Maison Ikkoku Genre: Romance/Comedy Creator: Rumiko Takahashi Commercial Release: Viz Video

Overview:
Yusaku Godai, a ronin attempting to get into the college of his choice, is fed up with the conditions at run-down and insanely crazy Maison Ikkoku. The run down apartment complex features things such as broken bannisters, leaking roofs, and an assortment of characters that are interfering with Godai's ability to concentrate, as well as his mental well-being. One day, Godai resolves to leave Maison Ikkoku forever - that is, until he lays eyes on the new manager, the beautiful and young Kyoko Otonashi. However, Kyoko's got a few problems of her own that she is running away from, and Godai is going to have to go through a lot of barriers to not only reach his own personal success, but also unlock the heart of the secretly pained Kyoko.

Some Characters of Note:

Yusaku Godai : In the beginning, he is a ronin attempting to enter college, and over the years in the course of the series, he attempts to become a man worthy of Kyoko's affections. Somewhat idealistic, a little bit of a clumsy person at times, but always determined, Godai is head over heels in love with Kyoko and will do anything to prove his own worth.

Kyoko Otonashi : The new apartment manager of Maison Ikkoku, Kyoko takes the job from her father-in-law, who owns the run-down complex. Kyoko has her hands full with the residents of Ikkoku, but also has her own personal feelings to deal with. Being a widow, she still loves her late husband, Soichiro Otonashi, and it is in his memory that she doesn't want to be in love ever again. However, things can change...

Yotsuya : The enigmatic and mysterious Yotsuya lives in Room 4 of Maison Ikkoku. A notorious peeping tom, Yotsuya takes every opportunity to observe and spy on just about anyone in the complex, especially Kyoko and Godai. Being in the room directly next to Godai's, he has bashed a hole through Godai's wall for easy access (much to Godai's chagrin). Like many of the other residents he is an outrageous freeloader, though no one knows his job or way of earning money.

Akemi Rippongi: Brazen and not afraid of using her femininity to get things, Akemi is a single woman living in Room 6 of Maison Ikkoku. She works as a waitress in the neighborhood bar Cha Cha Maru, and is notorius for having bad relationships. She teases Godai about his failures, like the other residents, but does make an effort to get Godai and Kyoko together, especially in the latter part of the series. Like many of the other residents she is an outrageous freeloader.