My Happy Marriage (Japanese: わたしの幸せな結婚, Hepburn: Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon) is a Japanese light novel series written by Akumi Agitogi [ja] and illustrated by Tsukiho Tsukioka. Initially published online via the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō, it was later acquired by Fujimi Shobo, who has released the series since January 2019 under their Fujimi L Bunko imprint.
A manga adaptation illustrated by Rito Kohsaka [ja] has been serialized in Square Enix's Gangan Online service since December 2018. A live-action film adaptation premiered in Japan in March 2023. An anime television series produced by Kinema Citrus aired from July to September 2023. A second season is set to premiere in January 2025.
In an alternative version of the Taishō era in which spirits and magic are real, but in decline, Miyo Saimori, born without supernatural talent, is forced into an existence of servitude by her abusive stepmother. When Miyo finally comes of marriageable age, though, her hopes of being whisked away to a better life crumble after she discovers her fiancé’s identity: Kiyoka Kudou, a commander apparently so cold and cruel that his previous would-be brides all fled within three days of their engagements. With no home to return to, Miyo resigns herself to her fate—and soon finds that her pale and handsome husband-to-be is anything but the monster she expected. As they slowly open their hearts to each other, both realize the other may be their chance at finding true love and happiness.
Media
Light novels
Written by Akumi Agitogi [ja], My Happy Marriage began publication online via the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō.[6] The series was later acquired by Fujimi Shobo, who began publishing the novels with illustrations by Tsukiho Tsukioka on January 15, 2019, under their Fujimi L Bunko imprint.[7] As of March 2024, eight volumes have been released.[8] In June 2021, Yen Press announced that it licensed the novels for English publication.[9]
A manga adaptation illustrated by Rito Kohsaka [ja] began serialization online via Square Enix's Gangan Online service on December 20, 2018.[6] As of July 2024, five tankōbon volumes have been released.[24] In July 2021, Square Enix Manga & Books licensed the manga for an English print and digital release.[25]
A live-action film adaptation was announced on April 25, 2022.[35] It is directed by Ayuko Tsukahara [ja], with the screenplay written by Tomoe Kanno [ja], and music composed by Akiyuki Tateyama [ja].[36] The film premiered in Japan on March 17, 2023, and was distributed by Toho.[37][3] Idol group Snow Man performed the theme song titled "Tapestry" (タペストリー).[38]
The film had its North American premiere at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival on June 10, 2023, under the English title As Long as We Both Shall Live.[39] It was also screened at the Fantasia International Film Festival on August 8 the same year.[40][41]
Anime
An anime adaptation was announced on April 5, 2022. It was later revealed to be a television series produced by Kinema Citrus and directed by Takehiro Kubota, with supervision and storyboards handled by Takao Abo, scripts written by Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi and Momoka Toyoda, character designs by Shōko Yasuda [ja], and music composed by Evan Call.[42] The series aired in Japan from July 5 to September 20, 2023, on Tokyo MX and other networks,[4] with Netflix simulcasting the series on the same day globally,[43] while Bilibili simulcasted it in Mainland China.[44] The opening theme song is "Anata no Soba ni" (貴方の側に。, lit.'By Your Side') by Riria, while the ending theme song is "Vita Philosophica" (ヰタ・フィロソフィカ) by Kashitarō Itō.[45] An original video animation (OVA) was bundled with the special edition of the eighth light novel volume, which was released on March 15, 2024.[46] The OVA is set to premiere on Netflix on November 22 of the same year.[47]
A second season was announced after the airing of the twelfth episode.[48][49]Masayuki Kojima will co-direct the season with Takehiro Kubota, while Ami Satō is the sole head writer and will also co-write the script with Misato Hashiba, Fūka Ishii, and Momoka Toyoda.[5] The season is set to premiere in January 2025.[50]
"The Meeting" Transliteration: "Deai" (Japanese: 出会い)
Takehiro Kubota
Ami Satō
Takehiro Kubota
July 5, 2023 (2023-07-05)
Miyo Saimori is the eldest daughter of the Saimori family famed for its spiritual abilities, but she herself lacks it. Following the death of her mother, her father Shinichi marries his lover Kanoko and has a second daughter, Kaya. Since her childhood, Miyo has been mistreated as a servant. Her only friend is Kouji Tatsuishi, who is in love with her and hopes to rescue her by marrying her. Unfortunately, his father Minoru, desiring a more prestigious bride for Kouji, has him engaged to Kaya so he will one day become head of the Saimoris. To get rid of her in a way that makes her useful, Shinichi arranges for Miyo to be engaged with Kiyoka Kudou from the Kudou family, a notoriously bad-tempered soldier known to scare away potential wives within days of meeting. Kouji is forced to accept as long as Miyo will escape her family. Miyo makes her way alone to the remote Kudou estate and meets Kiyoka's servant Yurie. Introduced to her fiancé, she is amazed at his handsomeness, yet Kiyoka is irritated by her passiveness, subservient manner and low self-esteem.
