More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers Season 2: Latest Updates
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers is a romantic comedy anime series based on a manga by Yuki Kanamaru. The story revolves around Jirō Yakuin, a high school introvert who prefers video games over social interactions.
He harbours unrequited feelings for his childhood friend, Shiori Sakurazaka. Their school has an unusual program called “couples training” where students are paired as if they were married to develop social skills.
Despite hoping to be paired with Shiori, Jiro is instead paired with Akari Watanabe, a gyaru who initially finds Jiro repulsive. Akari would rather be paired with the popular school idol, Minami Tenjin.
The twist is that if they earn enough points through this program, they can switch partners. So, Jiro and Akari decide to put their differences aside and work together. As the story progresses, they find themselves developing deeper feelings for each other while pretending to get along.
This causes confusion as they struggle to sort out which feelings are real and which are not. Adding to the chaos is Shiori herself, who is revealed to also be in love with Jiro.
The complications reach a near-breaking point when Minami tactfully turns down Akari’s confession and helps her realize that she has actually fallen in love with Jiro. Now both girls aim to have Jiro for themselves, while Jiro struggles to decide which girl he should ultimately pursue.
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Official Announcement Of More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers Season 2
As of now, there is no official announcement regarding the renewal of More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers for a second season. The anime, produced by MOTHER and KlockWorx, has garnered mixed responses from both audiences and critics.
Despite its regular appearance in Crunchyroll’s Top 20 list for the Most Popular Fall 2022 anime, there have been no visible signs or rumours indicating its renewal. Fans eagerly await news about the show’s fate, especially given the way Season 1 concluded.
While there is no official confirmation, it’s common for successful anime series to receive multiple seasons. Therefore, there is hope that More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers may be renewed for a second season, possibly set for release in 2023.
Additionally, no official release date has been announced for Season 2. The lukewarm response to the anime raises uncertainty about its renewal. However, fans can look forward to an English Print Version of the manga, scheduled for release in 2024 by Udon Entertainment.
In summary, while fans anticipate a second season of “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers,” there is no official confirmation or release date at this time. It remains a topic of interest, and viewers should stay relaxed as we will continue to update them with our fresh articles.
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Previous Seasons and Episodes Of More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers is a romantic comedy anime that graced screens from October 9, 2022, to December 25, 2022, comprising a delightful total of 12 episodes, each clocking in at approximately 24 minutes.
This anime adaptation draws its inspiration from Yuki Kanamaru’s manga, which has been a regular feature in Kadokawa Shoten’s seinen manga magazine, Young Ace, since March 2018. The narrative revolves around the lives of two high school students, Jiro Yakuin and Akari Watanabe, who become unlikely partners in a school program titled “couples training.” This unique initiative requires them to pretend to be a married couple, all in the name of honing their social skills.
It’s within this intriguing setup that the series weaves its comedic and romantic tapestry. More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers has struck a chord with its audience, earning favourable reviews.
It boasts an impressive 7.60 score on MyAnimeList, earning a rank of #1416, and has cultivated a dedicated community of over 270,000 members. Additionally, on IMDb, the series holds an average rating of 7.4/10, based on 1.7K user ratings.
Its achievements extend to winning the Anime Trending Award for Favorite Romance 2022 (Seasonal Award) and earning nominations in categories such as Couple or Ship of The Year, Comedy Anime of the Year, and Romance Anime of the Year.
What sets this series apart is its clever and original premise, which takes the seemingly absurd notion of students assuming the roles of married couples and transforms it into an endearing and enjoyable experience.
Viewers have lauded its innovative approach to the romance genre and its adept character development, making it a standout in the world of romantic comedies.
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Where To Watch The Show
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers offers viewers a unique and engaging romantic comedy experience, and it’s available for streaming on Crunchyroll. This platform is a go-to destination for anime enthusiasts, providing convenient access to a wide range of anime series, including this one.
Viewers can immerse themselves in the humour, romance, and complex feelings that arise as these characters navigate the intricacies of love and friendship. With its intriguing premise and character dynamics, “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” is a must-watch on Crunchyroll for those seeking a fresh take on romantic comedy in the world of anime.
Don’t miss out on the fun and drama this series has to offer on Crunchyroll’s streaming platform.
Google Trends Data Analysis
The Google Trends Data for the term “More Than a Married Couple Season 2” (assuming people don’t type the entire name of the show while searching on Google), is quite interesting.
