2021
January
January 14thMAO Chapter 76
Nanoka battles Soma and his beast as Mao prowls around, commanded by Hakubi to stop Hyakka from interfering in the fight. When the battle turns, Hakubi decides to try to abduct Mao who is now under his control. Source: MAO Online
January 15th
Rumic Minis #001
This is our first "Rumic Mini" a short, minute long video that will focus on a cultural or tangential bit of information related to Rumiko Takahashi's various series. You can expect a new YouTube video (either a long form video or a Rumic Mini) every two weeks for the rest of 2021. We hope you'll subscribe and follow our YouTube channel for all the latest updates there. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
January 16th
Yashahime Episode 15
The truth of what happened between Sesshomaru, Inuyasha and Kagome is revealed. After Rin gives births to twins Setsuna and Towa, Sesshomaru takes them away and soon after the birth of Moroha Kagome and Inuyasha are sealed away in his father's tomb. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
January 18th
MAO Volume 7
MAO volume 7 is in stores today. Source: MAO Online
January 22nd
MAO Chapter 77
Nanoka battles to save Mao and free him from Hakubi's clutches, once she does Mao is able to rejoin the battle against his old nemesis. However Soma refuses to back down as he attempts to unleash his beastly powers. Source: MAO Online
January 24th
Yashahime Episode 16
Moroha discusses being trained by Yawaragi of the wolf-demon clan and how she came to be in the service of Jyubei the corpse dealer. Click the link below to see all the latest summaries of Yashahime. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
MAO Volume 7 Sales
For the week of January 18th-24th MAO volume 7 debuted in 46th position on the Oricon sales chart with a weekly total of 36,871 copies. Multiple volumes of the ever popular Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer pushed MAO far down the list.
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #14 (multiple weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #7 (multiple weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #12 (multiple weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #13 (multiple weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #11 (multiple weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #9 (multiple weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #10 (multiple weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #8 (multiple weeks)
- Skip Beat! #46
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃) #11 (multiple weeks)
- MAO (マオ) #7
January 30th
MAO Chapter 78
Mao tends to the wounds of his friends before going to investigate a patient who has been slipping out of the local hospital each night and may have something to do with a recent murder. Source: MAO Online
January 31st
Yashahime Episode 17
The trio is lured into a trap by Konton, Riku and Totetsu as they try to acquire the Rainbow Pearls for Kirinmaru. Zero begins to question Kirinmaru's desire for another confrontation with Sesshomaru as he seems unwilling to act on his own and only through his underlings. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
February
February 1stThe Dark Magic of the 1920s - MAO & Doomed Megalopolis
Our latest video for our YouTube channel covers the connections between Takahashi's newest series, MAO, and one of the most influential pieces of popular culture to come out of Japan, Teito Monogatari, known in the West as "Doomed Megalopolis". You can expect a new YouTube video (either a long form video or a Rumic Mini) every two weeks for the rest of 2021. We hope you'll subscribe and follow our YouTube channel for all the latest updates there. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
February 3rd
Kessho Single
The brand new single for the Yashahime theme from Ryokuoshoku Shakai is in stores today. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
February 5th
MAO Chapter 79
Mao and Natsuno investigate the earth-eater and learn that he was compelled to try and summon forth any surviving earth users by a mysterious figure that knows Natsuno from 100 years in the past. Source: MAO Online
February 8th
Yashahime Episode 18
Battling against Konton, Setsuna and Towa manage to defeat him and free themselves from his trap. This draws Kirinmaru into a confrontation with them until Sesshomaru suddenly arrives. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
February 9th
Ian Corlett Replacing Kirby Morrow as Miroku
Viz has announced that Ian James Corlett (Dr. Tofu in "Ranma 1/2", Goku in the Ocean Group dub of "Dragon Ball Z") will replace the late Kirby Morrow in the role of Miroku in "Yashahime".
Corlett stated, "Like all of us, we were deeply saddened by the untimely death of our colleague Kirby Morrow. My history with Kirby is long. I’m proud to say that in the early days of his career I was one of the first producers to hire him as a voice actor in the role of “Tommy” in the series I co-created, YVON OF THE YUKON. Then, years later after I decided to leave the Dragonball Z anime family, Kirby was one of my successors voicing the role of Goku. Life has a way of coming full circle and now I’m proud and honored to carry on Kirby’s role of Miroku in the Yashahime franchise." Source: Viz Twitter
February 10th
MAO Chapter 80
Natsuno's past is explored and Kamon reveals that he had contact with her after the collapse of their clan's temple. Her past seems to be more complex than what she has let on. All this with a new color page as well. You can click the link below to read all the latest MAO Chapter summaries. Source: MAO Online
February 11th
'My Dreaming Days' Interview
We are proud to share a 1987 interview with Rumiko Takahashi discussing in depth the ending of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, as well as the origins of her then-new series Ranma 1/2. Character creation and her childhood are also detailed more in this interview than perhaps in any other. Thanks to Laura Arias-Moreno for her translation. Source: Rumic World
February 13th
Yashahime Blu-Ray Releases
Yashahime DVD and Blu-ray Vol 1 (ep 1-12)will be released in Japan on March 24 with Vol 2 (ep 13-24) on June 23. Check out the limited edition drawing by Rumiko Takahashi and cover by Yoshihito Hishinima. Source: Rumic World
February 15th
Rumic Minis #002
Our latest Rumic Mini deals with an ancient Zen Buddhist koan that was recently recited in Yashahime. Twice a month to celebrate our 25th anniversary we'll have a new video (a longform one and a mini), so please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Rumic World goodness. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
Yashahime Episode 19
Moroha and Setsuna face off against one another in a staged contest for Princess Aiya, daughter of Ogigayatsu Hiiragi. The Demon Slayers take sides with Setsuna leaving Moroha to have to team up with a troupe of actors with no practical combat skills. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
February 18th
MAO Chapter 81
Natsuno reveals the origins of her own immortality and the strange circumstances that have motivated her life for the past nine centuries as she turns to Kamon for help. Source: MAO Online
February 19th
MAO Licensed
Viz Media has announced the license for the English language debut of MAO, with the first volume set for a Fall 2021 release. Source: Viz Media Twitter
February 20th
Yashahime Episode 20
Setsuna takes Towa to visit the place where she grew up- the secret village of half-demons run by Shiori, the barrier-making half-demon that Inuyasha and the others met so many years ago. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
February 25th
Takahashi Characters in Monster Strike
From March 2nd through 14th characters from Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2, Inuyasha and Kyokai no RINNE will all be appearing in the Japanese cellphone game "Monster Strike". Source: Monster Strike
MAO Chapter 82
Mao and the others set upon the gang of actors that are murdering rural villagers as they try to get to the bottom of Natsuno's centuries long mission in service of the earthen golem. Source: MAO Online
February 28th
Yashahime Episode 21
Towa is visited by Riku who is in search of her rainbow pearl and we learn the origins of the pearls in the wake of Inuyasha's father's death. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
March
March 1stMaison Ikkoku Apartment Fantasy by Joe Hisaishi
This month we take a look at the very rare soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi (My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke) for the 1986 live-action Maison Ikkoku film. Additionally this soundtrack was never reprinted and has never been released on CD or digital download. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
March 3rd
Actress Masako Sugaya Passes Away
Masako Sugaya, the voice of Oshima the Tanuki in Urusei Yatsura and Yukino in Ranma 1/2 has passed away. Additionally she played Kenichi Mitsuba in Ninja Hattori-kun, Mary Ingalls in the Little House on the Prarie anime, Maki Aikawa in Aim for the Best! and Tatsuo in Cat Eyed Boy. She was 83. Source: Anime News Network
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The two-disc Yashahime television soundtrack is available in stores today with music by Kaoru Wada. The release comes in an oversized vinyl-album style sleeve. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
March 5th
MAO Chapter 83
Natsuno reveals she is seeking a right hand to complete a body that she has been buidling piece by piece for the last 900 years without actually knowing why. Click the link below to read all the latest chapter summaries of "Mao". Source: MAO Online
March 7th
Yashahime Episode 22
Setsuna's seal is broken by Zero, leaving her to taken on the full demonic powers she inherited from Sesshomaru. Wild and uncontrollable, she rampages with only Moroha and Towa to try and stop her. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
