The popular manga series, ‘More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers’ (夫婦以上、恋人未満。Fūfu Ijō, Koibito Miman), is heading towards its final part, signaling the beginning of the end for the romantic comedy. Fans have been eagerly following the story of Jiro and Akari, two high school students forced into a mock marriage, since its debut in 2018.
Manga Series Enters Final Stage
Yūki Kanamaru, the author of ‘More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers’, announced in the endnotes of the manga’s 13th volume, released on March 4th, that the series will enter its final part with the next volume. This news has sparked discussion and anticipation among fans, eager to see how the story of Jiro and Akari will conclude.
What is ‘More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers’ About?
The story revolves around Jiro Yakuin, an introverted high school student with a crush on his childhood friend, Shiori Sakurazaka. However, his school implements a “Couples Training” program, where students are paired and evaluated on their ability to act as a married couple. Jiro is unwillingly paired with Akari Watanabe, a popular and outgoing gyaru who has a crush on Minami Tenjin.
The “Marriage Practical” Program
The “Marriage Practical” course requires students to live together and act like a married couple. They are monitored and graded on how well they interact and maintain harmony. Top-ranked couples gain the right to switch partners, motivating Jiro and Akari to cooperate despite their initial mutual dislike.
Unfolding Feelings
As Jiro and Akari pretend to be a couple, they unexpectedly develop genuine feelings for each other. This creates confusion and forces them to confront the reality of their evolving relationship. The situation is further complicated by Shiori’s hidden feelings for Jiro.
Key Characters
- Jiro Yakuin: The main male protagonist, initially hoping to be paired with Shiori. Voiced by Seiichiro Yamashita in the anime.
- Akari Watanabe: The main female protagonist, a gyaru who initially dislikes Jiro and wants to be with Minami. Voiced by Saori Ônishi in the anime. In the English dub, she is voiced by Lindsay Sheppard.
- Shiori Sakurazaka: Jiro’s childhood friend and crush. She is partnered with Minami Tenjin in the “Couples Training” program. Voiced by Saki Miyashita in the anime.
- Minami Tenjin: A popular school idol and Akari’s initial crush. He is partnered with Shiori. Voiced by Toshiki Masuda in the anime.
Supporting Characters
- Sadaharu Kamo: Voiced by Shou Nogami in the anime.
- Sachi Takamiya: One of Akari’s best friends, often giving her advice. Voiced by Minami Takahashi in the anime.
- Natsumi Ohashi
- Mei Hamano: Shiori’s best friend, encouraging her to pursue Jiro.
Manga’s Journey and Adaptation
The manga series, written and illustrated by Yūki Kanamaru, was first serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine on March 2, 2018. As of March 2025, it has been compiled into 13 tankōbon volumes.
Anime Adaptation
An anime television series adaptation by Studio Mother aired from October to December 2022, comprising 12 episodes. The anime was directed by Takao Kato and Junichi Yamamoto, with Naruhisa Arakawa as the writer and Yuri Habuka as the music composer. Crunchyroll streamed the anime as it aired in Japan and also released an English dub.
Themes and Reception
‘More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers’ explores themes of:
- Fake Relationships: The series examines the complexities that arise when individuals pretend to be in love.
- Developing Feelings: It delves into the confusion and unexpected emotions that can emerge from artificial situations.
- Love Triangles: The manga presents a love triangle with Jiro caught between Akari and Shiori.
A Unique Love Triangle
Unlike typical love triangles, ‘More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers’ presents a healthier approach. Akari and Shiori acknowledge each other’s feelings and engage in a friendly rivalry, symbolized by their race to a shrine for a romantic blessing.
Potential for Season 2
While the anime’s first season concluded without resolving the central love triangle, it left viewers hopeful for a second season. The ending hinted at further developments in the relationships between Jiro, Akari, and Shiori, with the characters reaching A-rank and gaining the opportunity to switch partners.
Final Arc: What to Expect?
As the manga enters its final arc, fans are speculating about the ending. Key questions include:
- Who will Jiro choose? Will he end up with Akari, Shiori, or neither?
- Will Akari and Jiro remain a couple?
- How will the “Marriage Practical” program influence their decisions?
The final volume promises to tie up loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion to the series.
