Maison Ikkoku (1986)
A timeless romantic comedy anime following a lovesick student and his widowed apartment manager navigating life, laughter, and longing.
Maison Ikkoku - Series Information
- Original Title: めぞん一刻
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1988
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Romance
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (26 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 96
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: March 26, 1986 (Australia - M)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Production Companies: Studio Deen
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 메존일각 주민들 이야기 (KR), Maison Ikkoku (FR)
Maison Ikkoku - Plot
Godai is a ronin (someone who has failed university entrance exams) living in a run down apartment house called Maison Ikkoku. Among the other residents are the nosy Ichinose, the sexy Akemi Roppongi, and the mysterious Yotsuya. The others are given to having wild parties which makes it difficult for Godai to study. Into this mayhem comes the recently widowed Kyoko as the new live-in manager. Godai falls for her, but doesn't have the nerve to tell her. As time passes, their relationship slowly develops amid life at Maison Ikkoku, despite all sorts of romantic hurdles.
Maison Ikkoku - Trailer
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Maison Ikkoku - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Issei Futamata
- Sumi Shimamoto
- Shigeru Chiba
- Yuko Mita
- Kazuyo Aoki
- Akira Kamiya
- Norio Wakamoto
- Toshio Furukawa
- Hiromi Tsuru
- Minori Matsushima
Writers
- Yuji Moriyama
Maison Ikkoku - FAQs
Is Maison Ikkoku based on a manga?
Yes, Maison Ikkoku is based on the manga series by Rumiko Takahashi, serialized in Big Comic Spirits from 1980 to 1987. Takahashi is also known for Urusei Yatsura and Ranma ½, and Maison Ikkoku is widely regarded as one of her finest and most emotionally mature works.
Where can you watch Maison Ikkoku online?
Maison Ikkoku is available to stream on select platforms. You can compare all current viewing options in your region, including subscription and rental services, by checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming availability.
Who are the main voice actors in Maison Ikkoku?
The principal voice cast includes Issei Futamata as Yusaku Godai and Sumi Shimamoto as Kyoko Otonashi. Supporting roles are filled by Shigeru Chiba, Yuko Mita, Kazuyo Aoki, Akira Kamiya, Norio Wakamoto, Toshio Furukawa, Hiromi Tsuru, and Minori Matsushima.
Does Maison Ikkoku have a satisfying ending?
Maison Ikkoku is celebrated for delivering one of the most emotionally rewarding conclusions in romantic anime. The series takes its time developing Godai and Kyoko's relationship across 96 episodes, and the payoff is widely praised by fans and critics as genuinely heartfelt and earned.
What is Maison Ikkoku about?
Maison Ikkoku follows Yusaku Godai, a university exam repeater living in a rowdy boarding house, who falls in love with Kyoko Otonashi, the newly appointed widowed manager. The series chronicles their slow-burning romance amid comedic misunderstandings, eccentric neighbors, and the emotional weight of moving on from loss.
How many seasons and episodes does Maison Ikkoku have?
Maison Ikkoku consists of 4 seasons totaling 96 episodes, plus 3 bonus specials. Season 1 and Season 2 each contain 26 episodes, Season 3 has 24 episodes, and Season 4 wraps up the story with 20 episodes. The series aired on Fuji TV from 1986 to 1988.
When did Maison Ikkoku first air?
Maison Ikkoku first aired on March 26, 1986, on Fuji TV in Japan. The series ran until 1988, spanning four seasons. It was produced by Studio Deen and remains one of the most influential romantic comedy anime series of the 1980s.
What are shows similar to Maison Ikkoku?
Fans of Maison Ikkoku often enjoy Urusei Yatsura, Nisekoi, and School Rumble for their romantic comedy dynamics. Cowboy Bebop and Serial Experiments Lain offer different tones but share the era's anime craftsmanship. Gokusen and Prison School also appeal to viewers who enjoy ensemble cast comedies.
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