoko)
As Godai arrives back at Maison Ikkoku his finals are finally over, but he is shocked to find that Kyoko isn't as welcoming as he had expected her to be. That night as the other tenants celebrate, Kyoko is quiet. Everyone asks why she's angry but she refuses to say anything. A phone call interrupts the conversation and gives the other tenants a chance to question Godai. He relizes that maybe she saw he and Kozue, and when she comes back and tells him that its Kozue on the phone, he is more sure than ever that this is the cause of her ire. Kozue asks if she can meet with Godai now that finals are over. And the next day at a cafe, Kozue tells Godai about her friend's proposal and begins to cry, telling him that she didn't know what to do. Godai tries to calm her and tells her that he plans on asking someone important to him to marry him as soon as he graduates. Kozue thinks he means her and becomes very excited, instantly deciding that she'll turn down the other man to be with Godai. Before he has a chance to set Kozue straight she excitedly runs out to make it to work on time. Godai is more frustrated than ever and things only get worse as he gets back to Maison Ikkoku. Kyoko is sitting outside and decides to confront him about kissing Kozue. He tells her that he wasn't the one who kissed her, but Kyoko refuses to believe him. The two begin to yell at one another when Godai holds his hands in front of him and asks Kyoko to close her eyes, the same trick that Kozue used on him when she kissed him. Kyoko quickly realizes what he is trying to do and tells him how stupid he is for falling for that. Godai agrees and becomes frustrated, but Kyoko turns the tables on him, telling him to close his eyes. However instead of kissing him she tugs on his cheeks. Godai sighs, but Kyoko then tells him to turn around and close his eyes. He does as he is told and Kyoko slowly sneaks around in front of him and kisses him before running inside. Godai screams in excitement and runs up to his room, ready to tell Kozue once and for all that Kyoko is the only woman for him. Yotsuya interrupts him however and mentions the annual New Year's Eve party at Chachamaru. Godai happily agrees to go and looks forward to seeing Kyoko again that evening. That night, everyone is enjoying themselves and the tenants point out how happy Kyoko seems to be with Godai now. Suddenly Kozue rushes inside the bar. Crying she tells Godai that she just couldn't tell her friend that she didn't want to marry him even though she does want to marry Godai. Upon hearing this Kyoko runs up and slaps Yusaku before leaving Chachamaru. Godai chases after her but she no longer wants to hear his excuses and tells him to move out. He says that he will not move out under any circumstances. Frustrated by this, Kyoko goes back to Maison Ikkoku alone and packs her backs. Early the next morning while everyone else is asleep she moves out of Maison Ikkoku, quitting her job as manager.
During the party at Chachamaru Yotsuya is wearing a handkerchief tied under his nose. This is known as a hokkamuri (ほっかむり). Hokkamuri are meant to be tied under the chin, and this method was used by farmers. However, thieves tie them under their noses in order to obscure their face and have it act as a bandit mask of sorts.
Godai has an issue of Big Comic Spirits in his room. Specifically the October 12, 1987 issue, which was likely the current issue when this episode was being animated.
Episode 90: 響子さん引退! 一刻館は遠い想い出?
Kyoko-san intai! Ikkoku-kan wa tooi omoide? (Kyoko Retires! Ikkoku, a Distant Memory?)
Godai learns that Kyoko has moved out and explains the Kozue situation to the other tenants. They tell him to go get Kyoko to come back to Maison Ikkoku and tell him that they won't let him come back until Kyoko has returned. Godai goes to the Chigusa's and attempts to see Kyoko but she refuses. When he loudly shouts that everything was a mistake she rushes into the foyer and pushes him out the door, telling him that she never wants to see him again. When Godai returns to Ikkoku he finds himself locked out and attempts to climb in through Kentaro's window to get inside. Over the next five days Godai goes to see Kyoko everyday, while her father decides to take it upon himself to tell Mr. Otonashi that Kyoko will not be returning to Maison Ikkoku. Mr. Otonashi goes to Maison Ikkoku to tell the tenants the news and finds the entire building in a state of disarray. The floors are covered in garbage and the tentants begin to tell him how inconvient Kyoko's absence has been for them. With no other choice he hires a new temporary manager: Godai! The next day he calls Kyoko to tell her the news, and upon hearing that she's been replaced she begins to have second thoughts about her impulsive decision to leave Maison Ikkoku.
Masaaki Kannan the animation director for this episode also worked on many Urusei Yatsura episodes. He would go on to become a character designer for series like Oishinbo, Let’s Dance with Papa, Itsumo Kokoro ni Taiyō o!, and the Hentalia series.
Mr. Otonashi is shown using fire chopsticks, or hibashi (火箸) to tend to the coal in his fire. These are traditional tea ceremony equipment.
