Disregarding that Ranma 1/2 is a comedy (and
Takahashi-sama had her own views on how things were
supposed to work out)
it may not be that simple.

I recommend two books that will give an idea of the
complexity involved:

1) NTC's Dictionary of Japan's Cultural Code Words
2)Japan Encyclopedia

both by Boye Lafayette DeMente

and a couple of stories as well:

1)About 1950-60? Japan, a young woman lost her home
after her mother-in-law told her son to get rid of
her. She (pregnant with their first child) went to
live with a friend. After the birth of the child the
mother-in-law (son in tow) showed up and took the
child from her and gave it up for adoption.

2)Japan about 1600? (Again, I'm working from memory)
Japanese official's wife is accused of stealing. She's
executed. Later it is found that his _mother_ was
responsible and he knew, but let his wife be tried and
executed to protect his mother. He was highly praised
for his filial piety.

Of course, things are changing in modern Japan,with
more liberal and more conservative elements 'fighting'
it out, which further complicates matters.

A rather strict interpretation would make Ranma
responsible for whatever 'claims' his father made,
even if they were mutually exclusive or impossible.
Ranma's first, greatest, and only real loyalty is to
his parents NOT to Ukyou, Akane or any of the others. 
And of course, no matter who he marries, Nodoka will
be the real head of the house-hold until she dies. And
she'll make Ranma's wife's life a living hell, because
that's what happened to her.(assuming a 'traditional'
upbringing, of course)  ^_^ 

NODOKA: "My tea is cold."
UKYOU: "I accept responsibility, Nodoka-sama" <cuts
belly with ceremonial spatula>
NODOKA: "My son, it's time for you to look for a new
bride."
RANMA: "Ummm . . .I don't think there's anyone left."
NODOKA:<reaching for Katana> "That's not a very manly
attitude."
RANMA:<pulls out Tokyo phone book> "Let me make a few
calls."


--- Thermopyle <Thermopyle@tds.net> wrote:

Maybe its a nitpick, but strictly speaking Ukyo

has the

strongest claim on Ranma, both legally and based

on giri.

She has an actual Marriage pledge, and her dowery

was

accepted as a gift. That places a big

responsibility on

the Saotome's to make good, or lose big chunks of

family

 honor.

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