Maison Ikkoku – It’s over ;_;

If there is one show out of the 224 TV series, movies, OVAs and specials where I watched and felt like I really grew up with the characters it is Maison Ikkoku. Maison is the longest show I’ve watched yet in my 13 years of being an anime fan. At 96 episodes, Maison Ikkoku tells the story of a young man, Godai, as he lives at the Ikkoku-kan where he is a ronin trying to get into college. There he meets the manager, Kyoko, who is a widow. Godai instantly falls in love, and the story kicks off from there.

I really enjoyed Maison Ikkoku. Like I said before, I think Maison would make a great sitcom because it wasn’t without its moments where I’d go, “OOOOOO!” or “He’s gonna get it now!” Just because of the misunderstandings or bad timing on Godai’s part. There were definitely times where I had to stop watching. I’ve been watching it over the course of three months and to be honest I’m glad it finally ended. I was left satisfied though because it seemed like every little thing helped the whole of the story which centered around Godai’s life and his growing relationship with Kyoko.

There were definitely some things I think kind of just dragged on. One instance in particular would be the Yagami Arc. Where Yagami just kept hanging around and Yagami’s dad tried getting Godai in his company in exchange for Yagami to come home. That just seemed to me to drag on for a great deal more than it should. I totally hated Yagami too. What a bitchy and clingy high school girl. Why do characters in anime refuse to do the most obvious of things like calling the police, but there would be no drama, plot or what have you.

I really liked seeing how the relationship between Godai and Kyoko grew. Being a male myself, I enjoyed seeing how Godai progressed as a man. How he didn’t just get into some kind of company job. He eventually found out what he was good at and went with that. He became more responsible, and assertive. Watching Godai progress has kind of instilled a motivation in myself to just reach for my goals and never give up. Much like how Keitaro from Love Hina did during my high school year, but honestly I think Godai is a better man than what Keitaro will ever be. Keitaro just becomes a Seta clone by the end of Love Hina. Godai grows into a man and husband.

Kyoko grew from a widow being solely devoted to her late husband to opening her heart to Godai. That I really liked and there was one line in episode 94 that really brought a few tears to my eyes. During the part where Godai proposes Kyoko responds, “Just promise me one thing. Please. Even if it’s just a day. Live longer than me. I don’t think I could live alone again.” That was a really touching scene, and I think that Maison wasn’t without it’s share of real touching scenes towards the end.

One thing I didn’t understand though was just why did Kyoko become so proto-tsundere? She ALL OF A SUDDEN just begins to doubt Godai and thinks he’s this that and the other thing when if you think realistically when did he ever do any of those before? Never. When there were those string of misunderstandings towards the end, and Kyoko left the Ikkoku-kan out of anger. She didn’t listen to what Godai had to say. She was acting very stubborn and childish for a 27 year old woman. Godai wasn’t in the wrong. Kyoko just refused to listen, but I suppose if Godai was a little more assertive and worried less about how it might affect others he might have avoided some headaches.

To me the relationship between Mitaka-san and Asuna-san didn’t seem very genuine. It just seemed like Mitaka-san married Asuna-san because he thought she was pregnant and then when he found out she was talking about the dog he was stuck. Although, I’m not sure how the omiai culture works but I guess it would feel like that way anyway because I think it’s just an arranged marriage anyway. They both look happy at the end anyway so it all works out. I never would have thought Mitaka-san would get over his fear of dogs over the course of the show.

I really liked the side characters from the Ikkoku-kan, but towards the end they kind of just dissapper and turn into people that just party every freaking episode over everything. Godai got a job? LET’S PARTY. Godai is getting married? LET’S PARTY. I had read they were going to go into their lives more but didn’t. I particularly liked Yotsuya-san. Most peculiar side character ever, but real awesome. What a leech too.

Closing thoughts I’d say that Maison Ikkoku was a refreshing and mature watch from the garbage being brought out today. Sure it had it’s comedy moments but it was never anything too over the top, and it didn’t take away from the show. There are romance comedy shows that have comedy for the sake of comedy and it really takes away from the mood. Why do shows like Love Hina come to mind here? I just cannot think of any serious romance comedy shows I’ve seen other than this, and more or less Kimagure Orange Road. Oh! Maybe Ai Yori Aoshi but that wasn’t without its share of fanservice. The comedy really flows well in Maison, and Rumiko Takahashi really knows when it’s needed and when to pass.

Great series. Great ending that isn’t particularly spectacular or flashy but it worked. I wouldn’t watch Maison Ikkoku again, but I think it’s one of those that is definitely memorable and a must see if you haven’t watched yet. Well, at this rate I think I’ve had my fill of 80s stuff and need to watch more flashy anime that can be compared to candy than something entertaining like this show. Farewell Ikkoku-kan! …But only until I pick up the manga.