My Happy Marriage Season 2 Highlights a Major Problem in Anime

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As an observer with a vast experience in the world of anime and manga, I can confidently say that “My Happy Marriage” is a refreshing addition to the current anime landscape. This historical romance drama, based on Akumi Agitogi’s light novel, offers a unique blend of hardship, kindness, and love, which resonates with many viewers, including myself.

In the realm of 2023 anime, my personal favorite is “My Happy Marriage,” a captivating historical romance drama that has left an indelible mark. The long-awaited second season is set to release this winter. This enchanting narrative is born from the creative mind of Akumi Agitogi, as depicted in her light novel. Our protagonist, Miyo Saimori, navigates life’s hardships despite being a noble’s eldest daughter. The Saimori family boasts a lineage of gifted individuals, yet Miyo remains devoid of such abilities. Following the demise of her mother, she is compelled to serve as a maid within her own household.

In the story titled “My Happy Marriage“, her father arranges for her to wed Kiyoka Kudo, a well-known figure from a prestigious family who is also infamous for his harsh reputation. Anticipating mistreatment in her new home, Miyo braces herself for hardship. Yet, she’s astonished by the kindness she receives from him instead. With warmth and affection shown to her by those around her, Miyo gradually blossoms out of her shell and finds the happiness that is rightfully hers. Despite its popularity as a contemporary shojo series, “My Happy Marriage” must navigate the challenges it encounters as a shojo title and the competitive anime lineup during Winter 2025.

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Shojo Anime Often Don’t Get Season 2

Shojo anime often don’t receive the recognition they merit, with many intriguing series being overlooked. Even popular anime such as “Maid Sama!”, “Kamisama Kiss”, and “Ouran High School Host Club” are not immune to this treatment. For instance, “Yona of the Dawn”, a highly praised manga, took a unique direction outside high school romance but still failed to secure a second season. Other examples include “Skip Beat” and “Watakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku”, which fall under the josei genre.

Among the greatest shojo series ever produced, some unfortunately won’t receive sequels due to their studio’s financial constraints and limited potential for substantial profits. Beyond audience ratings, factors like streaming rights, licensing complications, and production difficulties also come into play. It’s uncommon for a show like Kimi ni Todoke to secure a third season after a decade-long hiatus, mainly because of Netflix securing the anime’s licensing rights.

The Biggest Challenge My Happy Marriage Season 2 Will Face

Although My Happy Marriage enjoys its own success, it doesn’t compare to the magnitude of acclaimed franchises such as Solo Leveling, Dr. Stone, and Sakamoto Days. Solo Leveling is an exhilarating series derived from a popular manhwa, while Dr. Stone has already garnered immense love among fans as one of the best Shonen series. The upcoming anime debut of Sakamoto Days is also expected to draw significant attention due to its widespread popularity and substantial fanbase, which it has amassed through its weekly serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump.

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While My Happy Marriage boasts a loyal fanbase, its competition could be fierce during the Winter 2025 season, given the thrilling lineup ahead. Historically, shojo anime adaptations have struggled following low viewership ratings, making it challenging for this historical romance to hold its own against more popular titles.

Shojo Is Facing A Resurgence in Popularity

In contrast to some beloved series that might never receive a follow-up, it’s quite fresh to see popular shojo and josei series like “My Happy Marriage” and “Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits” finally receiving the attention they deserve. The Shojo genre, which once ruled the anime world with iconic shows such as Sailor Moon, The Rose of Versailles, and Candy Candy during its golden age in the 1970s to 1990s, has been on a gradual decline in popularity. However, it’s experiencing a revival in recent times.

The influence these series once had is greatly diminished. Yet, contemporary shows such as “My Happy Marriage” and “Tomo-Chan Is A Girl” enjoy a broader global reach due to streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and others. Even classic series like “Fruits Basket” and “Sailor Moon,” with their reboots, have sparked renewed interest in this genre.

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What’s Next for Miyo and Kiyoka?

In November, Netflix premiered an OVA episode featuring Miyo’s debut at Kiyoka’s formal affair as her fiancé. This was her first encounter with Prince Takahito and she disclosed the hidden truth about Miyo’s ancestry and birth. The Usuba family had been forced into hiding due to the emperor’s cruel actions, which the prince later apologized for. Given that the initial season covered the first three volumes of the light novel, it can be expected that the second season will likely adapt volumes 4 through 6 if it maintains a similar episode count.

In the trailer, we meet Kiyoka’s parents, particularly his mother who openly shows dislike for Miyo. The Usuba family will present fresh difficulties for the couple. The upcoming season promises to unveil more layers of Miyo’s character development as she uncovers her roots and the limits of her powers. Kiyoka stands by her side, offering support during her journey of self-discovery regarding her identity. Regrettably, a larger danger looms when the Kudo family comes under attack from formidable adversaries who covet Miyo’s abilities.

When Will My Happy Marriage Season 2 Release?

The second season of “My Happy Marriage” is set to premiere on January 6, 2025. The series was swiftly renewed for a second run immediately following the conclusion of its first season. At this time, streaming will be exclusive to Netflix. Regrettably, we have yet to receive news concerning the release date for the English dubbed version. It is anticipated that Netflix will provide an update following the season’s initial airing.

As of now, this popular novel consists of eight books. The most recent installment was published in Japan back in March 2024, and its English version is set to arrive for readers in January 2025. Following that, the ninth volume will be out in April 2025. It’s expected that additional volumes may follow in the future. At present, Yen Press is responsible for translating it into English.

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2024-12-13 19:40