Season 2 of the anime My Happy Marriage concluded last April on Netflix after the final two episodes were delayed. The wait was well worth it, My Happy Marriage Season 2 is a fantastic continuation of Miyo and Kiyoka’s story. Elegant animation, beautiful music, and expertly directed voice work breathes life into My Happy Marriage’s world once more.
For those unfamiliar, My Happy Marriage is a historical fantasy romance story set in Japan’s Taisho era. It began as an online light novel series written by author Akumi Agitogi. The light novel’s art is by Tsukiho Tsukioka and My Happy Marriage’s manga adaptation is illustrated by Rito Kohsaka. All three mediums are available in English through Netflix (anime), Yen Press (light novel), and Square Enix (manga).
Though Miyo and Kiyoka are now officially together, their strife is far from over. A new threat looms over the couple: the Gifted Communion cult and its leader, Naoshi Usui. The Gifted Communion is turning civilians into Grotesqueries – mindless monsters that terrorize Japan. Meanwhile, Naoshi has his sights on stealing away Miyo, the daughter of his long deceased love.
Of Seasons Past
Before we crack into My Happy Marriage Season 2, a quick refresher on the first season’s events. Miyo is the Saimori’s eldest daughter, yet lacks the spiritual abilities the family is renowned for. As a result, she is abused and cast aside as a servant after her mother’s death. Upon becoming an adult, Miyo is set to be engaged to Kiyoka Kudo as a means of kicking her out.
Kiyoka is the head of the Kudo family in addition to leading the Special Anti-Grotesquerie Unit. Kiyoka is blessed with multiple kinds of elemental kinesises, which he uses to fight the Grotesqueries. On the battlefield, Kiyoka is one of the most ruthless soldiers of his era. Additionally, he is infamous for driving away any wife candidate within days of her arrival to his estate.
He acts cold towards Miyo, initially thinking her to be after his status, but soon realizes it’s not the case. Kiyoka figures out that Miyo was severely abused by the Saimoris and does everything he can to cut them off. In return, Miyo is finally able to exist as her own woman; escaping from her trauma and beginning to heal.
Autumn Breeze & Distant Snow
My Happy Marriage Season 2 opens with a calm before the storm; Miyo meeting Kiyoka’s parents for the first time. Though it doesn’t last for long, as the Gifted Communion Cult establishes itself as a new threat to the capital. The cult instills distrust of the Special Anti-Grotesquerie Unit into the public; urging them to “defend themselves”. Not too long after, the Gifted Communion kidnaps the emperor, meaning the cult has infiltrated the imperial palace.
Naoshi Usui, the cult’s leader, reveals himself to the couple and makes no secret that Miyo is his target. He wishes to fully awaken her newfound ability of Dream-Sight for his own gain. Naoshi has the ability to alter all five senses of someone, which he uses to manipulate others to his bidding. Using this ability, Naoshi and the cult seize the army headquarters and have Kiyoka arrested.
Inverse of My Happy Marriage Season 1’s finale, Miyo plots with the bonds she’s made to rescue Kiyoka. Miyo may not have pyrokinesis or immense physical strength, but she has wits and heart in addition to her ability. Her Dream-Sight is pivotal in both saving her beloved and putting an end to Naoshi and the Gifted Communion. Once peace is restored, Kiyoka retires from the military and formally proposes to Miyo, who accepts with tears of joy.
Happiness’ Creation
My Happy Marriage Season 2 is animated by the studio Kinema Citrus, who also animated the first season. Other notable works by Kinema Citrus include, Made in Abyss, Revue Starlight! and The Rising of the Shield Hero. The soft, warm coloring and delicate lines brings the characters and world of My Happy Marriage to life. Miyo tending to her day-to-day chores and a supernatural ability-powered battle are animated with equal amounts of care and vigor.
The voice acting in both English and Japanese is stellar. My Happy Marriage Season 2 introduces more excellent talents to its cast in both languages. Some newcomers include Haruka Tomatsu (Asuna Yuuki, Sword Art Online) and Jason Griffith (Sonic the Hedgehog, 2005 to 2010). In the English dub, Kaiji Tang’s vocal performance as Naoshi is bone-chilling and intimidating – perfect for the threat Naoshi is.
Singers Riria and Kashitaro Ito return for My Happy Marriage Season 2’s opening and ending themes. The opening, “Shiawase no Yakusoku”, is about welcoming change and celebrating happiness – a reflection of Miyo’s growth and journey. “Tsukikage Okuri”, the ending song, speaks upon Kiyoka’s emotions: his yearning for Miyo and desire to never leave her. Both songs have a soft, gentle composition which makes for a perfect reprieve during more emotionally turbulent episodes.
Once Spring Has Come
My Happy Marriage Season 2 is as much a story about evolution as it is about recovery. The road of recovery is never simple; there will always be new obstacles to tackle. Ghosts from the past can haunt and weigh you down. There may be situations that may feel like slipping back into the bog, but they are bumps – not permanent.
Miyo never lets the past prevent her from moving forward, she refuses to let it chain her down. She is not alone anymore, she has Kiyoka, Godo, Yurie, and many more by her side. The bonds Miyo forged after leaving the Saimori household have built a new foundation for her, making her stronger. As Miyo grows and changes, so does her community she has found.
Both seasons of My Happy Marriage are available to stream, subbed and dubbed, on Netflix. The KADOKAWAanime YouTube revealed that a new anime project is in production soon after the finale of Season 2 aired. Many fans in the comments speculate that this is going to be a third season of My Happy Marriage. There’s no better time to enter My Happy Marriage’s world than now!
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