March 10th
MAO Chapter 84
Nanoka deals with the stresses of life in 2020 under the coronavirus before heading back in time to go undercover as a 1920s schoolgirl, there she comes across Kagami, the girl who aided Hakubi in the battle against Mao. Source: MAO Online
March 13th
V6 to Break Up
Popular band V6 has announced they've come to the end of the road. The male idol group will break up on November 1st after being together for 25 years. Member Go Morita initially decided to leave the Johnny's & Associates label while the other five members, Masayuki Sakamoto, Ken Miyake, Junichi Okada, Hiroshi Nagano andand Yoshihiko Inohara decided without all six members, V6 should not continue. They will remain with Johnny's and continue their work as solo artists. In addition to contributing "Change the World" and "Brand New World" to Inuyasha, the group also performed themes in other anime like One-Piece and Fairy Tail. Source: Anime News Network
March 15th
Rumic Mini 003
This month our Rumic Mini examines a historical building that appears in Mao and was destroyed in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters to ever strike Japan. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
Yashahime Episode 23
Zero crosses path with the half-demon princesses and then in the wake of the battle meets Sesshomaru's mother who has cruel words for her before they part. Sesshomaru has little choice but to get directly involved once more when Rin's life is on the line. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
March 17th
MAO Chapter 85
Nanoka confronts Kagari at the girl school and learns about her connection with Hakubi. Despite Mao's warning not to fight, Nanoka finds she has little choice but to deal with the wicked schoolgirl on her own. Source: MAO Online
MAO Volume 8
MAO volume 8 is in stores today. Source: MAO Online
March 18th
RIP Masahiro Anzai
Beloved seiyuu Masahiro Anzai has passed away. He died of heart failure on the 15th and is having a private funeral with family and members of his theater company "Theatre Echo," with whom he performed in Man from La Mancha. In recent years he had been suffering from diabetes and had lost the use of his left leg and begun to lose his eyeslight. Mr. Anzai is best known for his zany portrayal of Mr. Fujinami, shouting his catchphrase of "Umi ga Suki!" Additionally he played Midori Kisaragi in Magical Angel Creamy Mami, Maomolin in Ranma 1/2, Majaho in The Wings of Honneamise and Nabaro in Zillion. Source: Comic Natalie
March 20th
Yashahime Season 2 Announced
At the end of today's episode of Yashahime, a screen announced that season 2 had been confirmed. Rumiko Takahashi had comments that stated, "I've looked forward to watching every week. The first season ended in a difficult spot but I'm sure there will be more to see in the next chapter including solving mysteries and learning about what happened to the parents' generation. What will happen to Setsuna?" Source: Hanyo Yashahime Website
Yashahime Episode 24
Zero crosses path with the half-demon princesses and then in the wake of the battle meets Sesshomaru's mother who has cruel words for her before they part. Sesshomaru has little choice but to get directly involved once more when Rin's life is on the line. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
New Short Story - "Mukashi no Onna"
Big Comic Original has announced their annual Rumic Theater short story. Appearing in the April 5th issue is Takahashi's latest short entitled "Mukashi no Onna" (The Woman from the Past), a story about a ghost visiting a couple. Source: Big Comic Original & Rumic Theater
March 21st
MAO Volume 8 Sales
For the week of March 15th-21st MAO volume 8 debuted in 38th position on the Oricon sales chart with a weekly total of 28,834 copies. Multiple volumes of the ever popular Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer pushed MAO far down the list.
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #15 (3 weeks)
- Golden Kamuy (ゴールデンカムイ) #25
- Frieren Beyond Journey's End (葬送のフリーレン) #4
- Record of Ragnarok (終末のワルキューレ) #10
- A Bride's Story (乙嫁語り) #13
- Blue Lock #13
- Kaiju No. 8 (怪獣8号) #2 (3 weeks)
- Don't Call It Mystery (ミステリと言う勿れ) #8 (2 weeks)
- Chihayafuru (ちはやふる) #46 (2 weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #14 (multiple weeks)
- MAO (マオ) #8
March 22nd
On This Day Revised
For over a decade one of our visitors favorite features is "On This Day in Rumic History". We have completely revamped, edited and updated the calendar with new content, Japanese titles, and more information than ever before. Visit today, tomorrow and everyday to see what happened on this day! Source: Rumic World
March 24th
Takahashi x Itoi
Our newly translated interview with Rumiko Takahashi and Shigesato Itoi (the creator of the Mother/Earthbound trilogy of games for the Nintendo) is up for your enjoyment. Itoi is a cultural icon in Japan beyond his video game work and asks Takahashi some unique questions in this 1982 Q&A. Thanks to Robby Stine for the translation! Source: Rumic World
MAO Chapter 86
Nanoka battles Kagari but quickly finds herself outmatched as the girl tosses a stick pin into her throat, causing her to nearly suffocate before Mao arrives to help. With the battle interrupted Kagari soon turns her attention to fulfilling a request for one of her allies. Source: MAO Online
March 28th
Week 2 MAO Volume 8 Sales
For the week of March 20th-26th MAO volume 3 sold an additional 15,248 copies for a total of 44,082 copies in its first two weeks of release. It was in 30th place on the Oricon charts. Source: Manga Codex
March 31st
MAO Chapter 87
Nanoka comes face to face with Yurako while Kagari encounters Mao outside. Yurako asks about Mao as Nanoka tries to discern if she is really Sana or someone else. Click the link below to read all the latest chapter summaries of Mao. Source: MAO Online
April
April 1stTakahashi Takes on the Amabie
This month's video deals with the "amabie" a plague-fighting yokai that has had a surge of popularity thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Rumiko Takahashi has featured the creature three times in the past year alongside other mangaka such as Junji Ito and Sensha Yoshida. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
April 4th
Takahashi Fan Q&A
We've added a transcription (click the link below) from the San Diego Comic-Con with Rumiko Takahashi answering fan questions. Thanks to Michael Howe for providing the transcription! Source: Rumic World
April 5th
Mukashi no Onna Release
Mukashi no Onna was released today, Takahashi's latest annual short story from Big Comic Original. Source: Big Comic Bros. & Rumic Theater
April 7th
MAO Chapter 88
Yurako reveals the truth of her history and how she met Mao as Nanoka is kept prisoner in her underground home. Is she really Sana? Is she from the truly from the Heian era like Mao and his clan? Click the link below to read all the latest MAO chapter summaries. Source: MAO Online
April 8th
Akemi Takada Interview
We've translated a new interview with Urusei Yatsura character designer Akemi Takada and producer Yuji Nunokawa. In the interview Takada discusses adapting Takahashi's designs, working with Mamoru Oshii and her work on Creamy Mami. Source: Rumic World
April 14th
MAO Chapter 89
Yurako continues her confession to Nanoka as she explains how she escaped, met Mao, and was returned to her imprisonment for years as she watched Mao from afar and began to fall in love with him. Source: MAO Online
April 15th
Rumic Mini 004
It's mid-month, that means its time for a fresh Rumic Mini exploring translation and cultural aspects of Rumiko Takahashi's work. This month we're once again looking at Takahashi's newest series MAO and the naming convention that will get lost in translation outside of Japan. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
April 18th
Pricest Item in Our Collection
Last night we recieved the most expensive item in our Rumiko Takahashi collection, click the link to view our unboxing and see what some of the previous "most expensive" items we have acquired throughout the years. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
April 21th
MAO Chapter 90
With color pages this week, Nanoka discusses what happened between her and Yurako and Kamon is able to deduce that Nanoka has fallen in love with Mao. Source: MAO Online
April 26th
Takahashi Takes Questions on Yashahime
To celebrate the release of the Blu-ray for Yashahime in Japan, Rumiko Takahashi took five questions from fans about her throughts on the characters and the design process. Click the link below for our translation. Source: Rumic World
April 28th
MAO Chapter 91
Mao and Hyakka investigate a series of alleged suicides by arson as wealthy politicians die across the city. The victims are all falling prey to a fire technique even more complex than those wielded by Hyakka. Source: MAO Online
April 29th
Inuyasha Kotobukiya Statues
We made a video showing some of the detail of the Kotobukiya Inuyasha statues from 2005 and wanted to share them with all of you. The statues have a great deal of detail and are quite sturdy. For their price they look great on a shelf. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
June 30th
Burn Single
The brand new single for the Yashahime theme from News is in stores today. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
May
May 1stMao & Onmyodo
For our first-of-the-month YouTube video for May we wanted to delve into the rich history of Mao and discuss the magic at the heart of the manga- "onmyodo" If you are curious about the origins of this mystical art please give our video a watch. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
May 9th
Inuyasha and Line Ranger
Just a short clip of the gameplay for the Line Ranger tower defense game which used Inuyasha characters for a cross promotional feature a short time back. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
May 12th
MAO Chapter 92
