Maison Ikkoku, Vol. 4: Good Housekeeping [Paperback]

Rumiko Takahashi (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Rumiko Takahashi's wonderful soap opera comic book continues to unfold the story of Yusaku Godai, who has his hands full with two women. His only problem is he's too spineless to tell Kozue (the girl he's been dating) that the lovely manager of Maison Ikkoku, Kyoko, is the only woman for him, and too wimpy to tell Kyoko that he's madly in love with her! But that's not all that's going on in this volume of Maison Ikkoku: a drunken kiss from Akemi--the always barely dressed cocktail waitress tenant of apartment 6--causes havoc; Kyoko's boyfriend, Coach Mitaka forms an unlikely alliance; an impromptu costume party convinces little Kentaro that his life is doomed from the start; and a postcard from the past sends Kyoko into a wave of melancholy. --Jim Pascoe

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (August 5, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156931134X
• ISBN-13: 978-1569311349
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another--Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma 1/2 from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, and One-Pound Gospel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, an anime series that could happen in real life, April 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Maison Ikkoku, Vol. 4: Good Housekeeping (Paperback)

This was the first Maison Ikkoku book that I read, and this is the one that got me hooked on to the series. It is incredibly realistic and there is plenty of humor imbedded within the main storyline. The relationships of the characters are constantly shifting back and forth just like real life. That's not mentioning the great drawings and detailed plot lines. Or, just in two words -- it's great!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Strong Seal of Approval for "Good Housekeeping", June 26, 2001

By 

Paul (New Orleans) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maison Ikkoku, Vol. 4: Good Housekeeping (Paperback)

"Good Housekeeping", Volume 4 of the international masterpiece of romantic comedy, "Maison Ikkoku", continues the great comedy and touching romance seen in the previous volumes. Although a uniquely Japanese story, the appeal of this timeless classic is universal.

Maison Ikkoku is a run down apartment building in Tokyo. Living there is struggling and wishy-washy college student Yusaku Godai, who has fallen head over heels in love with the beautiful, young manager of the building, Kyoko Otonashi. Kyoko has some feelings towards Godai, but she's a widow, and still is not over the death of her beloved husband, Soichiro.

Complicating matters between the two are rich, suave, hysterically dog-phobic, and handsome tennis coach Shun Mitaka, Godai's rival for Kyoko; and Kozue Nanao, a sweet, cute, and naive girl, who accidently has become Godai's platonic girlfriend. Kozue is clueless that Godai is in love with Kyoko.

But the crowning touch is the 3 other residents of the apartment building: hard drinking, hard partying and hard gossiping Mrs. Ichinose, who lives with her young son Kentaro; Akemi, a sexy party animal who is the bar hostess at local hangout ChaChaMaru, and who wears her see-through negligee around the building; and then there's the mysterious Yotsuya, who gets his kicks out of peeping, and breaking through Godai's wall so that he can mooch food from Godai. These characters would be at home in "A Confederacy of Dunces".

All 3 regard Godai as their personal toy, and they get their kicks from teasing him and holding their drinking parties in his room. They've also discovered that Kyoko is fun to tease as well.

With 9 chapters, Volume 4 picks up where Volume 3 ended: Godai is back home at Maison Ikkoku, but he's ill after the misadventures of the last volume. Too bad his nursemaids are Mrs. Ichinose, Akemi & Yotsuya. Christmas comes to Ikkoku once again. Godai's got his eye on the perfect present for Kyoko. Since this involves Godai & Kyoko, there has to be a string attached. New Year's results in two visits by Godai to the local shrine, first with Kyoko, then with Kozue. A drunken Akemi starts off a kissing chain reaction with Godai & Kyoko thinking about lips and the meeting thereof. Kyoko & Akemi buy leotards. Naturally, Yotsuya wants a peek. A trip home by Godai leaves Kyoko taking care of Godai's basket of flowers. Did anyone tell Kyoko that the flowers were a gift from Kozue? Speaking of Kozue, frustrated by Godai's lack of affection, she looks for some expert advice on the subject. The expert? Coach Mitaka! Welcome to misunderstanding city. Mrs. Ichinose's young son Kentaro has taken comfort that despite all the weirdos at Ikkoku, at least manager Kyoko's normal. This opinion might change after the results of an unplanned costume party, triggered by an innocent Kyoko. Finally, Kyoko's father-in-law gives Godai a package to give to Kyoko; Soichiro's diary. Can Kyoko get jealous of a dead man?

With no connecting story arc, this volume emphasizes humor and offers insights on both Japanese culture and the characters. The New Year's day chapter is especially rich in cultural references, showcasing the most important of Japanese holidays. Note that Kyoko & Kozue's kimono's have different length sleeves. Kyoko's sleeves are short, since she's been married. Kozue's sleeves are long, since she's stll young and single.

A good example of character insight is offered in this conversation between Kyoko & Mrs. Ichinose:

KYOKO: Do you think I'm the jealous type? MRS. ICHINOSE: You sure are. KYOKO: Couldn't you at least have hesitated a little? MRS. ICHINOSE: But it's true!

Better than "Oh! My Goddess!", with humor ranging from gentle to hysterical, this wonderful romantic comedy continues forward in "Good Housekeeping".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great as always, May 29, 2001

By 

tmask "tmask" (Franklin, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maison Ikkoku, Vol. 4: Good Housekeeping (Paperback)

Every Maison Ikkoku graphic novel ive read so far has been nothing short of 5 star... heck they should increase the ratings to 6 stars just for this book! Its definatley the best thus far, if your into subtle romance and the twists that go along with it!!