It seems that the search started gaining popularity, roughly around December month of 2022, peaking between the 25th to 31st of December. And this makes a lot of sense since the first season of the anime ended on 25th December.
However, from that point forward, there has been a constant decline in searches and this highlights the fact that people are no longer searching for the sequel nearly as much as they once did.
The graph is mostly moving on the lower end, highlighting that there aren’t as many searches just yet. However, the constant movement of the graph is a positive sign for the next season.
Social Media Engagement
A lot of people on social media are expressing their anticipation for More Than a Married Couple Season 2. However, there seems to be a debate going on amongst fans regarding the availability of the source material.
People claim that the series just doesn’t have enough source material yet to create another season. Since the first season required 28 chapters, it is assumed that the second season would also require a similar number of chapters.
And since the manga is around chapter 59, it wouldn’t be incorrect to say that the show requires a bit more chapters to be on the safer side. However, counterarguments are being placed forward highlighting that the series has just enough source material for a sequel.
Either way, fans seem to be positive about the release so far.
Expected Plot of More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers Season 2
The anticipated plot of More Than a Married Couple But Not Lovers Season 2 seems to promise a continuation of the romantic entanglement between the protagonist, Jiro, and his two potential love interests, Akari Watanabe and his childhood friend, Shiori Sakurazaka.
As the school’s marriage practical program draws closer to its dissolution date, Jiro finds himself in a dilemma, torn between the affections of these two young women. Season 1 left viewers with a tantalizing cliffhanger, as both Akari and Shiori were determined to confess their feelings for Jiro.
However, Jiro remained blissfully unaware of Akari’s true feelings, believing she was interested in another classmate, Minami. The season concluded with a race to a temple, where the winner would have the chance to express her love.
Yet, the race ended in a tie, intensifying the unresolved love triangle. If Season 2 becomes a reality, it’s expected to delve deeper into the complexities of Jiro’s emotions and relationships.
There’s a possibility that Jiro and Shiori may be paired together in the marriage practical, potentially leading Jiro to realize his true feelings for Akari. Meanwhile, Akari’s compassionate nature may draw her closer to Minami, further complicating matters.
While an official plot or synopsis for More Than a Married Couple But Not Lovers Season 2 remains undisclosed, hints from the Season 1 finale suggest that the characters are gearing up for a new adventure in the realm of romance, keeping fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of this endearing and comedic love story.
Important Characters Of More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers
The series has an incredible set of characters that make it a great experience for all of us. Therefore, as fans of the show, it is our duty to take a closer look at these characters and understand them on a much deeper level.
So, let’s quickly read about the Top 5 Most Important Characters in the series.
1. Shiori Sakurazaka
Shiori Sakurazaka plays a crucial role in the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers anime series as the secondary female character. She shares a special bond with Jirō Yakuin, her childhood friend and love interest.
Shiori is paired with Minami Tenjin for the couples training program and possesses an attractive appearance, featuring shoulder-length brown hair styled into low braided pigtails and lime-green eyes.
Her school uniform consists of a light-blue collared shirt, a dark-blue short skirt, a medium blue bow, white knee-high socks, and brown shoes, while the anime adaptation depicts her wearing a beige sweater vest.
2. Akari Watanabe
Akari Watanabe plays a pivotal role as the primary female protagonist in both the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers manga and anime series. She becomes Jirō Yakuin’s partner in the school’s marriage practical, initially with the goal of portraying the perfect newlywed with him to secure Minami Tenjin as her partner.
However, her emotions take a different turn as she spends time with Jirō and experiences rejection from Minami, leading to genuine feelings of love for Jirō. Akari possesses a captivating appearance with waist-length pink hair styled into twin buns and striking blue-green eyes.
Her manicured nails frequently change in colour and style throughout the series. While initially presenting a stereotypical gyaru personality—outgoing, confident, and even somewhat arrogant, especially regarding her popularity—this persona masks her true kind and friendly nature, which becomes evident as others get to know her.
3. Mei Hamano
Mei Hamano assumes a supporting role in the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers anime series, where she serves as Shū Terafune’s practice partner and is recognized as Shiori Sakurazaka’s overly protective friend.
Mei’s distinctive features include her peach-toned complexion, slender and sporty build, short reddish hair with leftward bangs, and green eyes. Notably, tan lines in the shape of her sports bra and socks mark her skin.