Mao and Hyakka investigate the murder of a pimp and track down the killer- Renji, a young assassin in the employ of Shiranui who's motives walk a narrow line between morality and craven profiteering. Source: MAO Online
May 15th
Rumic Mini #005
This month's mini examines "A Thousand Years of Innocence", Takahashi's short story that served as a precursor to "Mao". Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
May 16th
Yume from Migahawk
Friend of the site Migahawk has a great new album inspired by the works of Rumiko Takahashi. You can listen to his amazing work on Bandcamp and Spotify. If you like synthpop absolutely give it a listen, its excellent on its own, but perfect for Rumic fans! You can also find Migahawk on Spotify and YouTube. Source: Migahawk on Bandcamp
May 19th
MAO Chapter 93
In MAO Chapter 93 “Life or Death Choice" Mao faces off against Renji who is quickly outmatched. When things look dire for the assassin he is brought before Shiranui who makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Source: MAO Online
May 20th
RIP Kentaro Miura
We have just learned along with the rest of the world that the brilliantly talented mangaka of Berserk, Kentaro Miura, passed away on May 6th. He and Rumiko Takahashi only worked together once, as both paid tribute to one of their favorite series, Hajime no Ippo for its 1,000th chapter. You can see their drawings side by side here. Rest in Pease Miura-san. Source: Rumic World
May 22nd
Lyricist Akira Itou Passes Away
Akira Itou, the man responsible for the lyrics to the iconic "Lum no Love Song", the original opening theme song to Urusei Yatsura has passed away at the age of 80. Itou wrote lyrics to a number of commercial jingles as well as the lyrics to Tetsujin 28-go, Cutey Honey and Kimba the White Lion. Thanks to Ian for passing along the news. Source: Yomiuri Shimbun and Crunchyroll
May 26th
MAO Chapter 94
Renji recovers in the Garden of Life-Extension while Mao and Kamon track down the client responsible for hiring Renji to assassinate his political rivals. Soon Hakubi arrives, revealing another spoke in the wheel. Source: MAO Online
May 28th
Victimhood in Mermaid's Scar
We wanted to pass along a very good article from Solrad.co's Helen Chazan on analyzing Masato and his abusive relationship with his "mothers" in Takahashi's Mermaid Saga. Source: Solrad.co
Inuyasha Apparel from DJ Steve Aoki
The musician will release a number of vividly colored Inuyasha anime-themed t-shirts this summer with prices ranging from $38-$85 as part of his Dim Mak line of clothing. Previous collaborations have included Naruto and Hello Kitty. Thanks to Ian for passing along the news! Source: Anime News Network
Inuyasha/Yashahime Escape Room Game
SCRAP, a company that hosts escape room games, will be putting on an Inuyasha/Yashahime themed event this summer in Tokyo. The event will take place in an amusement park (Tokyo Dome City Attractions in Shibuya). The game will run from July 21-October 31 and feature puzzles, riddles and more all themed around the shows. Source: RealdGame.jp
June
June 1stRumiko Takahashi Joins Twitter
Rumiko Takahashi has officially joined Twitter! In her first post she states "ネット弱者の私に代わって担当編集が公式Twitterを開設してくれました。様々な情報をこちらで告知するとの事です。気楽に見に来てください。" ("The editor in charge opened this official Twitter on behalf of me as I'm an internet weak person. I understand that various information will be announced here. Please come and see it when you have a chance.") You can follow her @rumicworld1010 and see all her latest posts. Source: Rumiko Takahashi's Twitter Account
June 6th
MAO Chapter 95
Nanoka and Hyakka face off against Hakubi in a warehouse surrounded by scrap iron. Facing him down Hakubi reveals his plans to revivify the Goko Clan's assassination unit with a new generation of killers. Source: MAO Online
Rumiko Takahashi and the Hanshin Tigers
This month's we take a look at Rumiko Takahashi's love of the Hanshin Tiger's baseball team, her history following their games and their legendary curse. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
June 8th
Yashahime American Broadcast Premiere
Cartoon Network has announced that Yashahime season 1 will debut on their Toonami block on Saturday June 26th (technically Sunday morning) at 1 am Eastern time directly following Dr. Stone and before Food Wars. Source: Anime News Network
June 9th
MAO Chapter 96
Hyakka and Hakubi battle against one another as Hyakka shows an incredible amount of power which Hakubi seems to dismiss. When Hakubi confesses his hatred of Hyakka, Nanoka is shocked by the seeming pettiness the soldier has for his former clan mate. Source: MAO Online
June 11th
Yashahime Character Profiles Added
We've added the character profiles for the Yashahime characters to the Inuyasha Companion. Here you'll be able to read about each character, their voice actors and the meanings behind their names. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
June 15th
Rumic Mini: 006
In this month's Rumic Mini we look at "Dry Towel Friction" a health concept that suggests rubbing oneself with a dry towel has health benefits. You know if Mr. Fujinami believes in it it must work. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
June 16th
Takahashi on Twitter Contest
"Welcome Takahashi to Twitter" Contest! Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/rumicworld1, Like and Share the pinned contest post by July 23 2021 to be entered to win one of four vintage prizes! Contest is open all all worldwide! Source: Rumic World Twitter
MAO Chapter 97
Hyakka discusses the history of how he came to join the Goko Clan and his friends help him tease out what it was that caused Hakubi to hate him so much. Click the link below to read full summaries of all of the chapters of Mao. Source: MAO Online
June 22nd
MAO Chapter 98
Mao and Nanoka meet Kanae, a young widow who they believe is the vampire-like killer that has been murdering people in the neighborhood. Upon greeting her she seems open and honest about her recent challenges and Mao must figure out a way to address a woman who does not seem to know what she has done. Source: MAO Online
June 23rd
The Urusei Yatsura Mystery Joke
For many years we have been puzzled over a fleeting joke that appears in both the Urusei Yatsura manga and anime. In hopes of eventually solving the mystery of the joke we've made a page discussing the joke (in Japanese and English). If you know someone who might have an answer, please check it out and let us know! Source: Rumic World
June 25th
Twitter Archive
We have created an archive of translations for Rumiko Takahashi's Twitter Q&A's that she's been doing daily on her new account. If you miss a day, or just want to review what she's been discussing feel free to check it out! Source: Rumic World
June 28th
Urusei Yatsura Manga Summaries Expansion
We've done a major rennovation to the manga summaries section at Tomobiki-cho and we'll be rolling this out for the other series sites in the future. You can now see which anime episode was adapted from each manga chapter, the original Shonen Sunday cover, and cross reference chapters between various formats such as shinsoban, tankoban, wideban and bunkoban. Source: Tomobiki-cho
June 29th
Mao Manga Summaries Expansion
We've done a major rennovation to the manga summaries section at MAO Online and we'll be rolling this out for the other series sites in the future. Source: MAO Online
June 30th
MAO Chapter 99
Mao confronts Kanae and forces her to reveal her curse- she is possessed by a sword passed down through her family. Be sure to check out our new "notes" on each chapter in the summaries section as well. Source: MAO Online
Yashahime Season 2 Opening Theme
News has been chosen to return to Yashahime for the opening theme of season 2 according to the Yashahime Twitter account. The band previously performed "Burn" for season 1. Source: Yashahime Twitter Account
July
July 1stThe Making of Ranma 1/2 Bakaretsu Rantohen
This month's video project details the creation of the second Ranma 1/2 fighting game- "Ranma 1/2 Bakaretsu Rantohen" also known as "Ranma 1/2 Hard Battle" for the Super Famicom/Super Nintendo. This is actually the item that I discovered Ranma 1/2 through and as a result fell in love with Rumiko Takahashi's work, so this game holds a special place in my heart. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
July 2nd
Inuyasha Manga Summaries Expansion
We've completed the renovations to both Urusei Yatsura and Mao, and now we've finished Takahashi's longest series, Inuyasha. We've done a major rennovation to the manga summaries section at the Inuyasha Companion and we'll be rolling this out for the other series sites in the future. Source: Inuyasha Companion
July 3rd
MAO PV
To celebrate Mao's 100th chapter, Shogakukan is releasing a promotional video of the series with voice work only July 17th. Mao will be played by Yuki Kaji, Hyakka by Hiro Shimono and Kamon by Toshiyuki Toyonaga. Source: Manga Mogura Twitter
July 4th
Kento Moriwaki Interview
Harley has done a speedy translation of Kento Moriwaki's brand new interview on Bunshin.jp. Moriwaki-san is Rumiko Takahashi's editor and the one who has encouraged her to join Twitter. He talks a lot about her interaction with fans, foreign fans, and developing Mao as it reaches its 100th chapter. It's an excellent interview! Source: Bunshun.jp
July 5th
Kyokai no RINNE Manga Summaries Expansion
We've completed the renovations to Kyokai no RINNE's manga listing now to include Shonen Sunday covers, color page listings, notable events and other special happenings, please check it out. We still have Maison Ikkoku and Ranma 1/2 manga left to rennovate in this same fashion, but they're coming along quickly. Source: Kyokai no RINNE Complete
July 7th
MAO Chapter 100
Mao battles against Kanae who is possessed by a cursed sword, however it is Nanoka who unexpectedly joins the fray and is able to subdue the cursed sword. However, Mao must take the sword to a knowledgable master to dispose of. It was also announced that the series has sold 1,000,000 copies! Source: MAO Online
