The third episode of the completely new anime adaptation of Takahashi Rumiko's smash hit manga Ranma 1/2, entitled "Because There's Someone I Like," will air on Nippon TV on October 19th. The series was originally adapted into a TV anime from 1989 to 1992, and this is the first time it has been adapted into a TV anime in 32 years. The new anime is also attracting attention as it will feature the same voice actors as Yamaguchi Kappei, who plays Saotome Ranma, Hayashibara Megumi, who plays Ranma, and Hidaka Noriko, who plays Tendo Akane.
When Kuno finds out that Ranma and Akane are engaged to be together, arranged by their parents, he challenges Ranma to a fight. Ranma wins the fight against Kuno, but is distracted by Akane and injured, and has to be treated by bone-splinter trainer Kofu-sensei. Ranma realizes that Akane has feelings for Kohfu-sensei.
"Ranma 1/2" was serialized in the manga magazine "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) from 1987 to 1996 by Takahashi, who is also known for "Urusei Yatsura" and "Maison Ikkoku". It depicts the hectic daily life of high school martial artist Ranma Saotome, who turns into a woman when splashed with water, and his fiancee Akane Tendo. While training in the indiscriminate fighting style with his father Genma, Ranma becomes a woman when splashed with water in Jusenkyo, China, where he is training, and becomes a man when splashed with hot water. When Ranma returns to Japan, he and his son end up staying at the home of Genma's best friend, Soun Tendo, and by chance, he becomes engaged to Soun's daughter, Akane.
In addition to the theatrical anime version, an original video animation (OVA) was also produced. A TV anime series was broadcast on Fuji TV and other networks from 1989 to 1992, and a live-action TV drama starring Aragaki Yui, Kaku Kento, and Natsuna aired in December 2011, which also garnered attention. The new anime, the first in 32 years, will be directed by Uda Konosuke, who has worked on "One Piece," among others, and will be produced by MAPPA, which has worked on "Jujutsu Kaisen" and "Chainsaw Man." It is currently airing on Nippon TV every Saturday at 12:55 a.m.
