More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers
| Industry | Manga, Anime |
|---|---|
| Founded | March 2, 2018 |
| Founder | Yūki Kanamaru |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Worldwide (manga and anime distribution) |
Key people | Junichi Yamamoto (anime director), Takao Kato (chief director), Naruhisa Arakawa (scriptwriter), Chizuru Kobayashi (character designer), Yuri Habuka (music composer) |
| Products | Manga, Anime television series |
| Owner | Kadokawa Shoten (manga publisher), Studio Mother (anime studio) |
| Parent | Kadokawa Corporation |
| Website | morethanamarriedcouple |
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers is a Japanese manga series created by Yūki Kanamaru. It has been serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's seinen magazine Young Ace since March 2018 and, as of March 2025, thirteen compiled volumes have been released. An anime adaptation produced by Studio Mother was broadcast from October through December 2022.
Plot
Jirō Yakuin, a reserved high school student, harbors unreciprocated feelings for his childhood friend Shiori Sakurazaka. Their school implements a program designed to enhance social skills by pairing students in simulated married life scenarios, with their interactions evaluated and scored. Although Jirō desires to be matched with Shiori, he is instead paired with Akari Watanabe, a girl who dislikes him and favors the popular Minami Tenjin. Discovering that earning points can enable partner changes, Jirō and Akari decide to cooperate despite their initial differences.
As they work together, authentic emotions develop between Jirō and Akari, complicating their dynamic. Meanwhile, Shiori confesses her love for Jirō. After Minami kindly turns down Akari's romantic feelings and helps her recognize her true affection for Jirō, both girls vie for his attention, leaving Jirō uncertain about which path to follow.
Main
- A confident yet shy and compassionate girl who becomes Jirō's partner in the couples training program. Though initially interested in Minami, she eventually falls for Jirō and aims to build a sincere relationship despite his self-doubts.
- The principal male lead, an introverted and diligent student paired with Akari. While he initially hopes to be with his childhood friend Shiori, his feelings gradually deepen for Akari, leading to internal conflict.
- Jirō’s timid childhood friend and first love interest who partners with Minami. She secretly wishes to switch partners to be with Jirō and remains unaware of her friend Mei’s unreturned feelings toward her.
Supporting
- A widely admired school idol partnered with Shiori in the couples training program. Minami gently rejects Akari’s confession due to previous emotional wounds but encourages her pursuit of Jirō. He also holds a part-time job at a café.
- Jirō’s closest friend and confidant who shares similar relationship challenges and enjoys video games. Although he prefers fictional partners, he remains loyal and supportive.
- One of Akari’s assertive and insightful best friends who frequently offers helpful advice along with Natsumi.
- Akari’s kind-hearted but somewhat absent-minded friend who supports her with life guidance alongside Sachi.
- A friend of Minami who harbors feelings for Akari and opposes Jirō’s indecision by vowing to compete for her affection.
- Shiori’s encouraging best friend who motivates her to pursue Jirō and challenges his hesitation regarding Akari.
Manga
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, authored and illustrated by Yūki Kanamaru, began its serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace magazine on March 2, 2018. Kadokawa has published the chapters in collected volumes, with the first volume released on October 26, 2018. As of March 4, 2025, thirteen volumes have been issued.
At Anime Expo 2023, Udon Entertainment announced their acquisition of the English license for the series, releasing each English volume as a combination of two original Japanese volumes.
Anime
On November 22, 2021, an anime adaptation was officially revealed. The project was developed as a television series by Studio Mother, with Junichi Yamamoto serving as director and Takao Kato taking on the role of chief director. The scriptwriting was handled by Naruhisa Arakawa, character designs were created by Chizuru Kobayashi, and the soundtrack was composed by Yuri Habuka. The series broadcasted from October 9 through December 25, 2022, across AT-X and additional networks. The opening track, titled "TRUE FOOL LOVE," is performed by Liyuu, while the ending theme "Stuck on You" is sung by Nowlu. Crunchyroll provided streaming with original Japanese audio accompanied by English subtitles and launched an English dubbed version starting October 23, 2022. The Southeast Asian distribution rights were acquired by Medialink.
Episodes
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