Fans of Rumiko Takahashi’s iconic martial arts comedy, Ranma ½, recently witnessed a pivotal moment in the new anime adaptation with the broadcast of Episode 18, officially titled “The Resurrection of ‘Evil'” or “The Evil Wakes”. This installment marks the highly anticipated debut of Happosai, the eccentric and notoriously lecherous grandmaster of the Anything-Goes Martial Arts school, forever changing the chaotic dynamics of the Tendo Dojo.
The Long-Awaited Arrival of Happosai
Episode 18 of the new Ranma ½ anime adaptation premiered on Nippon Television late at night on November 8th, 2025, and subsequently became available on various streaming platforms. For many long-time enthusiasts and new viewers alike, this episode signifies a significant shift in the narrative, as it introduces one of the series’ most memorable and impactful antagonists. Happosai, voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue, is not just another martial arts master; he is the original teacher of Ranma’s father, Genma Saotome, and Akane’s father, Soun Tendo.
Plot Summary: Chaos Descends on the Tendo Dojo
The episode opens with the unexpected and unwelcome return of Happosai, who was apparently sealed away by his former students, Soun and Genma, years ago. His arrival immediately disrupts the already tumultuous peace of the Tendo household. Happosai, a small, elderly man, is quickly revealed to be incredibly powerful in martial arts, yet equally infamous for his perverted tendencies and selfish behavior.
Happosai declares his intention to train Ranma as the successor to the Anything-Goes Martial Arts style. However, his methods are anything but conventional, and his incessant lechery quickly drives everyone, particularly Ranma and Akane, to their wit’s end. Ranma, unable to tolerate Happosai’s antics, challenges him but finds himself completely outmatched by the old master’s overwhelming strength. As punishment for challenging him, Happosai bans Ranma from the Tendo household, instructing him to go on a “training journey”.
Determined to exact revenge, Ranma devises a secret plan. However, a strange change begins to overcome Happosai, adding another layer of bizarre humor to the already escalating conflict. The episode skillfully establishes Happosai as a formidable, albeit highly irritating, presence who will undoubtedly continue to cause mayhem.
Key Characters and Their Evolving Dynamics
The introduction of Happosai profoundly impacts the established characters:
Happosai: The Perverted Grandmaster
Happosai is portrayed as a grandmaster martial artist whose skill is undeniable, yet overshadowed by his insatiable perversion and penchant for stealing women’s underwear. His appearance instantly creates a new common enemy for Ranma, Akane, Soun, and Genma, forcing them into reluctant alliances to deal with his outrageous behavior.
Ranma Saotome: Facing a New Formidable Foe
Ranma, accustomed to being one of the strongest martial artists, is humbled by Happosai’s power. This encounter forces Ranma to confront a new level of challenge, both in combat and in dealing with a truly maddening personality. His attempts at “dirty tricks” to defeat Happosai even lead to withdrawal symptoms for the old master, showcasing the unique comedic dynamic between them.
Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome: Their Past Returns to Haunt Them
The episode highlights Soun and Genma’s past as Happosai’s students, revealing their history of abuse under his tutelage and their desperate, albeit temporary, attempts to seal him away. Their fear and exasperation upon his return provide both comedic relief and context for Happosai’s formidable nature.
Significance to the Ranma ½ Narrative
Happosai’s debut is a critical turning point in the Ranma ½ saga. He is not merely a transient villain; he becomes a permanent fixture in the narrative, a constant source of trouble, comedic situations, and martial arts challenges. His presence further complicates Ranma’s life, preventing him from easily achieving his goal of curing his curse and pushing the boundaries of the “Anything-Goes Martial Arts” style to absurd new heights. This episode effectively sets the stage for many future conflicts and gags that are central to the series’ enduring appeal.
The new anime adaptation has been praised for its sharp and vibrant animation while remaining largely faithful to the original manga and anime’s spirit. The handling of Happosai, while perhaps “tamer” in certain aspects compared to the original, still captures his “creepy and skin-crawly” essence, confirming his role as a beloved (and often despised) character in the franchise.