Episode 91: 響子ガク然! 朱美と五代は意外な関係?!
Kyoko gafu zen! Akemi to Godai wa igai na kankei!! (Kyoko's Big Shock! Akemi and Godai Together?!)
Kyoko has stopped talking to her father because of him going to Mr. Otonashi without telling her. As fate would have it she is so mad that she ends up deciding to go back to Maison Ikkoku to talk to the new manager. On her way back she stops in at Chachamaru and finds Yotsuya, Akemi and Mrs. Ichinose drinking. They tease her about leaving and Akemi takes things too far by telling her that if Kyoko doesn't come back then she'll go after Godai herself. Kyoko angrily tells her that she should and leaves in a huff. Before she goes back home she stops at Maison Ikkoku to see Godai cleaning the front walkway. Realizing that he's the manager puts her at ease and convinces her to go back home. Later that week Godai gets a call at work from Akemi. She's in a love hotel with no money and needs him to come bail her out. Threatening to kill herself if he doesn't Godai rushes over and finds a drunken Akemi in room 302. As the two leave the love hotel they just happen to run into Kozue and a group of her friends on the street. Shocked at seeing Godai leaving the hotel with another woman Kozue silently walks away. The next day Akemi tells Godai that he should be grateful that she helped him end things with Kozue, but Yusaku can't help but feel badly about the way things ended between them. Calling Kozue doesn't work however and so it seems that their relationship is doomed to end on a sad note. That day Mrs. Ichinose visits Kyoko at her parents' apartment and tells her that the whole Koze proposal was a misunderstanding and that she should come home. Kyoko is finally convinced and packs her bags. However on the way back to Ikkoku Kyoko runs into Kozue and the two begin to talk. Kozue breaks down in tears and tells Kyoko about seeing Godai and Akemi leave the love hotel together. Back at Maison Ikkoku the tenants are waiting for Kyoko to arrive.
Godai meets Akemi at a love hotel. These are hotel rooms primarily designated for sexual encounters. You can read more about them here.
“How dare you return evil for good?” – This is a slightly modified reference to the Bible passage Proverbs 17:13. In Japanese this quote (光秀は恩を仇で返した愚か者) is often used in reference to Akechi Mitsuhide, Oda Nobunaga’s trusted bodyguard who later betrayed him in the Honnoji Incident (本能寺の変), leading to his suicide.
Episode 92: こずえちゃん結婚! 五代の愛は永遠に?!
Kozue-chan kekkon! Godai no ai wa eien ni?! (Wedding Bells for Kozue! Is Godai's Love Eternal?!)
Kyoko walks up Clock Hill back to Maison Ikkoku remembering that Akemi told her that she was going to seduce Godai. Instead of going to Ikkoku she goes to Chachamaru to confront Akemi. As she builds up her nerve Akemi calls the other tenants to let them know that Kyoko is there with her. By the time they get there Akemi has already told Kyoko that its true that she and Godai were seen by Kozue at a love hotel. Kyoko is on the verge of tears and can't take anymore pain. She gets up to leave but Akemi stops her and tells her how childish she's been, how she never lets Godai even hold her hand yet she thinks she can be so tough with him. As she runs out, Akemi tells Godai to go after her. He does and the two of them walk and talk for awhile, Kyoko tells him that she doesn't feel like she can trust him anymore when he finally tells her that she is missing the most important part, that he loves her, and that he's loved her since he first met her. Kyoko is shocked. The two seperate with Kyoko going back to Maison Ikkoku while Godai goes to work. On a train in the city, Kozue runs into Yotsuya. He tells her that the whole thing with Akemi was a misunderstanding. Kozue feels awful about how things have ended with Godai and so she goes to see him at the Bunny Cabaret. There they begin to talk before Iioka reminds Godai of how unprofessional he's being. As Godai walks Kozue home she begins to cry and asks him not to hate her, Godai gets down on his knees and begins to beg her not to hate him either. Godai finally confesses that he's in love with someone else and that he should have told Kozue much sooner. Kozue smiles and sits on the ground with him, showing Yusaku her engagement ring. After the incident with Akemi she accepted her co-worker's proposal. Kozue and Godai spend then next few minutes talking about the man she will marry before Kozue gets in a cab. Right before she leaves she asks about the woman Godai loves, but decides its best not to know. The two leave each other forever, with Godai wondering exactly how he would classify Kyoko and how she makes him feel.
Yotsuya’s paper says “The Japan News” which was formerly known as “The Daily Yomiuri” and is Japan’s English language newspaper of note.
Iioka raises his pinky finger to Godai just as he did in episode 80. The raised pinky comes from the Japanese folk belief in "en" (縁), which usually gets translated as "fate" or "karma." But en is a little more complicated than that. It's something like pre-destination, but only applying to the people that you meet in life. You are destined to meet a certain person due to this invisible force of fate, but how they fit into your life and how you treat them is something you have control over. In other words, people tend to enter your life for a reason. That goes for friends, business partners, and lovers.
