The BEST episodes of Maison Ikkoku
Every episode of Maison Ikkoku ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Maison Ikkoku!
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.
#1 - 1000% suspicion. Kyoko's scandal night
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired 12/2/1987
Worrying about Kyoko, Godai sits at the entrance of Ikkoku-kan. When Kyoko's father arrives in his car, he is shocked when Godai tells him that she left with Mitaka. The two men leave to search for her, before anything irrevocable might happen... In the restaurant, Mitaka sees Kyoko's unease, and suggests a walk outside. At the waterfront, Kyoko finally speaks up, and tearfully apologizes to Mitaka for letting this relationship drag on for so long. Meanwhile, Godai and Mr.Chigusa give up their search as dawn approaches. They arrive home, and find Kyoko sitting on the front-steps. Later, Kyoko tries to explain to Godai that ""nothing happened"" with Mitaka that night. However, that problem is set aside when Kasumi finally comes back to take her children home.
#2 - I'll wait. Kyoko's Sudden Announcement
Season 3 - Episode 24 - Aired 9/23/1987
As the battle for Kyoko's hand intensifies, Mitaka meets Kyoko and her parents in front of Souchiro's grave and seeks to use their influences on Kyoko and encourage her to marry him. In front of Souchiro's grave and with Godai overhearing, Kyoko tells Souchiro that she has made up her mind and will be single until next spring.
#3 - Bravo Godai! The Pride of a Man
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/14/1987
Pressured by Yagami, her dad finally gives in and hands Godai a solid job offer. To everyone's astonishment, however, Godai hands the offer back saying that as much as it pains him, he wants to be more relied upon and find a job that he likes by himself.
#4 - It's a secret! Godai's work diary
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/21/1987
After drinking with Sakamoto who celebrated by getting Godai's job, they wake up in debt in a cabaret. Having to pay off the debt, Godai is forced to work there in secrecy while looking for a permanent job.
#5 - I'm sorry Kyoko-san. Guilt trip homemade lunch
Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/28/1987
Kyoko, still believing that Godai is working in daycare and looking for a job, begins to encourage Godai by making home-made lunch everyday. Having been laid off at daycare and working off his debt at the cabaret, Godai is pulled on whether to tell Kyoko the truth. To add insult to injuries, the looney gang discovers Godai's secret and decides to free load off of him at the cabaret every night and keep him in debt forever!
#6 - Godai in Panic! Yagami the Bunny Girl!!
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/4/1987
When Yagami finds out Godai's new line of work, she offers her services to help him pay off his debt at the cabaret. Yagami, however, is rejected because of her age and vows to settle the score with Kyoko. After a date with Mitaka, Kyoko meets Yagami in front of Ikkoku-kan and finds out the truth to Godai's newly-found employment.
#7 - Devotion of love. Asuna never gives up after all
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/11/1987
As Godai tries to sort out the mess he got himself into, Mitaka takes Kyoko out on a date (to Kyoko's surprise) and vows that he will win her before Godai becomes a socially-acceptable man. Mitaka also goes to visit Asuna and finds himself in an unexpected situation in front of his and Asuna's parents.
#8 - Perfect dad! Godai-kun's child care story
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/18/1987
Godai is forced to take care of Kasumi's kids (one of the cabaret's hostesses who ran away). As Godai and Kyoko search for her, they are left to wonder what they would do with her kids if they can't find her and she never comes back.
#9 - Yokohama chaser. Kyoko-san's going away?!
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/25/1987
Kyoko is ready to go out for lunch with her parents, but is confused when Mitaka arrives to escort her. She learns that not only will her parents be there, but so will Mitaka's parents! Arriving at the hotel, they also discover that another unexpected guest has come along, sneaking into Mitaka's car before they left Ikkoku-kan: Kasumi's son, Taro. Kyoko calls home to tell Godai about Taro, and her tone of voice hints at a more serious problem for Godai. He rushes off to the hotel, bringing Hanako along (since nobody else at Ikkoku-kan is conscious enough to look after her). There, Godai finds Taro but looks on helplessly as Mitaka drives away with Kyoko to Yokohama. That evening, during dinner, he tells her that he's arranged a room for them at this hotel...
