Rumiko Takahashi is one of the most famous and widely known mangaka in Japan. With a professional career that began in 1978, her best known works are without a doubt her long-running serials. Series such as Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2, and Inuyasha have all had lengthy, critically acclaimed series complimented by noted anime series as well.

However her short stories are not as well known. The three stories that recieved OVAs in the 1980s- Fire Tripper, The Supergal and The Laughing Target are familiar to fans of 1980s anime by virtue of the animated specials that were commissioned but the actual manga remain obscure. Eventually Takahashi left behind short stories that retraced the steps she was already covering in her weekly serial work and moved to write stories for older audiences- slice of life comedies about housewives, salary men and characters that mirroed her own age.

As Rumiko Takahashi has moved beyond her youth and firmly into middle age so too have her short story protagonists. Through the 1990s and 2000s many of the characters were frequently office workers but soon the 2010s arrived and Takahashi herself entered her sixties. With this milestone the astute reader cannot help but notice that retirees and grandparents were often the focus of her work.

For those readers that are fans of her weekly Shonen Sunday serials we invite you to learn about her one-off stories. Many of these tales contain elements that she would go on to explore in series like MAO and Inuyasha. There are also a plethora of interesting anime adaptations to view and soundtracks to enjoy.