2
"About My Husband-to-Be" Transliteration: "Danna-sama to Iu Okata" (Japanese: 旦那さまという御方)
Teppei Takeya
Takahito Ōnishi
Takao Abo
July 12, 2023 (2023-07-12)
Yurie assures Miyo the rumors of Kiyoka's cruelty have been exaggerated. Miyo dreams of the day her father confirmed she lacked the Saimori Spirit-Sight and started neglecting her. Miyo prepares breakfast only for Kiyoka to callously assume she was sent to poison him. Kiyoka leaves to train his supernaturally gifted soldiers to kill demons called Grotesqueries, though Grotesqueries are so rare they have not fought one in years. Meanwhile, Kouji moves into the Saimori home and sees the tiny room Miyo used to sleep in. Back at the Kudou estate, Kiyoka notices Miyo's habit of apologizing for everything. Feeling guilty, he asks her to cook breakfast in the morning. Miyo dreams of her father allowing Kanoko to abuse her. Kiyoka praises her cooking and is perplexed when it makes her cry. Bemused by her behavior, he decides to have the Saimori family investigated. Later, Minoru is furious to find out Miyo is now engaged to Kiyoka, having previously agreed that Kouji would marry Kaya only if Miyo was allowed to marry his eldest son Kazushi, since her maternal relation to the Usuba family makes her very valuable as a wife even without her spiritual powers.
3
"Our First Date" Transliteration: "Hajimete no Dēto" (Japanese: 初めてのデヱト)
Kōji Furukuwa
Ami Satō
Masatsugu Arakawa
July 19, 2023 (2023-07-19)
Kiyoka invites Miyo on their first date to go shopping in town. Miyo has no idea what to do and simply tries to not be a bother. At the Saimori residence, Minoru is still furious to have lost Miyo's Usuba bloodline for Kazushi's future children, but is assured by Shinichi that once Kiyoka rejects Miyo, Kazushi can have her. Kaya is frustrated to overhear them still discussing Miyo, especially as she suspects Kouji's feelings for Miyo. Meanwhile, remembering Yurie told him about Miyo mending her own clothes, Kiyoka secretly commissions a kimono. Although she is thankful for Kiyoka's kindness, Miyo decides to hide her lack of spiritual gift in case Kiyoka abandons her. Kiyoka later gifts her a comb, despite Yurie's claim of a comb is a definite sign that he is making a proposal to her as he may see this as a betrayal. The next day, an informant, Iwashimizu, shows Kiyoka the details of the investigation into the Saimori family. While disgusted by the blatant evidence of their abuse towards Miyo, Kiyoka also learns of her lack of spiritual powers and relation to the Usuba family, who has an ability to manipulate people's minds. As he is about to return to Miyo, he destroys several shikigami, furiously discovering someone was spying on him.
4
"The Gift" Transliteration: "Okurimono" (Japanese: おくりもの)
Kōji Furukuwa
Momoka Toyoda
Takao Abo
July 26, 2023 (2023-07-26)
Miyo asks Yurie's help in giving a gift to Kiyoka. Yurie suggests something handmade and Miyo choose a kumihimo since Kiyoka always ties his hair with one. Kiyoka later gives her a protective charm and makes her promise to take it everywhere she goes. While shopping in town with Yurie, Miyo encounters Kaya and Kouji. Kaya begins bullying Miyo until she learns Miyo is still engaged to Kiyoka. Elsewhere, Kiyoka visits the Saimoris and informs them they will receive none of the traditional benefits from Miyo marrying into a powerful family unless she receives a full apology. Kaya later briefly encounters Kiyoka and is struck by his beauty. Yurie informs Kiyoka of the incident and encourages him to give Miyo his unconditional love. When Kiyoka invites Hana over, a servant Miyo was close to as a child before she was unfairly dismissed by the Saimoris, Miyo is overjoyed to see her. She soon realizes Kiyoka must know her entire history, including her lack of spiritual talents, yet he nevertheless wants to marry her. Feeling very relieved, she gifts the kumihimo to Kiyoka who promises he will never reject her. Watching their blossoming love through more shikigami, Minoru desperately plots to break them up with a plan involving Kaya.