Episode 93: 春の予感? ふたりの心は熱いトキメキ!!
Haruno yokan? Futari no shin wa atsui tokimeki!! (Spring is in the Air! Two Hearts in Love!!)
Kyoko walks Soichiro and remembers Godai telling her that he's been in love with her. Back at Ikkoku the tenants tell Godai that they'll have a consolation party for him if he doesn't end up graduating. Kyoko arrives just in time to ask Godai to let her know how he did. At school Godai quickly learns that he's graduated! The rest of the day is spent trying to call Maison Ikkoku to let Kyoko know how he did. Unfortunately everyone is planning a "better luck next time" party and keep missing his phone calls. Everyone at the cabaret is happy to learn that Yusaku passed, and later that night he finally gets back to Maison Ikkoku to share the good news. During the party Akemi begins to argue with Kyoko again and brings up how Godai will never be able to overcome Soichiro in Kyoko's eyes. Kyoko begins to cry and leaves and Godai tries to follow but she locks herself in her room. The next day Godai goes out job hunting and meets a single father whose wife has recently left he and his son. While Godai doesn't get that job, he does tell Kyoko how well it went for him and she seems proud. The two discuss her memories of Soichiro and they finally have a honest discussion of how Godai has felt all these years trying to live in Soichiro's shadow. As the snow begins to fall outside of Maison Ikkoku, Kyoko tells Godai that she'll never be able to forget her husband but that she wants to make her own way together with Yusaku. They begin to kiss and turn out the lights. The next morning Kyoko is in a particularly good mood, and is even happier when Godai calls to tell her he's gotten a job at his old workplace, the Acorn Daycare. Just as he's about to propose however his pay phone runs out of money.
Yotsuya sings the same song slightly differently throughout the series. While it is a fictious song, it is usually known as Ochiteikimasho (落ちていきましょ), or basically "Let's All Fall Down". Yotsuya first sang the song in the first episode.
In Godai’s room there is a poster for Rallye des 1000 Pistes (1000 Tracks Rally). This French rally took place from 1976 to 1985. The car on the poster might be a Mitsubishi Starion prototype.
The father that Godai interviews alongside of at Wakaba Preschool is named Nakamoto in the anime credits. He is voiced by Yoshitada Otsuka. His son, Hirosuke is voiced by TARAKO.
Yotsuya can be seen doing an odd dance while carrying a basket. This is known as dojo-sukui. This loach-scooping dance is accompanied by the Yasukibushi song. It became a popular fad in Osaka and then Tokyo early in the 20th century.
Episode 94: やったぜ! 五代くん決死のプロポーズ!!
Yattaze! Godai-kun keshi no purupoosu! (Way to Go! Godai's Do-or-Die Proposal!!)
Kyoko goes to visit her sick father, and finds that he's very ill. At the Acorn Daycare Godai listen to his co-workers discussing marriage and decides he'd best begin to think about how he will propose to Kyoko. Kyoko has been wondering the same thing herself and keeps waiting and waiting for Godai to get around to asking. Her father is deadset against Kyoko getting married again and suddenly disappears from his sickbed in an attempt to do something about it. Kyoko calls Godai at the daycare to get him to look out for Mr. Chigusa should he show up, but later that night Godai is at the Bunny Cabaret and there is still no sign of him. That night just so happens to be Godai's last night at the cabaret and as he is giving the children presents that he's made for them, Mr. Chigusa arrives and promptly passes out. After waking up and having a few drinks with Godai's co-workers at his going-away party, Mr. Chigusa passes out drunk. As they walk back to Kyoko's parents house, Godai decides now is the time to propose to Kyoko. He asks her to marry him and she stops in her tracks and asks him to promise her just one thing; that he will outlive her. After losing Soichiro she knows she can't go through being alone again. Godai swears, and Mr. Chigusa wakes up and tells Kyoko that even if something happened she could always come back home, that she'll never be alone. Kyoko cries and hugs Godai and her father.
“Please make me miso soup.” – A marriage proposal via miso soup (定番 プロポーズ 味噌汁) was actually somewhat unique though not entirely uncommon method of proposal in the Showa Era. “Let’s lie in the same grave” (僕と同じ墓に入ってください) although morbid, also falls into this category.
The police officer who appears in this episode is the same one who broke up Mitaka and Godai’s fight in episode 85, he first appeared in episode 79 as well.
Episode 95: ああ感動! 指輪に込めたばあちゃんの愛
Aa kondou! Yubiwa ni meta baa-chan no ai (How Touching! A Ring Filled with Grandma's Love!)
