Urusei Yatsura (2022)

Urusei Yatsura (2022)

Characters

Lum

MAIN

Ataru Moroboshi

MAIN

Oyuki

SUPPORTING

Lum no Chichi

SUPPORTING

Shounen

SUPPORTING

Tobimaro Mizunokoji

SUPPORTING

CAO-2

SUPPORTING

Benten

SUPPORTING

Lum no Haha

SUPPORTING

Kouchou-sensei

SUPPORTING

Shikaisha

SUPPORTING

Karasu Tengu Chourou

SUPPORTING

Shinobu Miyake

SUPPORTING

Kurama

SUPPORTING

Satoshi

SUPPORTING

Mendou no Haha

SUPPORTING

Negai Hoshi

SUPPORTING

Kakashi no Gosaku

SUPPORTING

Shuutarou Mendou

SUPPORTING

Onsen-Mark

SUPPORTING

Akira

SUPPORTING

Mendou no Chichi

SUPPORTING

Souban

SUPPORTING

Sakuranbou

SUPPORTING

Tsubame Ozuno

SUPPORTING

The Cosmic Chaos of Urusei Yatsura Season 1: A Timeless Blend of Absurdity and Heart

Urusei Yatsura, the iconic manga by Rumiko Takahashi, received a vibrant reboot in 2022, bringing its wild, genre-defying energy to a new generation. Season 1 of this modern adaptation, spanning 23 episodes across two cours, is a kaleidoscope of slapstick comedy, sci-fi weirdness, and romantic tension that captures the spirit of the original while injecting fresh flair. Produced by David Production and aired on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block, this season is a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with innovation, making it a standout in the crowded anime landscape. Here’s why Urusei Yatsura Season 1 (2022) is a uniquely unmissable experience.

A Whirlwind Premise Rooted in Absurdity

At its core, Urusei Yatsura follows Ataru Moroboshi, a lecherous, unlucky high schooler whose cosmic misfortune lands him in an intergalactic game of tag to save Earth from an alien invasion by the Oni. His opponent? Lum, the bikini-clad alien princess with electric powers and an unyielding affection for Ataru after he accidentally proposes to her during the game. What unfolds is a chaotic tapestry of episodic misadventures, blending Japanese mythology, pop culture references, and outrageous humor. Season 1 introduces a colorful cast—Shinobu, Ataru’s beleaguered girlfriend; Shutaro Mendo, the rich and pompous rival; and a host of eccentric aliens and spirits like Ten, Sakura, and Cherry—that elevate the show’s unpredictable energy.

The 2022 adaptation distinguishes itself by staying faithful to the manga’s episodic structure while streamlining stories for modern audiences. Unlike the 1981 anime, which stretched across 194 episodes with looser pacing, the reboot’s 46-episode commitment (23 in Season 1) curates key manga chapters for maximum impact. Each episode, often split into two segments, delivers self-contained stories that range from Ataru’s doomed attempts to flirt with every woman he meets to Lum’s jealous zaps and supernatural shenanigans involving cursed cameras, parallel worlds, or time-traveling kunoichi.

Visual and Auditory Brilliance

David Production (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Fire Force) brings a polished, vibrant aesthetic to Season 1, with Naoyuki Asano’s character designs striking a balance between Takahashi’s retro charm and contemporary polish. The vivid colors—Lum’s tiger-striped bikini, the neon glow of her electric shocks, and the surreal backdrops of Tomobiki Town—pop with energy, making every frame a visual treat. The animation shines in chaotic action sequences, like Lum’s high-speed chases or Ataru’s frantic escapes from Mendo’s katana-wielding wrath.

The soundtrack, composed by Masaru Yokoyama, complements the show’s frenetic pace with a mix of jazzy, whimsical, and sci-fi-infused tracks. The opening and ending themes by Maisondes are earworms that capture the show’s playful spirit. “Aiue” (episodes 1–11) is a bubbly, chaotic anthem, while “Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous” (episodes 1–11) oozes retro-cool vibes. The second cour’s “Aitarinai” and “Lum’s Love Song” (a nod to the 1981 anime) deepen the nostalgic connection, blending modern production with classic charm.