#10 - The Story of Kyoko's First Love On Rainy Days Like These
Season 1 - Episode 17 - Aired 7/16/1986
Godai gets depressed over the rain, remembering that some of the worst events of his life have occured on rainy days. Kozue visits Maison Ikkoku and her skirt gets stained so she and Kyoko have snacks together while they wait for the skirt to dry. Kozue asks about Godai and learns that Kyoko is a widow. Kyoko remembers trying to flirt with Soichiro when she was in high school . After Kozue leaves, Godai runs into Kyoko, and she invites him to share an umbrella with her as they head home.
#11 - This is the Critical point! Godai and Mitaka's duel of fate!
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 12/9/1987
Frustrated that he is fighting a losing battle, Mitaka decides to duke it out with Godai for Kyoko's love. On a calm night inside the park, the two rivals prepares to engage in their ""duel of fate.""
#12 - Unrequited love! Godai and Kyoko, it's over today?
Season 4 - Episode 13 - Aired 1/13/1988
Kyoko is in shock after seeing Kozue kiss Godai. Goida returns to Ikkoku-kan after his exams are over. Before he leaves, the manager of the cabaret warns him that he's not good enough to handle two women at the same time. Godai has no idea why Kyoko seems to be mad at him. Kozue calls to ask Godai out for lunch. There, he finds out that another man proposed to her, but she doesn't know what Godai's feelings are. He tells her that when he graduates, he wants to propose to a lady (Kyoko) but Kozue misinterprets this to be her and decides to turn the other guy down. He walks home stunned. He explains what happened to Kyoko after she brings up the kiss and realizes how stupid he was. Surprising Godai, she kisses him. Godai tries to figure out how to tell Kozue the truth, but before he could, she barges into a New year's Party and cries out that Godai proposed to him. Kyoko's furious, slaps him, and then tells Godai to move out. He refuses. Kyoko decides to move out.
#13 - Kyoko-san quitting! Ikkoku-kan's memory far away?
Season 4 - Episode 14 - Aired 1/20/1988
Kyoko's gone after the previous night's fiasco. He explains what happened to the loon squad and they force Godai to go get Kyoko back. Kyoko is moping at her parent's place. She exclaims that she'll never get married. Her mom then realizes that it's not Mitaka she's moping over, but another guy. Godai shows up, but Kyoko tells her mom not to let him in. He yells out to her what really happened, but Kyoko throws a pillow at him and forces him out. Being back home of course, makes her dad extremely happy. Godai keeps coming back to try to get Kyoko but she remains stubborn. Meanwhile, the apartment is turning into a mess. Godai is put in charge of the apartment after her dad convinces Otonashi that Kyoko isn't coming back.
#14 - Kozue-chan's wedding! Godai's love is forever?!
Season 4 - Episode 16 - Aired 2/3/1988
A shocked Kyoko ends up at Chachamaru where she sees Akemi. Akemi tells Kyoko the truth, that she did walk out of the hotel with Godai. When Godai and company walk in, she tells him that she hates him. Akemi explains to Master that even if she said nothing happened, she is so jealous that wouldn't believe her. Kyoko becomes irrational, and accuses Godai of sleeping around. Godai pats her gently on the cheek, and she runs out. Godai chases after her to return her jacket. He explains to her that Kyoko keeps forgetting one thing - that he loves her, always and forever. Later, Kozue meets Yotsuya on the train and learns the truth about the hotel. She comes to the cabaret to apologize, and Godai decides to apologize first, saying that he already has a woman he loves in his life. Kozue is relieved, because she already accepted another man's proposal. They part on a happy note.
#15 - Alright! Godai-kun's courageous proposal!
Season 4 - Episode 18 - Aired 2/17/1988
Kyoko goes to visit her sick father, and finds that he's very ill. At the Acorn Daycare Godai listen to his co-workers discussing marriage and decides he'd best begin to think about how he will propose to Kyoko. Kyoko has been wondering the same thing herself and keeps waiting and waiting for Godai to get around to asking. Her father is deadset against Kyoko getting married again and suddenly disappears from his sickbed in an attempt to do something about it. Kyoko calls Godai at the daycare to get him to look out for Mr. Chigusa should he show up, but later that night Godai is at the Bunny Cabaret and there is still no sign of him. That night just so happens to be Godai's last night at the cabaret and as he is giving the children presents that he's made for them, Mr. Chigusa arrives and promptly passes out. After waking up and having a few drinks with Godai's co-workers at his going-away party, Mr. Chigusa passes out drunk. As they walk back to Kyoko's parents house, Godai decides now is the time to propose to Kyoko. He asks her to marry him and she stops in her tracks and asks him to promise her just one thing; that he will outlive her. After losing Soichiro she knows she can't go through being alone again. Godai swears, and Mr. Chigusa wakes up and tells Kyoko that even if something happened she could always come back home, that she'll never be alone. Kyoko cries and hugs Godai and her father.
