Description
Urusei Yatsura is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi and serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday from 1978 to 1987. Its 374 individual chapters were published in 34 tankōbon volumes.
It tells the story of Ataru Moroboshi, and the alien Lum, who believes she is Ataru’s wife after he accidentally proposes to her. The series makes heavy use of Japanese mythology, culture and puns. It was adapted into an anime television series produced by Kitty Films and broadcast from 1981 to 1986 with 195 episodes. The television series is credited with introducing pop songs as opening and closing themes in anime.
Urusei Yatsura launched Takahashi’s career and received positive reception in and out of Japan from fans and critics alike. The manga has sold over 35 million copies and received the 1980 Shogakukan Manga Award. Urusei Yatsura is considered an excellent source for references to Japanese culture and mythology, with his heavy use of Japanese literature, folklore, history and pop culture.
