The world of romance anime has seen countless love stories play out, but few stand out like “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” (Fuufu Ijou, Koibito Miman).
This comedic and heartfelt anime shares the complex relationship between two high school students – Jiro and Akari – who agree to a marriage simulation program. Though they start out as strangers, they must pretend to be passionately in love.
Over the course of the eccentric manga’s now-airs 2022 anime adaptation, feelings gradually blossom between the initially mismatched pair.
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It makes viewers wonder – are they really just friends, or could there be something more than a married couple?
Read on to know more!
Key Takeaways
- An unpredictable, addictive rollercoaster romance
- Great comedy from the leads’ mismatched personalities
- Captivating “will they or won’t they” tension
- Emotional growth for the main pair
- A manga storytelling vibe with stellar art
- One of the best romantic anime in recent years
What Makes This Anime Romance Unique?
“More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” offers a truly distinctive take on romantic tropes. Most love stories depict couples falling easily into relationships. This one thrives on the confusion and difficulties Jiro and Akari face while balancing their fake marriage with their true crushes on others.
Viewers are left guessing how real their practiced romance has become. The odd-couple pairing and focus on the leads’ clashing personalities also set this rom-com apart.
Fans are eager to see whether jiro and shiori end up together by the season 1 finale in 2023.
Who Are the Main Characters?
Jiro is an introverted and serious high school student who rarely puts effort into relationships. Akari is a fashionable and boy-crazy “gyaru” who finds Jiro highly repulsive at first.
After they surprisingly get paired together in their school’s “marriage training” program, these opposites must act like lovers to attain points.
Jiro likes their aloof friend Shiori, while Akari crushes on athletic ladies’ man Minami. Their fake practice wife roleplaying impacts their feelings over time.
Why Should You Watch This Unconventional Rom-Com?
“More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” will appeal to viewers tired of predictable relationship plots. It also features extremely funny situational humor arising from Jiro and Akari’s opposing personalities.
Their awkward forced intimacy creates constant comedic moments.
The voice actors deliver amusing performances, especially in depicting Akari’s over-the-top gyaru fashion quirks. And while humorous, the story captivates through an emotional core as the leads share their vulnerabilities.
It becomes a true rollercoaster watching their denial, confusion, and gradual bonding.
What Is the Anime’s Background?
Manga artist Sadaharu Yoshioka first serialized “More Than a Married Couple” in Kadokawa’s seinen manga magazine Young Ace beginning in March 2018. Its growing popularity led the romantic comedy manga series to be collected into five tankōbon volumes so far.
In November 2022, Studio Mother began animating a 12-episode anime season adapting the story for Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block. Fan reception and ratings have led to high hopes for a season 2 renewal continuing Jiro and Akari’s unpredictable relationship journey.
How Does the Marriage Training Program Work?
The anime revolves around an eccentric initiative at Jiro and Akari’s high school to have students practice marriage through simulated relationships. These “fūfu” pairs are judged heavily on how well they present themselves as lovers.
To attain enough points to their actual love interests, Jiro & Akari must hold hands, exchange loving gazes, and even race to the shrine as a newlywed couple would.
This leads to constant awkward tension and comedic frustration between them. But could it also lead to real romance?
Will Jiro End Up with Shiori, His Crush?
The person Jiro truly wants is his close friend Shiori Sakurazaka, though she seems oblivious to his feelings initially. As he practices being a warm, doting husband with Akari, she advises him on understanding relationships better through a female perspective.
But Shiori also seems interested in their aloof classmate Kanamaru. Does Jiro stand a chance with his crush? And how will his fake marriage impact his hopes for this real love triangle?
Fans are eager to see if the season finale brings Jiro & Shiori together.
What Other Romances Complicate the Story?
Akari’s longtime crush on the athletic Minami Tenjin creates a messy love quadrangle. She constantly fawns over and stalks her obsession Minami, though he barely notices Akari’s existence at first.
As Akari bonds with Jiro, Minami seems to show growing signs of jealousy.
Meanwhile, Akari’s flashy gal friend Mei Hamano crushes on oblivious Minami too. She soon reaches “A-rank” marriage status with the stern Sachi, and starts using her wifely roleplaying advice to entice Minami.
This New Year 2024, ‘More Than a Married Couple’ invites audiences to explore the complexities of relationships. As we step into 2024, let the show’s narrative encourage us to cherish our loved ones and seek deeper connections in the year ahead.
Things get comedically chaotic with this web of unrequited loves!
| Character | Role | Love Interest | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jiro Yakuin | Male lead, serious student | Shiori (crush) | Married to Akari for points |
| Akari Watanabe | Female lead, flashy gyaru | Minami (obsession) | Married to Jiro for points |
| Shiori Sakurazaka | Jiro’s aloof friend and crush | Unknown | Potential love triangle |
| Minami Tenjin | Akari’s athletic crush | Oblivious to Akari | Potential love triangle |
What Is the Significance of the Opening & Ending Themes?
The opening theme song “Shinin’ in My Heart” by Akari Nanawo playfully captures Akari’s bubbly personality. Meanwhile, Hikaru Koide’s emotional ending theme “Koi?” (“Love?”) features artistic visuals highlighting the leads’ inner turmoil.
During key story turning points, the wistful end song’s lyrics often thematically echo Jiro & Akari’s messy feelings. It becomes almost an anthem for their scary yet exciting steps into maturity regarding romance.
The music memorably enhances the viewing experience.
Why has “More than a Married Couple” Resonated so Much?
Many fans call this anime one of the best romantic comedies in years due to its sheer authenticity. Jiro and Akari’s gradual transformation from hostile strangers to friends who care deeply about each other feels truly natural and funny.
People adore the voice actors’ performances and the manga-style art.
But the biggest draw is that this love story Comically subverts expectations yet tugs at the heart. Viewers become invested in seeing whether the leads ultimately find happiness with their crushes, or surprisingly fall for their endearing “spouses” instead.
The finale promises to bring shocks, laughter and tears.
FAQs
Q: What manga magazine was “More Than a Married Couple” first serialized in?
A: Kadokawa’s Young Ace seinen manga magazine beginning in March 2018.
Q: How many episodes is Season 1 of the anime adaptation?
A: The first season that started airing November 2022 consists of 12 episodes.
Q: Has the anime been renewed for a Season 2 yet?
A: There has been no season 2 renewal announcement yet, but fans remain hopeful!
Conclusion
“More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” brings all the drama, awkwardness, and excitement that comes with first love. By pairing mismatched personalities Jiro and Akari as “practice partners,” it hilariously subverts typical romantic tropes.
No matter who Jiro and Akari end up with, it’s sure to be a messy, fun-filled ride!
So if you crave a refreshing take on love stories, don’t miss this unique comedy drama. “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” puts an entertaining twist on romance tropes with two students who just might be falling for their practice partner!