Miyo happily accepts the kimono Kiyoka bought for her. At the Tatsuishi residence, Minoru invites Kaya over and shows her the photo of Miyo and Kiyoka, happily engaged. Astonished, Kaya recognizes Kiyoka as the beautiful man. As Minoru had hoped, Kaya becomes jealous of the situation and swears to have her father sever Miyo and Kiyoka's engagement. Meanwhile, Miyo invites Godou for dinner as a thank you for reuniting her with Hana. Kaya spies on Miyo and Kiyoka through her shikigami, angry that Miyo becomes happier than she was before. Later, that night, Miyo has another nightmare and Kiyoka consoles her. Shinichi bluntly turns down Kaya's request, so she instead offers the suspicious Kouji a chance to marry Miyo like he wished. The next day, Miyo forgets her protective charm while delivering a bento to Kiyoka and is kidnapped soon after. Kouji discovers what his father and Kaya are plotting. Enraged that his father knew about Miyo's abuse but did nothing, Kouji attacks his father with his powers but is defeated and restrained. After Minoru leaves to deal with Miyo, Kazushi frees Kouji and encourages him to go help her. A distraught Yurie informs Kiyoka of Miyo's abduction just as Kouji arrives and desperately begs Kiyoka to help save Miyo.
6
"Determination and Thunder" Transliteration: "Ketsui to Raimei" (Japanese: 決意と雷鳴)
Takushi Koide
Takahito Ōnishi
Takushi Koide
August 9, 2023 (2023-08-09)
Miyo finds herself restrained in the Saimori storage room by Kaya and Kanako, who attempt to force her to call off her engagement with Kiyoka. When Miyo refuses, Kanako assaults Miyo for her newfound defiance. Meanwhile, Kiyoka and Kouji head to the Saimori residence to rescue Miyo. After Kiyoka destroys a barrier cast by Minoru and Shinichi, Minoru attacks Kiyoka with his pyrokinetic power, which causes the Saimori residence being set on fire. Kiyoka then strikes Minoru with lightning, rendering him unconscious. Shinichi laments in despair over the destruction of the Saimori family. Once Kiyoka arrives in time to save Miyo, Kanako breaks down upon seeing the burning residence. When Kiyoka confronts Kaya, she tries to approach Kiyoka about being his fiancée but he dismisses her due to her selfishness and arrogance. Frustrated, Kaya tells Kouji to leave her but he refuses as he does not want Miyo to be tormented ever again. Elsewhere, the Emperor is displeased over Minoru's failure and grants his envoy Arata Tsuruki permission to deal with Miyo and Kiyoka. Miyo wakes up to find Kiyoka by her side. Kiyoka reassures her that everything that happened was not her fault as he, along with a very relieved Yurie, is glad that she is safe and sound.
7
"Glamorous Lady of Summer" Transliteration: "Natsu no Hana no Modan Gāru" (Japanese: 夏の華の淑女)
Sōtarō Shimizu
Momoka Toyoda
Masayuki Kojima
August 16, 2023 (2023-08-16)
Miyo requests Kiyoka to take her to the Saimori residence one last time after hearing that it had completely burned down. When they arrive there, Kiyoka informs Miyo that Shinichi and Kanako moved to the small house in the countryside. While the incident has not been revealed to the public, the Tatsuishis did not receive punishment and Kazushi replaces Minoru as the family head. When Miyo asks Kiyoka about Kaya, he tells her that Kaya will be sent to a strict household as a live-in servant. Meanwhile, at the Tatsuishi residence, Kouji tries to reassure Kaya that they can rebuild the Saimori family but she shrugs him off. After Miyo thanks Kiyoka for rescuing her, they run into Kouji. Kouji informs Miyo that he will be leaving for his training in the old capital. Miyo and Kiyoka return home and make their engagement official. Sometime later, Miyo meets Kiyoka's older sister Hazuki, who becomes Miyo's tutor when Miyo decides to be re-educated as a proper lady. That night, Kiyoka finds Miyo having another nightmare and deduces that it is the Usuba ability. The next day, Kiyoka's superior General Ookaito informs him that someone has unsealed the burial grounds containing Grotesqueries. Elsewhere, Arata plans his next move.
