Peko Watanabe’s thought-provoking manga series, 1122: For a Happy Marriage, is set to expand with a new spinoff series launching on May 15. This announcement has sparked excitement among fans who have been captivated by the manga’s honest and sometimes uncomfortable exploration of modern marriage.
What is “1122: For a Happy Marriage” About?
1122: For a Happy Marriage, known in Japan simply as 1122, delves into the complexities of a marriage between Ichiko and Otoya Aihara, a couple in their thirties who have been married for seven years. While they maintain a good relationship, they face a common modern problem: a sexless marriage. To navigate this, they agree to an “official affair” system, granting each other permission to seek intimacy outside the marriage.
Otoya engages in an affair with a woman named Mitsuki, and Ichiko is aware of the arrangement. However, as Otoya seems to find happiness with Mitsuki, Ichiko begins to question her own desires and needs, leading her to explore her own relationships. The manga explores themes of love, lies, truth, and the challenges of maintaining a fulfilling marriage in contemporary society. It prompts readers to consider the pressures and expectations placed on couples and whether traditional notions of marriage still hold relevance.
The Story Behind the Manga
Peko Watanabe wrote and illustrated 1122: For a Happy Marriage. The manga was serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Morning Two magazine from September 21, 2016, to May 22, 2020. The series was compiled into seven tankōbon volumes, published by Kodansha between May 23, 2017, and July 20, 2020. North American audiences can access the manga in English digital release through Kodansha USA, with volumes released from October 22, 2019, to July 6, 2021.
The manga garnered recognition, earning a nomination for the 12th Manga Taisho award in 2019. Brutus magazine included 1122: For a Happy Marriage on its “Most Dangerous Manga” list in December 2019, highlighting its stimulating and thought-provoking themes.
From Manga to Live-Action Drama
The popularity of 1122: For a Happy Marriage has extended beyond the page. A live-action television drama adaptation premiered on Amazon Prime Video in June 2024, further expanding the manga’s audience. The drama features Masaki Okada as Otoya Aihara and Mitsuki Takahata as Ichiko Aihara. Rikiya Imaizumi directed the series, with scripts penned by his wife, Kaori Imaizumi. Lat-Lon produced the drama, with planning by Junko Satō.
The live-action adaptation has brought the complex relationships and emotional nuances of the manga to life, allowing viewers to engage with the story in a new way.
Themes Explored in “1122: For a Happy Marriage”
1122: For a Happy Marriage delves into several significant themes that resonate with modern audiences:
- The evolving definition of marriage: The manga challenges traditional notions of marriage, prompting readers to consider what constitutes a happy and fulfilling partnership in contemporary society.
- Communication and honesty: The series emphasizes the importance of open communication and honesty within a marriage, even when discussing difficult or uncomfortable topics.
- Societal expectations: 1122 critiques the pressures and expectations that society places on married couples, particularly regarding gender roles, sex, and childbearing.
- Personal fulfillment: The manga explores the characters’ journeys as they seek personal fulfillment both within and outside of their marriage, raising questions about individual desires and the sacrifices made in relationships.
- Infidelity and its consequences: By portraying an “official affair” system, the manga examines the complexities of infidelity and its impact on all parties involved.
What to Expect from the Spinoff
While details about the plot of the spinoff series remain scarce, fans can anticipate further exploration of the themes and characters introduced in the original manga. The spinoff may focus on:
- Side characters: Providing deeper insights into the lives and relationships of supporting characters like Mitsuki and Shiro.
- New relationships: Introducing new characters and exploring different relationship dynamics.
- The impact of the “official affair” system: Examining the long-term consequences of Ichiko and Otoya’s arrangement on their marriage and personal growth.
- Broader societal issues: Addressing contemporary issues related to marriage, relationships, and societal expectations.
Where to Read “1122: For a Happy Marriage”
Readers interested in diving into the world of 1122: For a Happy Marriage can find the manga in several formats:
- Digital editions: Kodansha USA offers digital editions of all seven volumes through various online retailers.
- Print editions: Print editions of the manga may be available through online booksellers and retailers.
- Online manga platforms: INKR and other online platforms may offer access to the manga for digital reading.
As fans eagerly await the release of the spinoff series on May 15, 1122: For a Happy Marriage continues to spark conversations about the ever-evolving landscape of modern relationships and the pursuit of happiness within and beyond the bonds of marriage.