#16 - Ah, Excitement! Grandma's love embosomed in the ring
Season 4 - Episode 19 - Aired 2/24/1988
Godai decides that it's time for Kyoko to finally meet his parents. A bit nervously, he phones home (his parents don't know about Kyoko yet). His grandma helps things along by inviting them to come over (to Nigata Prefecture) right away - tomorrow. They take the train, and then taxi to the restaurant (and home) where Godai's Grandma and parents live. Later that evening, Grandma loans some money to Godai so that he can afford the wedding; then she gives an engagement ring to Kyoko. With the snow falling outside, all is well. Then there is a knock at the door downstairs. Godai goes to answer, and it's none other than Yotsuya, Akemi and Ichinose! So much for a quiet night...
#17 - As Long as This Love Lasts! Ikkoku-kan is Forever...!!
Season 4 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/3/1988
With their wedding fast approaching Kyoko and Godai are both cleaning out their rooms in preparation for moving in together. Kyoko finds an old box of Soichiro's personal items and Akemi and Mrs. Ichinose share it with Godai. Kyoko is embarrassed but Godai smiles politely and admits he has never seen a picture of Kyoko's late husband before and that he looks like a very kind man. That night both Kyoko and he are thinking about Soichiro. Kyoko decides that she is going to return Soichiro's belongings to his father, and Godai begins to wonder if he can measure up to the memory of her beloved first husband. The next day, Kyoko visits Soichiro's grave to pay her final respects and finds Godai there, praying. Yusaku tells Soichiro that he hopes to have his blessing for their marriage. Kyoko is moved to tears, and the couple stand before Soichiro's graves holding hands, ready to move ahead with their new life together. No one can contain their excitement as Yusaku and Kyoko's wedding day has arrived. Everyone comes to pay their respects and to get a look at the happy couple. Kyoko is beautiful in her wedding dress, and both Mr. Chigusa and Mr. Otonashi are in tears just from looking at her. Ikuko and Kentaro meet again after not seeing each other for a long time, and Sakamoto even cuts out of work to attend. Later at the reception Mitaka and Asuna arrive after a visit to the hospital. Asuna is very pregnant, and she and Shun are extremely happy together. Godai gives a speech thanking everyone for taking care of him all these years and asks for their continued support. The story flashes forward as Yusaku reveals the fates of Kozue, Ibuki, Shun and Asuna, Master and Akemi. Finally everyone arrives back at Maison Ikkoku anxiously awaiting Yusaku and Kyoko's return from the hospital. As the taxi pulls up the happy couple steps out with their new baby, Haruka. Everyone welcomes her to her new home as the series ends.
#18 - Kyoko's Climbing the Walls! Godai's Headed For the Hills
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/23/1986
Godai's grandmother arrives to inform Godai that if he doesn't get into a college, his family will no longer let him stay in Tokyo. Godai does his best to hide from her, but with Kyoko's help they finally track him down, just in time to realize he's going to get to go to college.
#19 - Love Speaks! Godai and Mitaka Duke it Out at the Hospital!
Season 2 - Episode 17 - Aired 1/21/1987
Mitaka and Godai begin to get on each others nerves at the hospital. Mitaka and Mrs. Ichinose notice that Kyoko and Godai seem to have a playfulness about them. Mitaka gets desperate and tries to hug Kyoko after Godai leaves the room, but only gets embarassed at trying so hard. Godai and Mitaka continue to battle for Kyoko's attention, and Kyoko is delighted that they both want her to help so much, but all that changes when Mitaka's group of college girls comes to take over his care. Right after that Kozue shows up and insists on helping Godai, leaving Kyoko with nothing to do. Mitaka and Godai both watch helplessly from their window as Kyoko leaves the hospital, taking just enough time to leave them a message in the snow.
#20 - A Midsummer night's dream. Godai already found a job?
Season 3 - Episode 19 - Aired 8/19/1987
Yagami reveals during the autumn festival that her father is the head of personnel at a major corporation and that she is willing to help Godai-sensei to get the job of his dreams. Could this be Godai's big chance?