Mei embodies a tomboy persona, displaying a passion for sports and a preference for comfortable attire like t-shirts and pants over more feminine clothing options.
4. Jiro Yakuin
Within the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers anime series, Jiro Yakuin emerges as the central male lead. Circumstances thrust him into a partnership with Akari Watanabe for couples training, yet his heart remains steadfastly fixed on his childhood friend, Shiori Sakurazaka.
Jiro’s resolute commitment to his objective compels him to adopt various tactics, including simulating a newlywed relationship with Akari. Jiro possesses a commanding presence, marked by his tall stature, dishevelled dark-blue hair, and striking red eyes.
His standard attire comprises the school’s uniform ensemble: a light blue collared shirt, dark blue slacks secured by a brown belt, and brown footwear. Notably, he distinguishes himself from his male peers by frequently donning a blue necktie as part of his uniform.
5. Sadaharu Kamo
Within the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers anime, Sadaharu Kamo assumes a supporting role. As Jiro Yakuin’s high school best friend, he is the solitary confidant with whom Jirō shares his innermost thoughts, despite Jirō’s introverted nature.
Sadaharu possesses neck-length, olive-green hair featuring cascading bangs on both sides of his face. His orange eyes peer through oval-shaped, semi-rimless glasses, and he adheres to the customary school uniform – a blue collared shirt, dark blue slacks secured by a brown belt, and brown footwear.
Notably, he dispenses with the inclusion of a necktie. Sadaharu is characterized as a calmly composed and mildly eccentric otaku, finding delight in activities such as manga reading, anime viewing, and video gaming.
Important Crew Members Of More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers
Your favourite anime was created by a selected group of people who are so good at their craft that they managed to entertain you for 12 episodes. And that’s why, we should learn about these individuals and express our gratitude to them by bringing more light to their work.
1. Takao Kato
Takao Kato, a renowned figure in the Japanese anime industry, boasts a career dating back to 1987 and took on his first full series directorial role in 1996. His directorial repertoire encompasses well-known works like MegaMan NT Warrior, Buso Renkin, To Love Ru and Pandora Hearts.
In the context of More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, Takao Kato played a pivotal role as one of the directors. This anime series graced screens from October to December 2022, bringing to life its unique premise of high school students assuming fake marital roles to hone their social skills.
Kato’s contributions to the project were met with acclaim, bolstering the series’ popularity within the anime community.
2. Junichi Yamamoto
Junichi Yamamoto is a well-known director, writer, and art department member in the anime industry. He has contributed to several notable projects, including Your Name (2016), Batman Ninja (2018), and Summer Time Rendering (2022).
In 2022, he directed three episodes of the anime series More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers and also worked as a storyboard artist for two episodes. He also directed 12 episodes of Pop Team Epic in 2018.
In addition to directing, Yamamoto has also written for several series. He wrote the screenplay for 24 episodes of Armor Shop for Ladies and Gentlemen from 2018 to 2021. He also worked as a writer for the video My Life in 2012 and the short film Anemone in 2011.
3. Naruhisa Arakawa
Naruhisa Arakawa, born on March 14, 1964, is a prominent Japanese screenwriter specializing in anime and tokusatsu dramas. He gained recognition as the main writer for the Blue Seed anime and the Kamen Rider Series revival, Kamen Rider Kuuga.
One of his notable contributions includes serving as the main series writer for the Super Sentai anniversary series Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, where he also worked as a lyricist for the ending theme song in collaboration with Shoko Fujibayashi.
Arakawa even penned the lyrics for “Detekoi Tobikiri Zenkai Power!”, the first ending theme of Dragon Ball Z. His diverse portfolio extends to various projects, such as More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers (2022), Elemental Gelade (2005), and Martian Successor Nadesico (1996-1997).
While his work spans multiple genres, he is particularly acclaimed for his contributions to the science fiction genre in anime and tokusatsu dramas.
4. Liyuu
Liyuu, a Chinese singer and cosplayer, made a significant contribution to the anime series “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers” by providing the opening theme song titled “TRUE FOOL LOVE” in 2022.
This song has garnered a positive response from fans of the series, thanks to Liyuu’s distinctive vocal style and the catchy melody of “TRUE FOOL LOVE.” Her involvement in the series not only showcases her prowess as a singer but also as a performer capable of capturing the essence of an anime through music.
