My Happy Marriage

My Happy Marriage
is a Japanese light novel series written by Akumi Agitogi 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 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 has been announced.
Synopsis
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.
Characters
Main characters
Miyo is a 19-year-old woman who is the eldest daughter of the Saimori family. Born without any supernatural talent, she had a very traumatic upbringing, being treated like a servant by her stepmother and younger sister, while her own father deemed her to be useless. Miyo is married off to Kiyoka Kudou, a "ruthless soldier" and the head of the famous Kudou family, just so she can be "at least useful" to the Saimoris. It is later revealed that she is connected to the infamous Usuba family through her mother, making her highly sought after for her offspring's potential for great supernatural abilities.
The 27-year-old head of the Kudou family. He is described as a "ruthless soldier". Anyone who becomes his fiancée flees after only three days. He is pyrokinetic.
Saimori family
Miyo's spoiled and arrogant younger half-sister who is engaged to Kouji Tatsuishi. She has the supernatural gift of the Saimori family. After Miyo's kidnapping incident, Kaya is punished to work as a servant for a strict family.
The head of the Saimori family and the father of Miyo and Kaya. He favors Kaya over Miyo since they were children, due to his second daughter inheriting the supernatural talents of the Saimori family. After Miyo's kidnapping incident, the family lost their home and most of their fortune from the fire caused by Minoru Tatsuishi. Shinichi fired most of the servants and moved to a house in the countryside along with Kanako.
Miyo's stepmother and Kaya's biological mother. She mercilessly abused Miyo as she is the daughter of Sumi, who was her love rival, for all the inconveniences that happen around her. After Miyo's kidnapping incident, Kanoko along with Shinichi moved to the countryside after losing their home and most of their fortune from the fire.
Miyo's former caretaker and servant of the Saimori family. Years after she was dismissed by the Saimoris for sticking up for Miyo, Hana got married and has a child.
The late mother of Miyo and the first wife of Shinichi. Sumi was also a member of the Usuba family and was telepathic. She died when Miyo was still a child. It is revealed that before her death, Sumi sealed Miyo's spiritual gift to protect her daughter from being exploited.
Tatsuishi family
The kindhearted but cowardly second son of the Tatsuishi family who has been Miyo's sole friend and ally for many years. He is Kaya's fiancé and the future head of the Saimori family. After Miyo's kidnapping incident, Kouji trains in the old capital to improve his abilities.
The previous head of Tatsuishi family and the father of Kazushi and Kouji. After Miyo's kidnapping incident, Minoru was forced to pass his position to Kazushi for his role in Miyo's kidnapping as he wanted her to marry Kazushi due to her Usuba bloodline.
The current head of the Tatsuishi family and the oldest son of Minoru Tatsuishi. He is also Kouji's older brother.
Kudou family
Kiyoka's elderly servant who works for his household. Yurie also used to be Kiyoka's nursemaid.
Kiyoka's older sister. She is the ex-wife of Masashi Ookaito and mother of Asahi Ookaito. It is revealed Hazuki had a political marriage with Masashi but they divorced due to her complications of being an ideal housewife. She has healing abilities.
Usuba family
Born as , the son of the head of the Usuba family and Miyo's cousin. He works for the Tsuruki Trading Company as a negotiator. He has an ability to make illusions.
The grandfather of Miyo and Arata. Despite the fact Arata's father is the head of the Usubas, Yoshirou is actually in charge of the family.
Special Anti-Grotesquerie Unit
A soldier belonging to the Special Anti-Grotesquerie Unit who is Kiyoka's subordinate.
Kiyoka's superior and Hazuki's ex-husband. He is also the father of Asashi Ookaito.
Others
The owner of a kimono shop, Suzushima, that has served the Kudou family for generations.
Kiyoka's informant. He helps Kiyoka on gathering informations relating to the Saimoris and the Usubas. Iwashimizu only appears in the anime.
The ruler of Japan in the 19th-century Meiji Restoration era. Despite the fact he is the reigning ruler, the Emperor lost his gift of precognition to his illness. It is revealed he has a lingering fear of the Usubas' dream-related abilities, believing that it can surpass the Imperial family's precognition abilities.
The second prince of the Imperial family. Like his father, Takaihito has precognition abilities.
Media
Light novels
Written by Akumi Agitogi, My Happy Marriage began publication online via the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. 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. As of July 2023, seven volumes have been released. In June 2021, Yen Press announced that it licensed the novels for English publication.
Manga
A manga adaptation illustrated by Rito Kohsaka began serialization online via Square Enix's Gangan Online service on December 20, 2018. As of November 2022, four tankōbon volumes have been released. In July 2021, Square Enix Manga & Books licensed the manga for an English print and digital release.
Live-action film
A live-action film adaptation was announced on April 25, 2022. It is directed by Ayuko Tsukahara, with the screenplay written by Tomoe Kanno, and music composed by Akiyuki Tateyama. The film premiered in Japan on March 17, 2023, and was distributed by Toho. Idol group Snow Man performed the theme song titled .
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. It was also screened at the Fantasia International Film Festival on August 8 the same year.
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, and music composed by Evan Call. The series aired in Japan from July 5 to September 20, 2023, on Tokyo MX and other networks, with Netflix simulcasting the series on the same day globally, while Bilibili simulcasted it in Mainland China. The opening theme song is by Riria, while the ending theme song is by Kashitarō Itō. An original video animation will be bundled with the special edition of the eighth light novel volume, which is set to be released on March 15, 2024.
A second season was announced after the airing of the twelfth episode.
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.
Reception
In 2020, the manga adaptation ranked eighth in the sixth Next Manga Awards in the web manga category. It ranked sixth in the 2021 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of the best manga for female readers. The manga ranked first in the "Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2021" list by Japanese bookstore Honya Club. In 2022, the manga was nominated for the best shōjo manga at the 46th Kodansha Manga Award. It ranked 29th on the 2022 "Book of the Year" list by Da Vinci magazine.
The live-action film debuted at #1 at the Japanese box office during its opening weekend, earning ¥654 million through 479,700 admissions.
See also
Book Girl, a light novel series whose first manga adaptation was illustrated by Rito Kohsaka
Notes
References
External links
2019 Japanese novels
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Animated television series about monsters
Anime and manga about revenge
Book series introduced in 2018
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