My Happy Marriage

“A Modern Cinderella Anime Tale”

In a realm where fantasy, fairytale, and supernatural elements beautifully intertwine, a captivating story that is reminiscent of a modern-day Cinderella tale unfolds. Set in a world brimming with enchantment and mystery, our protagonist finds herself navigating a world she's not used to at all, with echoes of the Cinderella story, but in a happier and more elaborated way. Well, you could say it’s way spicier too!

My Happy Marriage (Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon) is an anime adaptation created by the studio Kinema Citrus and directed by Takehiro Kubota. The series features supervision and storyboards by Takao Abo, scripts by Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi, and Momoka Toyoda, character designs by Shōko Yasuda, and music composed by Evan Call.

The producers were Square Enix, Glovision, Toy's Factory, Miracle Bus, Kadokawa, and Bandai Namco Music Live. It aired in Japan from the 5th of July until the 20th of September 2023, on Tokyo MX and other networks. It was also simultaneously streamed globally on Netflix, while Bilibili provided the simulcast in Mainland China.

Additionally, an original video animation will be included with the special edition of the eighth light novel volume, which is scheduled for release on March 15, 2024. The series is based on a novel with the same title and consists of 12 episodes, each lasting for 23 minutes. It falls under the genres of drama, fantasy, and romance, with an adult cast and historical themes. It received a PG-13 rating, making it suitable for viewers aged 13 and older.

The original Japanese light novel series was written by Akumi Agitogi and illustrated by Tsukiho Tsukioka. It was initially published online through the novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō and later acquired by Fujimi Shobo. Starting in January 2019, Fujimi Shobo has been releasing the series under their Fujimi L Bunko imprint.

A manga adaptation, illustrated by Rito Kohsaka, has been serialized on Square Enix's Gangan Online service since December 2018. In March 2023, a live-action film adaptation of the series premiered in Japan as well. What’s more, considering the success of the first anime season, a second season has also been announced.

Misery seems to be an enduring presence in Miyo Saimori's life. She was born into an arranged marriage, only to be abandoned after her mother's tragic death. Her father remarried, showering all his affection on her younger half-sister Kaya, while she was reduced to the role of a lowly servant. Helpless against her family's mistreatment, she loses hope that her luck will ever change. Unexpectedly, her father calls her one day to deliver surprising news: she is to marry Kiyoka Kudou.

Given her background and the era this story draws inspiration from, she is portrayed as a character with very limited options in life. The announcement of her marriage to Kiyoka, the leader of a supernatural anti-Grotesquerie unit and someone with a reputation for mistreating previous fiancées, appears to start another cycle of mistreatment.

However, as both she and we, the audience, begin to discover, there are aspects of Kiyoka's life and personality that greatly defy the prevailing assumptions and rumors. Similar to Miyo, he possesses a true self that stands apart from the assumptions and forced conflicts imposed by others.

The main difference lies in their levels of self-assurance, as he is already confident in himself, whereas she is still searching for her own sense of identity. He makes it clear that he cannot simply solve all of her worries and fears. Instead, he acts as someone who presents opportunities and supports her without interfering too much. He steps in when necessary and listens to her, making an effort to improve himself, and there lies the magic…

The synopsis effectively captures the main premise of the anime; it stays true to what is described and builds upon that foundation. Although the journey may have its share of dangers, there is a sense of happiness conveyed throughout. The plot's direction can be somewhat predictable from the beginning, with the protagonist initially facing mistreatment but likely undergoing a transformation and experiencing a positive outcome, resembling the Cinderella archetype a lot. However, the visuals are quite impressive, making the overall experience enjoyable.

My Happy Marriage combines elements of a shojo-style romance with more typical shonen aspects, such as supernatural powers, setting, and combat. This blend of genres contributes to its wider appeal and positive reception, as it manages to integrate these two elements cohesively without making an utter mess of things.

