In a message dated 98-07-21 02:13:22 EDT, mdlerma2@gsbpop.uchicago.edu writes:

<< Two questions: 1) Is the mistress an accepted Japanese custom regarded as
 tradition?
                2) If so, why doesn't Kuno consider the idea?  Then his only
 decision would be the choice of which to marry. >>

                   In Japan it is or was very acceptable for a man to have one
or several Concubines. It might seem like an odd thing for a mother to suggest
but if Nodoka is as traditional as Takahashi-sensi makes her out to be it is
very plaussible that she would suggest that. I do not think that Akane or
Ukyou would be too happy with the idea though. Kuno is probably too stupid to
think about having Akane or Onna-Ranma as a mistress and even if he did think
about he would not be able to decide which one to marry and she to one to be a
Concubine.