While a young martial artist, Ranma Saotome, is having training with his father, Genma in China, he turns into a girl by a cursed spring. Also, his father turns into a panda by the cursed spring. Upon returning to Japan, they settle in the dojœo œof Genma's old friend, Soun Tendo. Ranma turns back to a boy only when exposed to hot water until his next cold water exposure. Soun has three teenage daughters. As one of his daughters, Akane, is Ranma's age, she is appointed for bridal duty by her sisters. Akane dislikes men. Ranma is only a man half of the time. Therefore, they are perfect together.