July 8th
Takahashi Comments on Golgo 13 Milestone
Rumiko Takahashi congratulated Takao Saito on his series "Golgo 13" officially being acknowledged by the Guiness Book of World Records as the longest manga in the world's longest manga. Takahashi said, "Golgo is fresh and interesting, always entwinted with real-time, real world situations. Congratulations on breaking the record." Source: Golgo13.com
July 9th
"Came the Mirror" English Release
Viz Media has announced an official English language release of Takahashi's "Came the Mirror" short story collection into English for the first time. Source: Viz Media's Twitter Account
July 12th
Ranma 1/2 Manga Summaries Expansion
The Ranma 1/2 manga summaries section has been redesigned with tons more information. Now you'll find cross-references for anime episodes, color page listings, publication dates and lots, lots more. Source: Ranma 1/2 Perfect Edition
The Mystery Ranma 1/2 Song
After successfully solving the mysterious Urusei Yatsura joke, a Twitter user asked us about an insert song heard briefly in the background of an early Ranma 1/2 episode. Can Rumic World help us solve this mystery from 1989? Source: Rumic World
July 14th
MAO Chapter 101
Nanoka and Mao meet a master ayakashi blacksmith capable of remaking the cursed sword for Nanoka to wield. When the blade is stolen it leads them back to Soma who Mao had tried to help. Source: MAO Online
Maison Ikkoku Manga Summaries Expansion
The Maison Ikkoku manga summaries section has been redesigned with tons more information. Now you'll find cross-references for anime episodes, color page listings, publication dates, Big Comic Spirits covers and very extensive information about the various formats the series has been published in. Source: Life at Maison Ikkoku
Taiki Matsuno Diagnosed with Covid-19
Seiyuu Taiki Matsuno, the voice of Koga in Inuyasha among many other roles, has been diagnosed with Covid-19. We wish him all the best in a safe and speedy recovery. Source: Anime News Network
July 15th
Mao Promotional Video Released
The anticipated Mao promotional video featuring the voices of Yuki Kaji, Hiro Shimono and Toshiyuki Toyonaga has been released. The video gives a summary of the main storyline and central characters that have been introduced within the first 100 chapters of the story. Click the link below to check out the video for yourself. Source: Shonen Sunday YouTube Channel
Rumic Mini: 007
This month's Rumic Mini deals with a pun from Ranma 1/2 concerning breasts. What does "breasts" and "fathers" have to do with one another anyway? Click the link to find out. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
July 16th
MAO Volume 9
MAO volume 9 is in stores today. Source: MAO Online
Mao 100 Commemerative Program
WebSunday has posted a video featuring the actors Yuki Kaji, Hiro Shimono and Toshiyuki Toyonaga from yesterdays PV. They discuss the first one-hundred chapters of Mao in person! Source: WebSunday Youtube
Hand Gestures in Mao
In this week's chapter of Mao, Nanoka explores the esoteric hand gestures known as "kuji-in". Click the link to learn more about what these gestures mean and their history. Source: MAO Online
July 18th
MAO Volume 9 Sales
For the week of March 15th-21st MAO volume 9 debuted in 50th position on the Oricon sales chart with a weekly total of 19,389 copies. Multiple volumes of Tokyo Revengers pushed MAO far down the list.
- Kingdom #62
- Tokyo Revengers (東京卍リベンジャーズ) #23
- Frieren Beyond Journey's End (葬送のフリーレン) #5
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (転生したらスライムだった件) #18 (2 weeks)
- Don't Call It Mystery (ミステリと言う勿れ) #9 (2 weeks)
- Ace of the Diamond, Act II (ダイヤのA -act II-) #27
- Tokyo Revengers (東京卍リベンジャーズ) #6 (multiple weeks)
- Tokyo Revengers (東京卍リベンジャーズ) #7 (multiple weeks)
- Tokyo Revengers (東京卍リベンジャーズ) #8 (multiple weeks)
- Tokyo Revengers (東京卍リベンジャーズ) #9 (multiple weeks)
- MAO (マオ) #9
July 20th
MAO Chapter 102
Soma squares off against Mao and Nanoka and proves that he has mastered controlling the beast that his brother succumbed to. He seems willing to go to any means to retrieve the sword for Hakubi despite Mao and Nanoka's earlier kindness to him. Source: MAO Online
July 25th
Week 2 MAO Volume 9 Sales
For the week of March 20th-26th MAO volume 9 sold an additional 20,835 copies for a total of 40,224 copies in its first two weeks of release. It was in 49th place on the Oricon charts. Source: Manga Codex
July 27th
MAO Chapter 103
Soma decides to go all in for Hakubi, deciding that if his mentor asks him to kill strangers he would do so. With that Mao and Nanoka must make their peace that Soma is lost to them and they must do whatever they can to take this sword back from him. Source: MAO Online
July 28th
Takahashi on Twitter Contest Winners
Congratulations to our Takahashi on Twitter contest winners @sapphiceya, @LicoriceMint, @GalacticLady1 and @DanySnowyman! We'll have another contest in the future! Thanks to all who entered! Source: Rumic World Twitter
July 30th
One-Pound Gospel and Mermaid Saga Manga Improvements
We've redesigned the manga sections for both the One-Pound Gospel and Mermaid Saga sections so that they now include color page listings, original publication information, anime cross references and much more. Source: The Ring & the Rosary & Mermaid's Flesh
July 31th
Maison Ikkoku Sake Interview
We've added a translation of a 2006 Maison Ikkoku sake promotion interview. While the interview itself isn't extremely enlightening it is a fun glimpse of cross-branding between Takahashi's work and an outside company. Source: Rumic World
August
August 1stMAO's Historical Connections on YouTube
This month we're bringing you a video on the real-life historical aspects of Rumiko Takahashi's latest manga, "MAO". The series borrows a great deal from Heian era religious concepts as well as folklore. Click the link to see how Takahashi revisits the past to create her latest series. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
August 3rd
Takahashi Talks Trillion Game
Rumiko Takahashi talks about her enjoyment of the new manga by her idol Ryoichi Ikegami and Dr. Stone writer Riichiro Inagaki. Source: Rumic World
August 4th
MAO Chapter 104
Nanoka uses the Akanemaru blade in battle against Soma. While the blade proves powerful and deadly, it almost kills Nanoka herself as she wields it beyond the limits of safety. Source: MAO Online
Inuyasha Exhibition Arrives in Taiwan
The "Inuyasha - Animation Trail Exhibition-" will be officially launched at the Huashan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei beginning August 4th. The exhibition focuses on the anime as the main exhibition, leading fans to travel through the world of Inuyasha, with character setting drawings on site, animation storyboard manuscripts, and cel drawings from the series. In addition, there are full scale models of the Bon Eaters Well, Goshinboku Tree and a 1:1 life-size giant Inuyasha , Kagome's bicycle, Tessaiga and more. There is also a shikishi board drawn by Rumiko Takahashi especially for the Taiwan Special Exhibition. Source: GNN News
August 6th
Yashahime Season 2 Announcements
The first poster for season 2 of Yashahime has been revealed as well as a brief teaser trailer and news that the first ending theme will be provided by pop group Little Glee Monsters. Click the above image to see the trailer on Youtube. Source: Yashahime Official Twitter
August 9th
Half-Demon and Still Whole
An interesting scholarly article on the questions of identity and mixed race in Inuyasha has been published at Solrad.co. Author Angela Sanchez explores Inuyasha's status as a hanyo (half-demon) and the cultural comparisons to people of mixed race. Source: Solrad.co
August 12th
Goodbye, Kyokai no RINNE
From 2009 to 2021 Kyokai no RINNE's English run was filled with many firsts, including having the distinction of being the first simultaneous, same day release in Japan and the United States. Now with the final, 40th volume having been published in English we say out goodbyes to the series that saw us through a decade. Source: Rumic World
August 15th
Rumic Mini: 008
Fukuwarai is a "pin the tail on the donkey" style game popular among children in Japan. Our latest video studies the game and its connection to Kyokai no RINNE. Click the link to find out. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
August 18th
MAO Chapter 105
Nanoka thinks back to how special sharing Mao's blood was, while Renji makes a move to atone for his misstep in his battle with Mao, all while Soma realizes how perilous his position with Hakubi might be. Source: MAO Online
August 19th
Inuyasha in Gyakuten Othellonia
The cast of Inuyasha will be appearing in the Japanese mobile game Gyakuten Othellonia. The game is a character-based version of "Othello". During the campaign characters from Yashahime will appear as well, all of whom will be voiced by their Japanese actors. Thanks to Ian for bringing it to our attention. Source: Crunchyroll
August 20th
Yashahime Manga Adaptation by Takashi Shiina
In very surprising news it was just announced that Takashi Shiina (of Ghost Sweeper Mikami and Zettai Karen Children fame) will publish a manga adaptation of "Yashahime" in "Sunday S" magazine. Shiina released a drawing showing the main characters of Zettai Karen Children (which just ended its run 2005-2021/63 volumes). The announcement hinted that there will be original stories rather than just a straight forward manga version of the anime. Source: Rumiko Takahashi's Twitter
Comments from Rumiko Takahashi and Takashi Shiina
A translation of Rumiko Takahashi and Takashi Shiina's comments are as follows:
Takahashi-sensei: I thought that you were joking but do you really want to draw this original story? Thank you Shiina-sensei, what a gorgeous adaptation, I'm looking forward to seeing beautiful Sesshomaru drawn by you, and I'm waiting for your new series!
