The popular manga series “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” (夫婦以上、恋人未満。Fūfu Ijō, Koibito Miman), often abbreviated as Fuukoi, is entering a hiatus as it prepares to publish its final arc. This news was announced by the creator, Yūki Kanamaru, on March 25, 2025, via X (formerly Twitter). The series, which began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine in March 2018, has garnered a significant following for its unique premise and engaging characters.
Manga Enters Hiatus for Final Part
Yūki Kanamaru stated that the break is to allow for the careful preparation and release of the series’ conclusion at a healthy pace. The manga will not be featured in this month’s issue of Kadokawa’s Young Ace magazine. The series is expected to resume at a later date, though no specific timeline has been given. Kanamaru expressed gratitude to the fans for their ongoing support and apologized for the delay.
Creator’s Statement
Kanamaru’s message to the fans conveyed that the decision to enter hiatus was motivated by a desire to ensure that each monthly chapter contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative. Despite the pause in publication, Kanamaru assured fans of being in good health and committed to delivering a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Series Overview
“More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” revolves around the story of Jirō Yakuin, a high school student with no romantic experience, and Akari Watanabe, a popular “gyaru” (gal). They are paired together in a “Marriage Practical” class, where students must live together and act as a married couple. The goal is to earn the right to switch partners to be with their respective crushes. Reluctantly, Jirō and Akari begin their performance, leading to unexpected developments and growing feelings. Udon Entertainment, which publishes the series in English, describes it as a “pseudo-married couple romantic comedy.”
Premise and Characters
The series distinguishes itself with the “Marriage Practical” theme, setting it apart from other similar shows. While the synopsis suggests a lighthearted and enjoyable rom-com, the premise allows for exploration of social ideals surrounding relationships.
- Jirō Yakuin: An introverted high school student who prefers video games to social interaction. He harbors feelings for his childhood friend, Shiori.
- Akari Watanabe: A popular and outgoing “gyaru” who is initially repulsed by Jirō but agrees to the marriage practical to get closer to her own crush.
- Shiori Sakurazaka: Jirō’s childhood friend and crush. She is kind and shy and also has feelings for Jirō.
Manga Volumes
As of March 4, 2025, thirteen tankōbon volumes of “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” have been released in Japan. Udon Entertainment has licensed the series for English publication, with the English volumes combining two of the original Japanese volumes into one.
Anime Adaptation
An anime television series adaptation by Studio Mother aired from October to December 2022, consisting of 12 episodes. Crunchyroll streamed the anime as it aired in Japan and also released an English dub. Takao Kato and Junichi Yamamoto directed the anime, with Naruhisa Arakawa writing the screenplay and Yuri Habuka composing the music.
Lackluster Performance of Anime
Despite the availability of source material, the anime adaptation did not significantly boost manga sales. It failed to enter the top 20 of the Oricon weekly sales ranking during its release and had low Blu-ray/DVD sales. Additionally, viewership numbers on streaming services like Crunchyroll, AbemaTV, and Niconico were not high.
Potential for a Second Season
The first season of the anime adapted the manga up to volume 4. There is sufficient source material for a second season. The financial performance of the anime makes a sequel less likely. If renewed, a second season could be released in the second half of 2026 or 2027, depending on when the announcement is made.
Reasons for Hiatus
Manga creators often face immense pressure and tight deadlines, leading to potential burnout and health issues. Common reasons for hiatus include:
- Creator’s health concerns
- Need for more time to finalize the story
- Wellbeing of the creator
- Manga’s failure to reach an audience
- Concerns about the quality of the work.
Given these factors, the hiatus for “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” may be attributed to Kanamaru’s desire to ensure a high-quality conclusion to the series while maintaining personal well-being.
Industry-Wide Issue
The manga industry is known for its demanding work environment, often leading to health issues for artists. Recent examples include Tatsuya Endo (“Spy x Family”), Eiichiro Oda (“One Piece”), and Yoshihiro Togashi (“Hunter x Hunter”), all of whom have taken breaks due to health concerns. This highlights a broader issue within the manga industry, where strict deadlines and constant pressure can negatively impact creators’ physical and mental health.
Similar Manga Series
Fans of “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” may enjoy other manga series with similar themes, such as:
- A Couple of Cuckoos: Both series share a similar plot, with the main couple in some kind of arranged situation.
- My Stepmom’s Daughter Is My Ex: Explores an awkward living situation.
- I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class: Features characters who hate each other but are forced into a marriage.
- The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten: Focuses on a similar romance and slice-of-life dynamic.
- My Dress-Up Darling: A popular series with romance and character development.
- Nisekoi: Features forced relationship dynamics.
- Rent-A-Girlfriend: Revolves around a fake relationship that turns real.
Reception and Popularity
“More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” has garnered positive reviews for its lighthearted romance, comedic elements, and original premise. On MyAnimeList, the manga has a favorable score and is praised for its enjoyable and relaxing qualities. The series has also been trending, with many people showing interest in signed manga volumes.
Community Discussion
Online communities, such as Reddit, actively discuss the manga, with fans sharing recommendations, theories, and concerns about the hiatus. This indicates a strong and engaged fanbase eager for the series’ continuation.