The overall mood of the anime is often somber and gloomy, which creates a strong contrast with the occasional bright and cheerful scenes. At times, it may seem like certain elements are taken to an extreme, but this is primarily because the story remains faithful to its historical setting rather than conforming to modern sensibilities. It is always satisfying when a work effectively captures the essence of the time period it portrays, as it can be challenging to authentically depict history.

The characters in My Happy Marriage possess multiple layers, and this complexity is clearly depicted throughout the show. As the story progresses, they have the opportunity to grow and evolve, leading to situations where one may develop a dislike for a character they first liked, or vice versa.

The show is quite direct in its portrayal of other characters. For instance, it is evident to the audience that the head of the Tatsuishi family has ulterior motives, conveyed through his on-screen behavior and dialogue delivery. However, there are instances where the show becomes somewhat heavy-handed by reinforcing this through inner monologues, explicitly explaining his manipulative actions or obvious motivations.

Besides the main cast, the remainder of the characters suffer from somewhat shallow writing. The majority of them are “fairy-tale” like, where some are just evil for the sake of being evil, with malicious intent that goes way over the top at times. While there are a lot of political aspects at play here, especially in this setting with families all thirsting for power and doing whatever it takes to gain reputation, the actions taken by the Saimori family early on feel like a bit too much, even hitting melodramatic territory at times.

The supernatural aspects were quite enjoyable for me, as I did not expect them when I went into this show. They have been utilized well and can be developed further in the future, so fingers crossed for Season 2. But it does seem to take away from the more grounded relationship between the main duo, which is unfortunate because their connection is a central highlight.

The supernatural parts do give the series more flair, but I sometimes wondered if all of it was even necessary, especially during the second half of the show. The lore and the presence of Grotesqueries, besides being haphazardly implemented at some points, limited the time that could have otherwise been spent on developing the romance better, alongside Miyo’s character. But as far as anime like this goes, My Happy Marriage did a decent job of balancing all these aspects without forcing anything down our throats.

The art and animation in this anime are a delightful surprise. Typically, shows of this nature don't prioritize animation quality and tend to be average at best, relying more on the strength of their story and characters. However, this particular title stands out as visually impressive, rivaling the quality of nearly anything currently airing; a quick glance is enough to recognize the meticulous care and effort invested in its animation. The seamless flow and pacing are so well-executed that even still frames appear as captivating as dynamic ones. Kinema Citrus deserves commendation for their outstanding work in this regard!

The music is another standout aspect. It’s memorable not because of any extravagant elements in the OSTs, but rather due to its sparing use. The limited music selection is utilized brilliantly, fitting seamlessly into the narrative. It demonstrates that even silence can be utilized effectively as a form of music when appropriate.

The OSTs serve as a testament to the impact a well-composed score can have on an already excellent production. It adds depth to the visuals, complements the plot's progression, and intensifies the impact of crucial moments. The opening theme song, "Anata no Soba ni" ("By Your Side") by Riria, and the ending theme song, "Vita Philosophica" by Kashitarō Itō, further enhance the overall watching experience.

Although some viewers may find enjoyment in romance plots that are overly dramatic and feature frequent instances of a damsel in distress, I personally feel that this series takes it to an extreme. The constant lack of clear communication, with characters never saying what they mean or meaning what they say, and the failure to share important information despite numerous opportunities, becomes excessive in my view.

This style of storytelling does not resonate with everything, especially when it becomes a driving force in a serious plot, leaving behind a negative impression. But sometimes you’ve got to remember that these characters are humans (anime humans) just like us, and most things are easier said than done. While I’m aware of this weakness, it is not a major flaw that ruins the series as a whole.

If you are a fan of a blend of fairy tales, supernatural elements, Wattpad-style romance, and fantasy, then this series is likely to be quite enjoyable for you. It is recommended for those who appreciate these genres, and I suggest preparing snacks for a wholesome binge-watching session. Overall, I recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet romance show featuring characters with some relatable problems.