#21 - Soichiro Gone!? Yakitori Memories
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/24/1986
Kentaro offers to walk Soichiro for Kyoko, but ends up losing him. Kyoko tries her best to reassure Kentaro that Soichiro will find his way home, but in reality she is terrified of never seeing him again. She remembers the day that she and her husband first brought Soichiro home, and how he wouldn't answer to any other name. All the tenants do their best to find the missing dog, and after many false hopes, begin to give up. Finally, Godai finds him at the house of a family a few blocks away and returns him to a greatful and shocked Kyoko.
#22 - The Great Date Race! Kyoko and Godai Have Left the Building
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/19/1986
Godai learns that his Grandma has set he and Kyoko up on a date. When he goes downstairs to apologize to Kyoko, she tells him that she's actually looking forward to it, which really gets Godai excited. As Godai and Kyoko head off on their date, Yuakari gives them their itinerary, and then they head off. The first stop is the movie theater, where they run into Yotsuya, after they escape from him, they go to a toy store, where Kyoko gets very excited and plays with everything. Suddenly Mrs. Ichinose and Kentaro walk up and talk to the two. Godai begins to get suspicious and pulls Kyoko out of the store. They hide for a second and then decide to go get lunch, at the restaurant they sit down next to Akemi and Master, and then they know something is really up. They run out of the restaurant and everyone gives chase. They finally catch a break, but it doesn't last for long as the tenants find them again. The rest of the day is spent escaping the Looney Gang. Godai apologizes for the ruined d
#23 - A Kiss Is Just A Kiss... But a Woman's Love is Priceless
Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/26/1986
Akemi sits in her boyfriend Hiroshi's car as they watch the ships coming into the docks. Suddenly he tells her he's breaking up with her, and Akemi finds another womans earring on the seat. She keeps her cool, and simply walks away. When she arrives at Maison Ikkoku though, she is completely drunk. When she passes out in the entryway, Godai and Kyoko have to carry her up to her room. She wakes up in a daze and kisses Godai. Kyoko starts telling her to pull herself together, and Akemi kisses her! Then Akemi tosses them out. Godai and Kyoko nervously stand in the hall, wiping the lipstick off their lips. The next day, Godai asks Akemi if there is anything he can do for her, but Akemi can't remember why he would ask something like that. Later she does remember and goes downstairs to apologize to Kyoko. In town, Akemi and Godai pass each other on the street, and she gives him a lighter that Hiroshi had given her. Godai begins to think that maybe she likes him, and so he nervously wonders w
#24 - A Bittersweet Favor! Budding Christmas Love!?
Season 2 - Episode 14 - Aired 12/24/1986
Godai rides the train to its destination, and meets Sakamoto at the appointed cafe. Sakamoto shows up late an sits down, very sullen. He tells Godai that he was able to figure out what the rock consisted of, but that he forgot the rock on the train. Godai panics and they run to the platform's lost and found and to see if anyone turned it in. Unfortunately, no one has, and so Godai and Sakamoto board the train to search themselves. They don't find it and have to come back to their original destination just to ask at lost and found again. When they arrive this time, the attendant says someone turned it in down the line, but when they check into it, they find a rocker, not a rock. Godai begins to lose all hope, and can't believe that he is responsible for losing the only present Soichiro ever got to give Kyoko. Sakamoto says that if he found it he would have just thrown it away. As soon as Godai hears this he leaps off the train and begins digging through the trash cans. Suddenly, he find
#25 - Godai Breaks His Leg! Chance for Love at the Hospital!
Season 2 - Episode 16 - Aired 1/14/1987
Godai's been feeling depressed about leading Kozue on lately. Kyoko isn't helping, by constantly telling Godai how much Kozue likes him. When he finally decides to end things between them, Kozue surprises him with a new sweater. Unable to do anything, Godai happily accepts the gift and returns to Maison Ikkoku, where he and Kyoko get into an argument, causing her to almost fall off the roof. Godai rescues her in the nick of time, but falls out of his second story window in the process, breaking his leg and taking quite a blow to the head. When he wakes up in the hospital, he finds out Kyoko's taken care of everything, but can't bring herself to visit out of shame. When she finally does arrive, Mitaka shows up and sees that Kyoko's sympathy for Godai might lead to trouble for him. Godai and Kyoko take a walk and embrace each other, almost kissing before an ambulance interrupts them. They're both shocked to see Mitaka in Godai's room, he apparently broke his leg in a skiing accident.