8
"Nightmares and Ominous Shadows" Transliteration: "Akumu to Fuon na Kage to" (Japanese: 悪夢と不穏な影と)
Kōji Furukuwa
Takahito Ōnishi
Takao Abo
August 23, 2023 (2023-08-23)
Kiyoka, Ookaito and Kazushi are given an audience with Prince Takaihito who reveals that the imperial capital will be invaded by the Grotesqueries. Soon after, Takaihito congratulates Kiyoka on his engagement with Miyo but gives him an ominous message. Meanwhile, Miyo learns the Western etiquettes for the upcoming party with Hazuki but she begins to have nightmares and headaches that severely impact her daily life and her lessons. As Kiyoka worries about Miyo, he sends Iwashimizu to gather information on the Usuba family. Later, Kiyoka meets Arata for the discussion about the investigation. That night, Kiyoka and his subordinates encounter the Grotesqueries and destroy them. The next morning, Miyo encounters Arata when she suddenly collapses during her training day.
9
"Drowning in Dreams" Transliteration: "Yume ni Oborete" (Japanese: 夢に溺れて)
Yūki Koike
Ami Satō
Yūki Koike
August 30, 2023 (2023-08-30)
Kiyoka quickly returns home to find Miyo resting with Hazuki by her side. Kiyoka and Hazuki both discuss regarding Miyo's nightmares and the possibility of either her spiritual gift may be awakening or someone is trying to manipulate her. Sometime later, Kiyoka is informed of the Grotesqueries' attack on the civilians. Meanwhile, when Hazuki asks Miyo about her ideal life, Miyo replies that she wanted to be with Kiyoka. Elsewhere, Kiyoka discusses with Iwashimizu about the investigation on the Usubas. Later that night, Kiyoka comforts Miyo over her loneliness and reassures he will be there for her. The next day, Miyo is visited by Arata, who comes to see Kiyoka, and is given an offer to leave Kiyoka. After Kiyoka is put in charge on protecting the capital from the Grotesqueries, he is confronted by Arata over his supposed treatment towards Miyo. Kiyoka becomes shocked when he is told about her sudden collapse the other day. Afterwards, Kiyoka receives information from Iwashimizu about a woman named "Sumi Tsuruki", discovering that she had the same surname as Arata's. He hurries back to find Miyo in the kitchen where she passes out in his arms. Kiyoka takes her with him while on his way to confront Arata.
10
"Summer Cherry Blossoms, and the Mistake" Transliteration: "Natsu no Sakura, Soshite Ayamachi" (Japanese: 夏の桜、そして過ち)
Yuki Kanazawa
Takahito Ōnishi
Takahiro Kawanami, Takehiro Kubota & Yuka Kuroda
September 6, 2023 (2023-09-06)
Kiyoka and Miyo arrive at the Usuba mansion. There, Arata fully introduces himself as Arata Usuba, Miyo's cousin. He explains that the cause of Miyo's nightmares is actually her spiritual gift. Kiyoka and Miyo are then introduced to the head of the Usubas, Yoshirou Usuba. Yoshirou offers Kiyoka his help if Kiyoka is willing to let Miyo stay with her maternal family. Yoshirou explains that Miyo has the ability to intervene in a person's dreams and because of that, she will continue to have nightmares. When Kiyoka refuses to leave Miyo behind, Arata tells Kiyoka he should focus on the Grotesqueries' impending invasion on the capital before he challenges him to a duel. Kiyoka has the upper hand until he is distracted by Arata's illusion of Miyo and loses the match. As a result, Miyo is taken under the care of her family. Despite his defeat, Kiyoka swears that he will get Miyo back once he deals with the situation. Back at the Usuba mansion, Yoshirou is about to tell Miyo about how her mother married into the Saimoris and why she sealed away Miyo's spiritual powers.