Kyoko and Godai are settling into their new relationship as the day of Mitaka and Asuna's wedding finally arrives. No one from Maison Ikkoku attends, but the traditional Western ceremony is beautiful. Back at Maison Ikkoku the tenants tease Godai about his plans with Kyoko. When he hesitates they strongly suggest in their unique way that he take her to meet his parents in Niigata. At dinner that night Yusaku mentions the idea and Kyoko says she would love to meet them. After a call to his grandmother the pair leave for the northern part of Japan the next day. Upon arriving, Godai is irritated to find that his parents' restaurant is still open. Yukari explains that it was her idea, and that Kyoko should get to know the real family in their everyday working life. The restaurant is busy which leaves little time for visiting, but Kyoko happily pitches in and serves as a waitress. Meanwhile, Yukari gives Godai her old engagement ring and tells him that she wants to loan him the money for the wedding as well. Moved by his grandmother's kindness, Kyoko is tearfully welcomed into the family. As everyone finally settles in for the night a knock on the door summons the arrival of the rest of the Maison Ikkoku tenants, whom Yukari invited to join in with the celebration.
Some of the other students from Kyoko’s tennis club are named Tomomi, Hinako, and Yumi as revealed by their signatures on the tennis racquet the club gifts to Mitaka for his wedding.
“I heard the reception was at the Imperial Hotel.” – As its name suggests the Imperial Hotel is located in Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace itself. It is an extremely luxurious hotel with additional branches in Osaka and Kamikochi and first opened in 1880. The main building was redesigned in the 1960’s by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Niigata, where Godai’s family lives is on the western side of Honshu. It is never revealed if the Godai’s live in Niigata city, which is the capital of Niigata prefecture and a major port city. Niigata also happens to be where Rumiko Takahashi grew up.
The only Yunomachi Station isn’t in Niigata, but in Fukui Prefecture.
Godai’s poster collection continues in his childhood bedroom. This image is a promotional poster for the album humansystem by TM Revolution. Thanks to the Odin Sørensen for identifying it.
Episode 96: この愛ある限り! 一刻館は永遠に…!!
Kono ai aru kagiri! Ikkoku-kan wa eien ni...!! (As Long As There's Love! Maison Ikkoku Forever!)
With their wedding fast approaching Kyoko and Godai are both cleaning out their rooms in preparation for moving in together. Kyoko finds an old box of Soichiro's personal items and Akemi and Mrs. Ichinose share it with Godai. Kyoko is embarassed but Godai smiles politely and admits he has never seen a picture of Kyoko's late husband before and that he looks like a very kind man. That night both Kyoko and he are thinking about Soichiro. Kyoko decides that she is going to return Soichiro's belongings to his father, and Godai begins to wonder if he can measure up to the memory of her beloved first husband. The next day, Kyoko visits Soichiro's grave to pay her final respects and finds Godai there, praying. Yusaku tells Soichiro that he hopes to have his blessing for their marriage. Kyoko is moved to tears, and the couple stand before Soichiro's graves holding hands, ready to move ahead with their new life together. No one can contain their excitement as Yusaku and Kyoko's wedding day has arrived. Everyone comes to pay their respects and to get a look at the happy couple. Kyoko is beautiful in her wedding dress, and both Mr. Chigusa and Mr. Otonashi are in tears just from looking at her. Ikuko and Kentaro meet again after not seeing each other for a long time, and Sakamoto even cuts out of work to attend. Later at the reception Mitaka and Asuna arrive after a visit to the hospital. Asuna is very pregnant, and she and Shun are extremely happy together. Godai gives a speech thanking everyone for taking care of him all these years and asks for their continued support. The story flashes forward as Yusaku reveals the fates of Kozue, Ibuki, Shun and Asuna, Master and Akemi. Finally everyone arrives back at Maison Ikkoku anxiously awaiting Yusaku and Kyoko's return from the hospital. As the taxi pulls up the happy couple steps out with their new baby, Haruka. Everyone welcomes her to her new home as the series ends.
“I’m going to watch an Urusei Yatsura video.” – Urusei Yatsura is of course, Rumiko Takahashi’s first series, and the series she was working on simultaneously as Maison Ikkoku. The Maison Ikkoku anime replaced Urusei Yatsura’s time slot as well. Additionally, Shigeru Chiba, who plays Yotsuya is Megane in Urusei Yatsura.
Godai’s sister and her husband and child make their only appearance in this episode. They originally appeared once before in the manga only.
Kozue and her husband move to Nagoya. Nagoya is about 343 km from Tokyo. It is the largest city in the Chibu region and the fourth largest city in Japan.
Mitaka and Asuna’s twin daughters are named Moe and Mei in the anime. These names would later be used in Yashahime as an homage to Maison Ikkoku, as the names of Sota Higurashi’s wife and daughter.