Shiina-sensei: I'm Takashi Shiina, and I heard there was a project related to "Inuyasha" and I was asked to do an adaptation. You don't have to remember my name, so please buy it and pretend there was a misunderstanding and you thought it was drawn by Takahashi-sensei herself. Source: Takashi Shiina's Twitter
August 22nd
Young Sunday Super Fighting Talk
Huge thanks to Robby Stine for his work translating a 1988 interview between Rumiko Takahashi and Kiyoshi Hatanaka, the World Junior Bantamweight Boxer who was taking the sport by storm when One-Pound Gospel first began its serialization. The interview has all sorts of fun insights into the sweet science and is a must for fans of boxing or One-Pound Gospel specifically. Source: Rumic World
August 24th
MAO Chapter 106
Renji is able place his fire bugs inside of Nanoka and uses her as leverage to force Mao to go and meet with Shiranui. When Mao tries to defy him, Nanoka's life is put in jeopardy. Source: MAO Online
August 27th
Urusei Yatsura Anime Section Redesign
We've completed the overhaul of the anime section at Tomobiki-cho by adding cross-references to the manga, staff listings, transcriptions of all of Animeigo's linear notes from their VHS and DVD releases as well as notes of our own. Source: Tomobiki-cho
September
September 1stTakahashi Sings on Wings of Freedom
We have two huge videos this month, both on the 1985 "Wings of Freedom" album that Shonen Sunday sold to celebrate their anniversary. You can see our documentary about the artists appearing on the album here and listen to the full vinyl album here. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
MAO Chapter 107
Hyakka arrives to help Mao save Nanoka from Renji's firebugs. In the wake of their battle Hyakka and Mao compare notes about a series of mysterious arsons that might be tied to Renji from a decade ago. Click the link below to read chapter summaries of all of Mao's releases thus far. Source: MAO Online
September 6th
Yuko Sanpei Recovers from COVID
Yuko Sanpei (Shoma in Kyokai no RINNE) has recovered from her bout with the Coronavirus. Sanpei first had a fever on August 17th and was diagnosed the following day. In addition to her work in Kyokai no RINNE, she has also appeared in Butt Detective, The Knight in the Area, Boruto, and Eureka Seven. Source: Anime News Network
September 7th
MAO Chapter 108
More of Renji's past is revealed as Mao and Hykka track him to the Garden of Life Extension where he plans to harvest a new swarm of fire bugs to battle against them. Source: MAO Online
Tribute to Daijiro Morohoshi
Takahashi-sensei has drawn a second tribute to mangaka Daijiro Morohoshi in Daijiro Morohoshi Tribute 50th Anniversary (諸星大二郎トリビュート デビュー５０周年記念). If you're not familiar with this terrific manga artist, we highly recommend his work. Source: Rumic Theater
September 8th
New Editor Named
In the new issue of Shonen Sunday's bonus "Sunday Diary" page, Rumiko Takahashi mentions that her current editor since the end of Kyokai no RINNE, Moriwaki, is stepping down and she will now be edited by her first female editor, Okamoto. Best of luck to all! Source: Websunday.net
September 14th
Wada's Covid Battle
Inuyasha/Yashahime composer Kaoru Wada revealed on his Twitter account that he had been hospitalized with Covid-19. Thankfully he is back home now, but was bedridden and will be going through rehabilitation as he slowly returns to work. We wish Wada-san a speedy and safe recovery. Source: Kaoru Wada's Twitter
MAO Chapter 109
Renji tells the story of his sister and what drove him to murder his parents after their brutal and inhumane treatment of he and his adopted siblings. Source: MAO Online
September 15th
Rumic Mini: 009
Numerous references to Shotaro Ishinomori's "Cyborg 009" crop up in Urusei Yatsura. Here you can see all the references to the anime classic in this month's Rumic Mini. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
September 16th
More Twitter Questions
Rumiko Takahashi has taken to answering more fan questions on Twitter. We are keeping our archive updated so that you can easily read translations of the questions and answers that she is giving over the last few months including today's question. Source: Rumic World
Character Creation
Rumiko Takahashi has been speaking about the genesis of some of her characters via her Twitter account. We have those tweets translated at the link below. Source: Rumic World
September 19th
Multiple Updates
We've been working on a number of smaller updates that will be in process for quite awhile but you can go and check them out at your leisure. New notes for the short stories, crew listing for the short story OVAs, episode notes for Yashahime and and Kyokai no RINNE (with more added each day). We've also translated some new posts from Rumiko Takahashi's twitter which you can see at the link below. Source: Rumic World
September 21st
MAO Chapter 110
Hyakka battles against Renji as Mao tries to undo the new power of his fire bugs. With the two teaming up against Renji, it falls to Mei to even the odds in favor of her ally. Source: MAO Online
September 22nd
Takahashi Twitter Comments
We continue to bring you up-to-date translations of Rumiko Takahashi's Twitter comments. Click the link below to see her latest question about the shikigami of Mao and whether they have souls. Source: Rumic World
September 23rd
Mitaka Gets the Spotlight
On Rumiko Takahashi's Twitter today she discussed Shun Mitaka of Maison Ikkoku fame. She has also recently discussed Nabiki Tendo, Koga and Oyuki. Click the link below to read all of her latest comments. Source: Rumic World
September 24th
20 More Questions with Rumiko Takahashi
In the newest issue of Shonen Sunday S 2021 Vol. 11 Rumiko Takahashi answers questions about Inuyasha to celebrate the debut of Takashi Shiina's manga adaptation of Yashahime. Very kind thanks to Weekly Shogakukan Edition for providing the interview to us. Source: Rumic World
September 25th
Yashahime Manga Chapter 1
Takashi Shiina's epic telling of the continuation to Inuyasha begins and so does our coverage. Starting out we'll see how the series deviates from the anime, and how closely it hews to Rumiko Takahashi's original epic. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
September 26th
Ranma 1/2 Wideban Notes
Generously translated and offered to us from Robby Stine of Kanabits, the Ranma 1/2 wideban editions have great interviews with Rumiko Takahashi talking about individual characters from Ranma 1/2. Many of the characters she discusses have never been analyzed in depth and Takahashi provides wonderful insight into the creation of of each them. Again, very special thanks to Robbie for permitting the site to host these wonderful and important bits of information. Source: Ranma 1/2 Perfect Edition
September 28th
MAO Chapter 111
Hyakka is put out of commission by a powerful shikigami summoned by Shiranui leaving Mao and Nanoka to decide how best to battle against Renji and Mei in the Life Extension Garden. Source: MAO Online
Bankotsu Gets the Spotlight
On Rumiko Takahashi's Twitter today she discussed Bankotsu and her thoughts about his creation and the touches she came up with for the character. Source: Rumic World
September 29th
Corona and Manga
Kazushi Shimada has a new book, Corona and Manga (コロナと漫画) which discusses the impact of the coronavirus on the manga industry. The book has an interview with a number of manga artists, Rumiko Takahashi included. Source: Rumic World
September 30th
French Tickner Passes Away
It is with sadness that we share the news that voice actor French Tickner has passed away at the age of 91. To Rumiko Takahashi fans he is best known as the voice of Grandpa Higurashi in Inuyasha and Shinnosuke's Grandad in Ranma 1/2. Additionally he has portrayed Dozle Zabi in Mobile Suit Gundam, Shuichi Sakura in Sanctuary, Jubei Yamada in Fatal Fury and many more. Source: Anime News Network
October
October 1stJapanese Funerary Practices in the Works of Rumiko Takahashi
This month's video takes a look at funerals through the work of Rumiko Takahashi. Series such as Maison Ikkoku and Ranma 1/2 both have visits to family graves, but it is within her short stories that we see some the most focused depictions of death. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
October 2nd
Yashahime Season 2 Begins
Yashahime episode 25 debuts and we have the summary posted to kick off the tenth season of an Inuyasha based anime. Tenseiga is broken and Setsuna is dead, what will Towa do? Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Yashahime Manga Summary Section Added
We've added a new section to The Inuyasha Companion to archive summaries of Takashi Shiina's Yashahime adaptation. You'll find the same level of detail and archival notes with this new monthly series as we've been doing with Rumiko Takahashi's series previously. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
October 3rd
Mousse Spotlight
In her recurring Twitter posts discussing the creation of her characters, Rumiko Takahashi focuses on Mousse today. We have translated her comments on the myopic hidden weapon master and you can read them at the link below. Source: Rumic World
October 5th
MAO Chapter 112
Mao battles against Renji as Nanoka decides to enter the fray, but every time she swings Akanemaru the sword drinks down more of her blood. With Mao occupied, it falls to her to fight the giant water dragon. Source: MAO Online
Sesshomaru's Mother Gets the Spotlight
On Rumiko Takahashi's Twitter today she discussed how she created Sesshomaru's mother who appears late in the manga series. Source: Rumic World
October 7th
Rumiko Takahashi Inducted
Rumiko Takahashi is one of five creators to be inducted into the Harvey Award's Hall of Fame as the Class of 2021. Takahashi will be inducted alongside Bernie Wrightson Jeffrey Catherine Jones , Barry Windsor-Smith , and Michael Kaluta. She released the following statement:
“Thank you so much for this wonderful award. I am so honored the American readers have enjoyed my work. Through the medium of manga, I am so happy I am able to communicate with all of you. The world is in hardship due to Covid, but I hope my manga can provide some comfort.”