Why It’s Unique

1. Genre-Defying Chaos: Urusei Yatsura Season 1 thrives on its refusal to be pinned down. It’s a romantic comedy where the romance is perpetually thwarted, a sci-fi epic with aliens who act like quirky neighbors, and a slapstick farce that weaves in Japanese folklore. Episodes like “Fantasy Bubble Gum” (adapted from manga chapter 275) or “Love Knows No Barriers” (chapter 206) showcase the show’s ability to pivot from absurd humor to poignant moments without missing a beat.
2. Ataru and Lum’s Dynamic: Ataru’s incorrigible womanizing and Lum’s electrifying devotion create a love-hate dynamic that’s both hilarious and oddly touching. Unlike typical rom-com leads, Ataru is unapologetically flawed—selfish, cowardly, and shameless—yet his rare moments of sincerity (like in “Desperate Situation”) hint at why Lum sticks around. Lum, meanwhile, is a fascinating mix of powerful alien and lovesick teenager, her “Darling!” cries both endearing and menacing.
3. Cultural Time Capsule with Modern Appeal: The reboot honors the manga’s 1970s roots, with its playful jabs at Japanese culture and puns (the title itself is a pun on “urusai” meaning “noisy” and “sei” meaning “star”). Yet, it sidesteps dated tropes by emphasizing character-driven humor over slapstick excess. The English dub by HIDIVE, released March 2023, adds accessibility while preserving the chaotic spirit.
4. Episodic Freedom: Unlike plot-heavy anime, Season 1’s standalone episodes allow for wild experimentation. One episode might feature a cursed diary predicting Ataru’s day, another a school trip to Nara with a ninja twist. This variety keeps the show fresh, with each segment delivering a new flavor of absurdity.

Standout Episodes

• Episode 1: “A Youth That Runs About” / “Desperate Situation”: The perfect introduction, setting up Ataru’s duel with Lum and the hilarious misunderstanding that sparks their “engagement.”
• Episode 14: “Mendo Brings Trouble!”: Shutaro Mendo’s debut as Ataru’s rival adds a new layer of rivalry and hilarity, with his wealth and charm clashing against Ataru’s scrappy antics.
• Episode 21.5: “All-Star All-Out Attack” / “The School Excursion!”: This hour-long special blends a recap with a fresh ninja-themed adventure, showcasing the show’s ability to balance nostalgia and innovation.

Reception and Legacy

Season 1 has been praised for its faithful yet fresh take on Takahashi’s work, earning high ratings on platforms like MyAnimeList (7.618/10) and Anime News Network. Fans appreciate how it captures the manga’s spirit while appealing to new viewers, though some note the challenge of adapting a 1970s comedy for modern sensibilities. The show’s influence is undeniable—its blend of sci-fi and rom-com paved the way for series like Ranma ½ and Inuyasha, and its chaotic energy echoes in modern anime like Saiki K.

Why You Should Watch

Urusei Yatsura Season 1 (2022) is a love letter to Rumiko Takahashi’s groundbreaking manga, blending retro charm with modern polish. Its episodic structure, vibrant visuals, and unforgettable characters make it a unique gem that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether you’re a fan of the 1981 anime, a manga purist, or a newcomer, this season offers a wild ride through a universe where anything can happen—and usually does. Stream it on HIDIVE, and brace for a cosmic comedy that’s as electrifying as Lum’s shocks.

Availability: Available on HIDIVE with English subtitles and dub. Blu-ray released by Sentai Filmworks on March 19, 2024.

Final Verdict: A chaotic, heartfelt masterpiece that proves Urusei Yatsura’s timeless appeal. Da’cha!