11
"My Mother's Legacy" Transliteration: "Haha ga Nokoshita Mono" (Japanese: 母が遺したもの)
Yoshirou explains that years before Miyo was born, the family business was in debt. When the Saimori family approached the Usubas, they offered their assistance if Sumi married Shinichi, which Sumi accepted against Yoshirou's wishes. As a result, she was estranged from her family. Yoshirou also explains to Miyo about her supernatural ability, the Dream-Sight. When Miyo uses her powers, she discovers that her mother sealed away her powers to protect her from exploitation. Sometime later, Arata explains to Miyo about her duty as the Maiden of the Dream-Sight along with his duty to protect her. Meanwhile, Kiyoka and his subordinates fight off the Grotesqueries. However, he ends up unconscious when he protects Godou. The next day, Miyo has a conversation with Yoshirou who feels grateful for meeting her and tells her to depend on him and Arata as a family. Soon after the sealing on Miyo's powers is lifted, but she becomes shocked as she is informed of Kiyoka's condition. When she wishes to see Kiyoka again, Arata reveals to Miyo that the Emperor wants her to stay with the Usubas permanently because of her existence and ability. Despite the consequences, Yoshirou allows Miyo to leave and Arata takes her to Kiyoka.
12
"Light in the Darkness" Transliteration: "Kurayami no Naka no Hikari" (Japanese: 暗闇の中の光)
Takehiro Kubota
Takahito Ōnishi
Takao Abo & Takehiro Kubota
September 20, 2023 (2023-09-20)
When Miyo decides to uses her powers to save Kiyoka, she suddenly ends up in the dream world of the Saimori residence. There, she confronts her other self who represents Miyo's unhappiness and trauma. When Miyo's other self attempts to dissaude her, Miyo declares that she will not run away and promises that she will live a happy life with Kiyoka. Soon after, using Kiyoka's kumihimo as her guide, Miyo manages to find him in an endless battle against the Grotesqueries. Elsewhere, the Emperor is informed of Miyo's attempt to rescue Kiyoka. When the Emperor tries to destroy Miyo and Kiyoka in the dream world, their combined power overwhelms and defeats him as the Grotesqueries are destroyed. After Miyo and Kiyoka are awake, Arata reassures her that she is still part of the Usuba family while Kiyoka tells him that they will have a rematch someday. The next day, Prince Takaihito reveals to General Ookaito that the Emperor is responsible for releasing the Grotesqueries while planning to have his father atone for his actions in the future. Miyo and Kiyoka return to their daily lives. Several days later, they both attend the party.
13 (OVA)
"My Form of Happiness" Transliteration: "Watashi no Shiawase no Katachi" (Japanese: わたしの幸せのかたち)
Naoya Murakawa & Takehiro Kubota
Momoka Toyoda
Masayuki Kojima
March 15, 2024 (2024-03-15)
Miyo attends the social party with Kiyoka. There, Hazuki introduces Miyo to her son Asahi, who seemingly dislikes Miyo. After Miyo converses with the party guests, Kiyoka brings her to meet Prince Takaihito. Takaihito explains the real reason why his father, the Emperor, was involved in the incidents between the Saimoris and the Usubas. When Takaihito apologizes to Miyo for everything that happened to her, she tells him she is happy to be with Kiyoka. After the conversation with Takaihito, Miyo bumps into Asahi. When Asahi confesses that he is jealous of Miyo because she spends too much time with his mother, Hazuki reassures him that she loves him. As a result, Asahi apologizes to Miyo. The next day, Arata comes to visit Kiyoka and Miyo to make a proposal of becoming Miyo's bodyguard. Soon after, Miyo watches Kiyoka leave for work as she hopes for their happiness.
Stage play
A stage play adaptation titled Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon: Teito Rikugun Okutsuki Kitan was announced on June 9, 2023. It featured an original story, with Kaori Miura serving as the director and writer, and Taka composing the music. Akumi Agitogi, the original author, also cooperated in the production. The stage play ran at Theater 1010 in Tokyo from August 11–20, 2023.[53]
Reception
Accolades and box office
In 2020, the manga adaptation ranked eighth in the sixth Next Manga Awards in the web manga category.[54] It ranked sixth in the 2021 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of the best manga for female readers.[55] The manga ranked first in the "Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2021" list by Japanese bookstore Honya Club.[56] In 2022, the manga was nominated for the best shōjo manga at the 46th Kodansha Manga Award.[57] It ranked 29th on the 2022 "Book of the Year" list by Da Vinci magazine.[58]
The live-action film debuted at first at the Japanese box office during its opening weekend, earning ¥654 million through 479,700 admissions.[59] By December 2023, it earned ¥2.8 billion in Japan.[60] At the 66th Blue Ribbon Awards, it was nominated for Best Film, and Ren Meguro was nominated for Best Newcomer.[61]