The ceremony will be held virtually on October 8th during the New York Comic Con. Source: ICv2
Kosaku Gets the Spotlight
Today Rumiko Takahashi discussed her creation of Kosaku Hatanaka, the hero of One-Pound Gospel. We've got the translation of her comments below. Source: Rumic World
October 9th
Yashahime Episode 26 Debuts
The Half-Demon Princesses all journey to the seaside in search of information about the location of the tree-demon Bokuseno. However they discover a wrathful sea serpent who is punishing long-haired women due to the tramatic events of her past. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Viz Announces Yashahime Manga Release
Viz announced today via their Twitter that Takashi Shiina's adaptation of "Yashahime" has been licensed for a summer 2022 release (it is monthly so it will take at least that long to have enough material for a volume to be released). Despite Shiina's long career and fame in Japan with such hits as "Ghost Sweeper Mikami" and "Zettai Karen Children" this will be the first time his manga has been officially released in English. Source: Viz Media Twitter Account
October 10th
Ryunosuke Gets the Spotlight
Today Rumiko Takahashi discussed her creation of Ryunosuke Fujinami of Urusei Yatsura. Takahashi has always been honest about Ryunosuke extending the life of a series she was starting to struggle with coming up with ideas for. We've got the translation of her comments below. Source: Rumic World
October 11th
Inuyasha Manga Extras
With continuing translations from Robby Stine, we're beginning to add Rumiko Takahashi's translated comments from the 2013 Inuyasha widebans to the website along with the new drawings she did for each volume. The comments are filled with great insight on the characters and storylines that appear throughout the classic series. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
October 12th
MAO Chapter 113
Mao and Nanoka recover from their difficult battle when Natsuno arrives. With Mao incapacitated that leaves Nanoka to help her solve the strange sightings of an arm that is hidden inside a travel bag. Source: MAO Online
October 13th
Kohaku Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi discussed the dilemma of Kohaku's fate and how she agonized over how to resolve his plotline. You can read about Kohaku and more characters by following the link below to see all of Rumiko Takahashi's comments on her creations. Source: Rumic World
October 14th
Mana Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi shared on Twitter today that Mana of Mermaid Saga is one of her favorite characters due to her independance and strong nature. You can read more of her comments at the link below. Source: Rumic World
October 15th
Rumic Mini: 010
We've got this month's Rumic Mini to share. Some may not have noticed it, but Akane has a special hidden talent that is shown throughout the manga which makes her the luckiest girl in Nerima. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
October 16th
Yashahime Episode 27 Debuts
The circumstances that lead to Rin's imprisonment and Sesshomaru's betrayal of Inuyasha and Kagome are revealed as the princesses seek out Bokuseno and Riku retrieves the last of the rainbow pearls for his mistress, Zero. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
October 17th
Rei Gets the Spotlight
The silent, handsome boy turned cow-alien Rei is the featured character in Rumiko Takahashi's discussion of her past creations today on Twitter. Click the link below for an archive of all of Takahashi's comments on her creations. Source: Rumic World
October 18th
MAO Volume 10
MAO volume 10 is in stores today. Source: MAO Online
The Memorable Formative Stages Of Tomomi Mochizuki
Here's a great article from Alex Swak on Tomomi Mochizuki, the director of the Maison Ikkoku film. Mochizuki was heavily involved with the first season of Ranma 1/2 and the article delves into the huge influence that the staff of Urusei Yatsura was having as that series wound down. Source: Sakuga Blog
October 19th
MAO Chapter 114
Natsuno and Nanoka pursue the bag man with the giant arm when he kidnaps two children. They chase him into a hidden pharmacy and find ayakashi using humans to make medicine. Source: MAO Online
Genma Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi recounts the process that lead to the creation of Genma, who started as a panda in the conceptualization process before becoming a human. Source: Rumic World
October 21st
Takahashi Twitter Q&A
Rumiko Takahashi returns to answering questions (infrequently) via her Twitter. This time she discusses the weapons she has created over the years for her various series. Source: Rumic World
October 23rd
Yashahime Episode 28 Debuts
The barrier on Mount Musubi separates the half-demon princesses allowing Moroha a fleeting glimpse at her parents. While separated Setsuna discovers the young woman trapped within the tree is her mother, Rin. Click the link below to see all the latest summaries of Yashahime. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Human Inuyasha Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi discusses how she created the look of human Inuyasha and his similarity in appearance to Ranma Saotome. Source: Rumic World
October 24th
MAO Volume 10 Sales
For the week of October 18th-24th MAO volume 10 debuted in 16th position on the Oricon sales chart with a weekly total of 32,049 copies.
- Detective Conan/Case Closed (名探偵コナン) #100 (2 weeks)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) #17 (3 weeks)
- Detective Conan: Zero's Tea Time (名探偵コナン ゼロの日常) #5 (2 weeks)
- The Apothecary Diaries (薬屋のひとりごと) #12
- Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku (ヲタクに恋は難しい) #11 (2 weeks)
- Komi Can't Communicate (古見さんは、コミュ症です。) #23
- My Happy Marriage (わたしの幸せな結婚) #3 (2 weeks)
- Blue Lock (ブルーロック) #16
- Cheeky Brat (なまいきざかり。) #22
- Fire Force (炎炎ノ消防隊) #31 (2 weeks)
- Detective Conan: The Culprit Hanzawa (犯人の犯沢さん) #6
- 37-Year-Old Kindaichi Hajime Case Files (金田一37歳の事件簿) #11
- My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア) #32 (3 weeks)
- Rent-A-Girlfriend (彼女、お借りします) #23 (2 weeks)
- Mieruko-chan (見える子ちゃん) #6
- MAO (マオ) #10
October 25th
Yashahime Manga Chapter 2
Towa travels to the past to learn her true history after meeting Moroha and Setsuna for the first time. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
October 26th
MAO Chapter 115
Nanoka battles against the one-armed ayakashi in the pharmacy where she realizes that without Mao's assistance her sword is in danger of using up all her blood to the point where she may pass out. Suddenly blood pours freely from the blade leaving her worried about how much longer she can hold out. Source: MAO Online
October 27th
Itagaki/Takahashi
We've translated the interview from Shonen Champion celebrating Baki's 30th anniversary. The manga odd couple of Rumiko Takahashi and Keisuke Itagaki make for a truly interesting pair of friends, definitely an interview worth reading! Source: Rumic World
October 28th
Masato Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi talks about her uncertain creation of Masato and how he quickly developed into a character she felt more confidence with as his petty plans and foolish behavior made him more complex. Click the link below to read her thoughts on Masato and many of her other creations. Source: Rumic World
October 30th
Yashahime Episode 29 Debuts
Rion reveals why she was placed on Mount Musubi and what happened between her and her father, Kirinmaru, 600 years ago. Setsuna's dream butterfly comes to the fore and she realizes how it is connected to her mother, Rin. Click the link below to see all the latest summaries of Yashahime. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Akemi Roppongi Gets the Spotlight
The sensual resident of Maison Ikkoku is the focus of Rumiko Takahashi's analysis of her characters in todays character profile. Source: Rumic World
November
November 1stThe Mermaid Saga Radio Drama & Analysis
We have two videos this month, one is the full Mermaid Saga NHK Radio drama from 1989, an incredible rarity, the other is an analysis discussing the drama including the cast, writer and musician involved with its crafting. This is an extremely rarely piece of media that we're very happy to be able to share. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
November 2nd
MAO Chapter 116
Nanoka uses her Akanemaru sword successfully for the first time as she battles the ayakashi alongside Natsuno. However, when Natsuno is injured it reveals a strange secret about her that no one was aware of. Source: MAO Online
Takahashi Congratulates Newcomer
Rumiko Takahashi and Gosho Aoyama had comments on the winner of the 88th Newcomer Award which was given to Arata for her manga Rolling With Yu (ローリング・ウィズ・ユー). Takahashi stated, "It was the best entry this time. The art style is sober, but everything flows quite naturally, the monologue is on point, various emotions are drawn well, and the brightness of "Yu" is also a good effect that makes you wonder what will happen to this "child" in the future. It makes you want to continue reading it."
