📺 Japanese Tv Series Review: Marry Me! (マリーミー!)

A new national law project has been recently approved: the NEET Protection Act, which aims to find a spouse for NEETs, young men and women who are secluding themselves from society. This project's purpose is to increase employment and births.

The first trial subject is Akiyasu Shin, a government official who actively worked on the project. His future chosen wife will be Sawamoto Himari, a shy and caring young lady, whose grandmother recently died, leaving her all alone.

When Akiyasu goes to introduce himself to Himari, the girl is surprised and doesn't want to take part in the project but changes her mind when she finds out that it has been her beloved grandmother to sing her in, in order for her not to be alone.

Clearly, the two of them are complete strangers so, at first, the cohabitation feels awkward and somewhat wrong but thanks to some new friends and Akiyasu's family, the couple starts to grow closer and develop a strong sense of protection for one another.

My Opinion👍👎

Japan is one of the countries with the lowest birth rate as well as a high percentage of hikikomori (people who seclude themselves from society and isolates into confined spaces, usually as small as their own room) so I found the basis of this drama fascinating and original.

This kind of experiment would be difficult to carry out in real life yet, somehow, I felt like it could be possible within Japanese society, given Japan's high security and social awareness.

Akiyasu starts off as a detached and work-focused kind of person but he soon changes thanks to Himari's kind and softhearted personality, leading him to question some aspect of the law project he worked so hard for.

If you are looking for a 'cuddly' and warm love comedy to start 2021 with, I think you should give "Marry Me!" a chance thanks to its positive and encouraging message but the path to it is everything but smooth. 

Besides the lead couple, I also loved Himari's neighbors Hiroki Takumi Umemura. The father and son duo is supportive but not condescending with her way of living and help her get out of her shell without even realizing it.

The story is sweet and even if it's only 8 episodes long it develops all characters and situations fully, making the viewer understand how each and every one of them grew up as they did and sympathize with some of their (mis)adventures.

Rating: 4/5

Ph: asianwiki.com & screenshots