Arakawa Under the Bridge

"Arakawa Under the Bridge" (Japanese: 荒川アンダー ザ ブリッジ, Arakawa Andā za Burijji) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hikaru Nakamura. It was serialized in the seinen manga magazine "Young Gangan" from December 2004 to July 2015, with 15 volumes published. The story is set on the banks of the Arakawa River and revolves around Kou Ichinomiya, a wealthy young man who falls into the river and is saved by a mysterious girl named Nino. To repay her, Kou begins living under the bridge with her and the other eccentric inhabitants. The series is known for its unique, absurdist humor and its cast of bizarre and memorable characters. The manga was adapted into two seasons of anime by Shaft, which aired in April and October 2010. It also spawned a live-action television drama and film adaptation, starring Kento Hayashi and Mirei Kiritani. The series has gained popularity both in Japan and overseas. Characters like Nino, who claims to be a Venusian, and Hoshi, a rock star wearing a star mask, have become particularly iconic. These characters contribute to the show's quirky comedy, while also exploring themes of interpersonal relationships, albeit in a highly unconventional way.