Takahashi commented on other entrants as well. For "Change and Lover" by Fujitaro, "They have a good grasp of the story that makes you interested in the behavior of the heroine. There is a change in the development of the story, and I think that the author has compositional power. I think that the scene where each other's feelings are expressed is the climax, but I wanted another plot element. The whole thing was easy to read and the feeling after reading was good."
"Cupid Reject" by Yusuke Igarashi, "I misunderstood the background girl at the beginning as a heroine. If you want to explain the character of the heroine, make a scene with background characters appearing in multiple pictures and differentiate it. Also, I think that the spread of the climax will be effective if you devise an episode that shows the goodness of boys."
"5:00pm" by Ryushin, "Although it is a simple story, I thought that it is a writer with the power to make the scenes good and show things dramatically. It's not like a typical manga character in a boy's manga art style. It fits this story."
"Nameless Masterpiece" by Suu Kihara, "The intertwining of the main character and the heroine during the first half has the main character's monologue as the focus, and the flow of the story is not good because there is a pushy feeling. The heroine is impressed by the last image of the main character, but something is lacking here. Before saying "beautiful", it might be convincing if there is another push."
"Unlucky Heroine" by Jona, "The drawings are cute, and I think it will be a asset if you aim to work in the shonen genre. However, if you want to stand out, you need to polish the inner development of the characters to make them more compelling."
"Girl Incident" by Mitsutani, "This manga has a style with impact. There is a lot of room for growth, so please get used to drawing a lot and making scenes. The first scene with the girl, because it does not convey the appearance that the arm is raised, it does not convey the thing "grew". Please show me what you need to show."
"Kiyo-kun's Fastidious Circumstances" by Masuda, "The imagery is charming. In that regard, I had excessive expectations for the thief girl. Anyway, I think it was worth reading if you could meet the main character in a way that matched the picture. The punch line was also predicted quite quickly. I want another twist before the ending." Source: Shogakukan.co.jp
November 3rd
Totosai Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi discusses what lead to Totosai's creation and then Kappei Yamaguchi, the voice of Inuyasha, weighs in with a comment about Joji Yanami, Totosai's voice actor. Source: Rumic World
November 4th
English Dub for Yashahime Season 2 Announced
The official English Yashahime twitter has announced that the English dub of Season 2 will begin tomorrow (November 5th) on Hulu, Funimation and Crunchyroll. Source: Yashahime Twitter
November 6th
Yashahime Episode 30 Debuts
Princess Aiya kidnaps Setsuna and makes her replace her so that she can go out and watch a demon at the seaside. Much to Setsuna's surprise Hisui is tasked will filling in as Aiya's tutor, Kin'u. Soon Hisui is having to rescue Aiya, imitate his sister and recollect the path he walked towards becoming a demon slayer. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
November 7th
Ran Gets the Spotlight
Ran, Lum's friend/enemy gets a look from Takahashi as she discusses her surprise by how much material she was able to get out of her. Source: Rumic World
November 10th
MAO Chapter 117
Nanoka travels back to the present after her battle, but a gift from Natsuno seems to awaken problems at the site of her parents death just when Byoki returns for another visit. Source: MAO Online
Hinako Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi discusses the pleasure she took in coming up with outfits for Hinako to wear as a child and an adult and how she goes easy on the girls in her classes. Source: Rumic World
November 11th
Mamoru Oshii on Beautiful Dreamer
Mamoru Oshii spoke with Anime News Network about his second film, Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer and the structure of his sequels. Source: Anime News Network
November 12th
The Great East Japan Earthquake Ten Years On
Manga artist Takatoshi Yamada, known for Dr. Koto’s Clinic (Dr.コトー診療所) shares memories of recruiting 14 of his fellow manga artists to draw work encouraging the 2,500 elementary, middle school and high school students affected in the three prefectures hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March of 2011. On this, the 10th anniversary, Yamada recalls, “At first, I contacted Takahashi Rumiko (of Urusei Yatsura) and asked her to draw something to support the disaster-stricken areas. She asked me by when, and when I said tomorrow, she was surprised. I also announced deadlines for other manga artists, and kept urging those who looked like they might be late. I now understand the feelings of the editorial staff waiting for manuscripts."
In addition to Takahashi, the other manga artists who supported the poster are an impressive list, including Kazuhiro Fujita (藤田和日郎), Fujihiko Hosono (細野不二彦), Toru Fujisawa (藤沢とおる), Gosho Aoyama (青山剛昌), Masahito Soda (曽田正人), Katsutoshi Kawai (河合克敏), Kuromaru (黒丸), Hiromu Arakawa (荒川弘), Kenichi Kitami (北見けんいち), Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹) , Motoka Murakami (村上もとか), and Mine Yoshizaki (吉崎観音).
"At the time, the posters sent to the school also had an immediate effect. When I appeared on a radio show, a fax arrived at the studio saying, 'Thank you for the poster. My son is so touched that Conan (Aoyama's series) is supporting him.' It wasn't Dr. Koto, though."
Every year, whenever he had the chance, he would visit children's centers in Iwate Prefecture and interact with the children there. "It's become a tradition, because when I arrive there, there's always a handmade banner that says, 'Welcome back, teacher,'" he said, but he also faced harsh realities on many occasions. Pictured above are, from left: Fujihiko Hosono, Takatoshi Yamada, Governor Takuya Tasso, Toru Fujisawa and Kazuhiro Fujita at the Iwate Prefectural Office in Morioka, November 2011. Source: Chunichi Shimbun
November 13th
Yashahime Episode 31 Debuts
Towa and Setsuna battle a rock monster as they both learn the limitations still in front of them. Meanwhile Moroha helps Takechiyo return to his island home and reunites with Hachie. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
November 14th
Sakura Gets the Spotlight
Sakura, the priestess/school nurse is under the microscope as Takahashi discusses her "favorite" Urusei Yatsura cast member that allowed her to examine some situations outside of Tomobiki High School. Source: Rumic World
November 15th
The New Generation of the 1990s
We wanted to share a link to this great article by Matteo Watzky about the key animators (genga) of Ranma 1/2, many of whom had also worked on the Rumic World short story OVAs. Matteo analyzes their style and the influence they took from Yoshinori Kanada, one of the most influencial animators in Japan. Source: Animetudes.com
Rumic Mini: 011
This month we're examining "hidenin," early hospitals associated with temples during the Heian Era in Japan. These are referenced in MAO when Natsuno is discovered in ill-health after the collapse of the Ko Clan. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
November 16th
MAO Chapter 118
Byoki flees the present and returns to the past, but not before Grandpa Kiba hears an ominous warning that he will be allowed to live a little longer, which is a voice he heard the day Nanoka's parents died. In the past Byoki takes a missing left hand to a corpse buried in the floor of the five-sided temple where Mao's assassination was arranged centuries ago. Source: MAO Online
November 17th
Kanna Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi discusses the creation of Kanna, the frightening quality of small children and the contrast of the elder sister appearing to be younger than her sister Kagura. Source: Rumic World
November 20th
Yashahime Episode 32 Debuts
Moroha continues her battle against the tanuki in aid of Takechiyo while Setsuna is in the distant north with the demon slayers following a plot that involves Zero. Towa, meanwhile, is aiding Riku and Rion when they are confronted by Kirinmaru who is shocked that Towa is able to see Akuru. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Yuta Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi talks about her favorite character Yuta from the Mermaid Saga and how his well-adjusted nature is meant to contrast with the odd guest characters that show up throughout the series. Source: Rumic World
November 21st
Rumiko Takahashi and the Hanshin Tigers
Really excited to announce that an article on Rumiko Takahashi I wrote is going to be published in the very cool Bubbles issue 12, the Comics and Manga fanzine. Thanks to Brian Baynes and Ryan Holmberg for the opportunity! You can pre-order a copy now at: https://www.bubbleszine.com/ Source: Bubbles Zine
November 23th
MAO Chapter 119
Byoki reattaches the severed hand to the corpse in the five-sided temple and revives the dead man while Natsuno seeks out Hyakka after all these centuries to tell him of Sana's true killer. Nanoka returns to the past and has a reunion with Mao who openly shows just how worried he was about her. Source: MAO Online
New Years Cards Announced
Shonen Sunday 2021 Vol. 52 showcases the color New Year's cards that will be sold. Typically these are given as special random prizes to subscribers and can be difficult to come by. Source: Websunday.net
November 25th
Fanart Winners
In addition to providing the cover for this month's Shonen Sunday Super, Rumiko Takahashi also judged a fan art contest. The winners were: Source: Shonen Sunday Super
November 26th
Tsubasa Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi discusses Rinne's rival, Tsubasa Jumonji. She explains his faults but that he's a good kid at heart. Source: Rumic World
November 28th
Kozue Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi discusses Kyoko's rival, Kozue, a girl she said she wanted to embody a sense of ordinary cuteness. Source: Rumic World
Yashahime Manga Chapter 3
Towa pieces together how she was separated from Moroha and Setsuna in the past and what happened to their parents in the palace they were sheltered in. They recall being raised by an unending series of Rins and Kagomes and slowly begin to untangle the puzzle of how this could have been. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Yashahime Blu-Ray Boxset from Viz Announced
Viz has announced they will release the first Yashahime blu-ray boxset on February 15, 2022. The set will cover the first half of the first season and will contain an art gallery, cast commentary, and clean openings and endings. Source: Right Stuf
November 29th
Interview with Eight Female Animators
We've added a link in our Interview section to Gengaland's translation of an interview between eight great female animators from 1990 including Masato Shinohara, Sachiko Kamimura, Yukari Kobayashi (Urusei Yatsura), Kazuko Tadano, Michi Himeno, Atsuko Nakajima (Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2), Matsuri Okuda and Yumiko Horazawa. Source: Genga Land
November 30th
MAO Chapter 120
Hyakka attacks the army barracks where he believes Hakubi is staying while the past connection between Hakubi and Yurako is revealed. Natsuno presses Hakubi to reveal why he tried to pin Sana's death on Mao, all in the latest chapter. Source: MAO Online
December
December 1stRanma 1/2 vs Obocchama-kun: Why Was the Ranma Anime Cancelled?