In her role as the singer of the opening theme, Liyuu added to the overall charm and appeal of the anime. Her musical talent and the infectious energy of the song have undoubtedly contributed to the series’ popularity among viewers.
5. Studio MOTHER
Studio MOTHER is a Japanese animation production company that was established in May 2019. The studio’s creation was closely linked to Voyager Holdings, which holds the rights to the Space Battleship Yamato Series.
In the same year, Bandai Namco Arts (now Bandai Namco Music Live) also became an investor in the company, bolstering its animation production capabilities and increasing its potential to create successful content.
Studio MOTHER has been responsible for producing a range of anime series, including”More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers and Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest 2nd Season. The studio has gained recognition for its exceptional animation quality and distinctive storytelling, which have contributed to the popularity of its anime series among fans.
The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and as of June 2023, it employs approximately 45 individuals.
Similar Shows More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers
Did you have a great time watching More Than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers? If yes, then the next 5 anime are going to be game-changers for you. These are the best shows that you should watch if you want a similar flavour as our subject for this article, however, with a new and unique touch.
1. Nisekoi
In “Nisekoi,” Raku Ichijou, the heir to a yakuza family, is forced to pretend to be in a romantic relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki to ease tensions between their rival yakuza gangs, even though they can’t stand each other.
This unlikely couple’s daily antics unfold as they navigate the challenges of their fake relationship and the secrets of their pasts. As the story progresses, more girls from Raku’s past enter his life, further complicating matters and leading him in unexpected directions in his search for the girl he made a promise to.
Similarly, in “More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers,” Jirō Yakuin and Akari Watanabe are paired together as part of their school’s couples training program. While their situation is different, both series explore the dynamics of forced relationships and how they impact the characters involved, adding humour and romance to the mix.
2. Love and Lies
Love and Lies and More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers share common themes and settings in alternate versions of modern Japan where the government plays a significant role in romantic relationships.
In Love and Lies, Yukari Nejima faces a government-assigned fiancée, who conflicts with his feelings for Misaki Takasaki. Similarly, in More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, Jirō Yakuin and Akari Watanabe are paired for couples training, despite their own emotions.
Unrequited love is a prevalent theme in both series, as Yukari confesses his affection for Misaki, only to be assigned a different partner, Ririna Sanada. In contrast, Jiro carries feelings for his childhood friend, Shiori Sakurazaka.
3. Toradora!
Toradora! and More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers share notable parallels in their narratives. Both series centre around high school students who form unexpected partnerships to aid one another in pursuing their respective crushes.
In Toradora!, Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka join forces to conquer their romantic dilemmas, with Ryuji assisting Taiga in her love pursuit while dealing with his feelings for her. Likewise, in More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, Jirō Yakuin and Akari Watanabe unite through their school’s couples training program, where they collaborate in navigating their romantic interests.
Both shows delve into the intricate realm of teenage relationships, unreciprocated affection, and the challenges of high school life. Falling within the romantic comedy genre, they employ humour and romantic tension as driving forces for their plots.
4. My Dress-Up Darling
Wakana Gojou, a high school student, excels in crafting hina dolls, aiming to match his grandfather’s mastery. While his peers immerse themselves in pop culture, Gojou finds solace in creating doll attire, guarding his unique hobby in fear of ridicule.
Enter Marin Kitagawa, an exceptionally confident and attractive girl, a stark contrast to Gojou’s shyness. It seems unlikely for the introverted Gojou to befriend someone like Kitagawa, always surrounded by friends.
However, their worlds collide when Kitagawa discovers Gojou’s sewing skills and confesses her own hobby: cosplay. Lacking sewing expertise, she seeks his help, and as they collaborate on cosplay outfits, Gojou and Kitagawa grow closer, transcending their differing lives.
5. My First Girlfriend is a Gal
In Hajimete no Gal, Junichi Hashiba’s friends play a mischievous prank on him, prompting him to approach a gal named Yukana Yame to change his status as a virgin. At first, Yukana is put off by Junichi’s request, but as they engage in teasing conversations, a surprising bond forms, leading to her acceptance of Junichi’s confession.
This anime follows Junichi as he embarks on a new school life filled with lively girls and unexpected escapades, all while contending with his self-esteem issues and the challenges of burgeoning desires.