In this month's video we discuss the cancellation of the original Ranma 1/2 anime after 18 episodes and the reason Ranma fans blamed Yoshinori Kobayashi's anime Obocchama-kun. Things heat up when Kobayashi appears in Shonen Sunday and makes a cover with Rumiko Takahashi that makes some Ranma fans furious. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
December 2nd
Kasumi Tendo Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi discusses the unflappable Kasumi, the eldest of the Tendo sisters. Takahashi explains Kasumi's slightly clueless personality and whether she was ever considered a potential love interest for Ranma. Source: Rumic World
December 4th
Yashahime Episode 34 Debuts
Moroha hears about how her parents were able to battle against Shogen Mamiana and the Full Moon Tanuki while Setsuna struggles with her first night without her demonic powers. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Naraku Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi discusses the creation of Naraku and how she put together the pieces of his backstory as she worked on Miroku and the origin of the Wind Tunnel. Source: Rumic World
December 5th
Izumi Kobayashi Revisits Lum no Lovesong
The original composer of the iconic first opening theme to Urusei Yatsura, Izumi Kobayashi, has revisited the song for a new remix of the track to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The original track was sung by Yuko Matsutani. The track is available on Spotify and Itunes and Kobayashi discusses her excitement at the link below. Thanks to Ian Lepard for passing along the news. We're also linking a great interview with Kobayashi here and in our interview archive section as well. Source: Crunchyroll
MAO Named Years Best
The School Library Journal has released their list of the ten best manga of 2021 and MAO has been named as one of the ten. The list itself is not in a ranked order. Source: School Library Journal
Next Yashahime Opening Announced
Beginning in January, Resonance by SixTONES will be Yashahime's new opening theme song. Source: Yashahime Twitter Account
December 6th
Rumiko Takahashi on Jiro Taniguchi
A new artbook celebrating the work of Jiro Taniguchi is on shelves today, Jiro Taniguchi's Original Art Collection: A Man Who Puts His Heart Into His Strokes (谷口ジロー原画集 描線に込めるひと). The book features selections of his work by other artists and their comments on the illustrations. Rumiko Takahashi has provided a number of selections of Taniguchi-sensei's works that she admires. Source: Rumic World
December 7th
MAO Chapter 121
The mystery of who killed Sana is finally revealed and Hakubi confesses to a bizarre lust that shocks Mao and Nanoka when it is discovered. Click the link below to read all the latest MAO Chapter summaries and liner notes. Source: MAO Online
December 8th
Sister Angela Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi discusses the evolution of Sister Angela and the research she had to do in order to portray the duties of a nun correctly. Source: Rumic World
December 11th
Yashahime Episode 35 Debuts
Moroha aids the tanuki clan in freeing themselves from an oppressive tyrant while Setsuna slumbers, powerless in a wintery inn. Both girls do not realize the danger Towa finds herself in at the mercy of Zero and Nanahoshi. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Jaken Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi discusses how Jaken functions as a way to explain Sesshomaru's inner emotions without having to make Sesshomaru actually say anything. Source: Rumic World
December 14th
Joji Yanami Passes Away
Very sad to share that Joji Yanami, the voice for Totosai in Inuyasha, King Kai and the Narrator in Dragonball Z, Gilmore in Cyborg 009, Ganfall in One Piece and many more, has passed away at the age of 90. Thank you forthe wonderful memories you've given fans all over the world. Source: Satsuki Yukino's Twitter
December 16th
Cherry Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi talks about the development of Cherry as a need to have a conversation in the first chapter of Urusei Yatsura and how he grew from their. Source: Rumic World
December 18th
Yashahime Episode 36 Debuts
Towa is tortured with her own sadness by Zero as Setsuna rushes to sever the thread that binds Zero and Rin together. Sesshomaru hurries to tell Setsuna that she must come to her mother's aid and quickly. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
MAO Vol. 11 and Yashahime Vol. 1 Release Dates
Both MAO Vol. 11 and Takashi Shiina's adaptation of Yashahime Vol. 1 will be released January 18, 2022. Source: Shogakukan.co.jp
Sango Gets the Spotlight
Takahashi discusses how she created Sango, the revisions that she went through before debuting the character, including a name change and how she developed the various elements of Sango's story. Source: Rumic World
Rumic Mini: 012
In Japanese media you often see a small, triangular hat worn by ghostly characters. What is the story behind this hat and what is it called? Click our latest Rumic Mini to find out. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
December 20th
P Ranma 1/2 Hot-Blooded Grappling Match Debuts
A new Ranma 1/2 themed pachislot game featuring voice actors from the original anime debuts today, P Ranma 1/2 Hot-Blooded Grappling Match (らんま1/2 熱血格闘遊戯/P Ranma 1/2 Nekketsu Kakutou Yuugi). Source: Ranma 1/2 Perfect Edition
December 21st
A Closer Look at Moeyo Ken DVD Figurines
We're taking a closer look at the trio of figurines that were sold in Japan with the 2003 DVD release of the Moeyo Ken television series. Rumiko Takahashi provided the character designs for this series not unlike Yashahime. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
MAO Chapter 122
Hyakka recounts the events of the night of the Goko Clan's master's death and what Sana said to him when she found her deceased father. Little by little everyone starts to put their stories together about what happened and who was wear when the Goko Clan started to fall apart. Source: MAO Online
December 22nd
A Closer Look at the Ranma 1/2 Statues from Kotobukiya
Today we're looking at the 2002 polystone figures of male and female Ranma along with Akane. These figures were made by Kotobukiya for the western market and sold by Viz. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
December 23rd
Ageha Gets the Spotlight
Rumiko Takahashi commented on Twitter about the creation of Ageha and how she was intended to be a romantic rival for Rinne, however she couldn't seem to make Rinne ever lust after any other characters. Source: Rumic World
The Lum Figurine for the 50th Anniversary of Shonen Sunday and Shonen Magazine
Today we wanted to share the Lum figurine that was sold to celebrate the coinciding 50th anniversaries of Shonen Sunday and Shonen Magazine. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
December 24th
Inuyasha BESTALBUM Theme Song Collection
A special "digital only" release of the opening and ending themes from Inuyasha and Inuyasha: The Final Act is available in stores today. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
December 25th
Yashahime Episode 37 Debuts
Towa battles against Zero and in her rage nearly kills her. Setsuna races to free her mother from her bond to Zero while Jaken and Moroha try to entere the tree of ages. At long last the reason for Zero and Kirinmaru's hatred of half-demons is revealed. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
December 28th
Urusei Yatsura Perfect Color Edition
A YouTube commenter asked about the Urusei Yatsura Perfect Color Edition books and we thought we would share the interiors with all of you. They are a great two volume collection of all of the interior color artwork from the series. Source: Rumic World YouTube Channel
December 29th
Yashahime Manga Chapter 4
Towa, Setsuna and Moroha make a journey to the Demon Slayer Village in order to report on the adventure they have been tasked wtih. Kohaku meets Towa for the first time and sees the strong resemblance she shares with Sesshomaru who looked after him on his journey so long ago. Source: The Inuyasha Companion
Takahashi Twitter Question #51
Rumiko Takahashi is asked about why she chose the Sengoku and Taisho periods for Inuyasha and MAO manga. Click the link below for her response. Source: Rumic World
December 31st
New Urusei Yatsura Anime for 2022
Surprising news to welcome the new year! A brand new adaptation of Urusei Yatsura will air on Fuji TV in 2022 with a new voice cast. Sumire Uesaka and Hiroshi Kamiya are rumored to be the new actors portraying Lum and Ataru respectively. Rumiko Takahashi has also provided a celebratory illustration. So far this seems to be a leak and has not yet been confirmed by any studio or official source. (Update: The news is now confirmed via UY-Allstars.com, the project's official site.) Source: UY-Allstars.com
