1It was never about getting back at them but more about getting yourself back!
This drama didn't scream for my attention, but it somehow had me hooked from start to finish. It follows the journey of Kanbe Misa, who has always been that person in the background who is a little too kind, selfless and trusts people too easily and ended up paying the price. But when life gave Misa the lemons, she knew how to make lemonade. The story starts as a second-chance revenge plan becomes something a lot deeper for her. It was about prioritising herself and finally choosing to live for her own sake.This version doesn't lean into over-the-top twists or too much melodrama compared to the OG version and that is what worked for me. It had the classic Japanese introspective touch where the focus was on Misa, her fears and how she navigated and reclaimed her new life with hesitation and silent strength.
Coming to romance, it is definitely underplayed here but that doesn't take away how awkwardly sweet Misa and Suzuki were together. They were not intense or passion-filled but I felt it was the kind of chemistry that builds slowly, and it felt refreshing to me.
Considering they had 10 episodes to cover 16 episodes of content, it was excusable for me and didn't hinder my enjoyment but I wouldn't have minded a few more soft, emotional moments between them.
Moving to Antagonists, Reina really shone here. She was deceiving, unnervingly real and manipulative. All her actions stemmed from very humane emotions, from jealousy to entitlement to be treated better to insecurity. What I liked was that she didn't just exist to ruin things but she genuinely believed she was owed something and that entitlement colored everything red. She was the total opposite of Misa. Misa thrived on healing and growth, Reina on control and resentment throughout her life.
In the initial episodes, I felt they toned down her character compared to OG, but she brought the flair back.
As for SML Tomoya, he was hit and miss for me. Most of the time, he felt very airheaded and his presence was more of an unintentional comedic relief though there was nothing funny about him.
The antagonists and their issues were humane and while the drama acknowledged that, it didn't try to gloss it over with redemption! Sometimes when you don't change your ways, you learn the hard lesson of what goes around comes around!
Another thing that worked for me was the visuals. The cinematography and the colour palette of the whole drama were so pretty. Everything felt so calm and pleasing to the eyes. All the wide nature shots were beautiful. And of course, there was an umbrella moment. Lol, we needed that Korean touch.
Acting across the board was solid. Koshiba Fuka as Misa carried the drama effortlessly. She didn't overreact but every little shift in emotions was translated on the screen. Satoh Takeru as Wataru Suzuki was charming. We need him in more of those rich CEO roles in suits and those glasses. Though at times he felt a bit stiff, I felt that was how his character was. The rest of the supporting cast also brought good things to the table.
Overall, this was a really good and engaging watch. The pacing felt intentional, and the message of putting oneself forward and healing came through nicely. Though romance isn't the main focus here, it would definitely give you butterflies or two.
I would 100% recommend it.
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
If You Wish For It, Even The Rain Gives Way To The Sun..
This is one of the best dramas I have watched this year and I loved it.. I honestly can’t decide what I loved more, the actors or the story.. There’s just so much to appreciate here.. I would easily recommend this version over any of the other language adaptations.. The Korean version was good but it lacked someone like Satoh Takeru, a perfect actor who could carry the weight of the story alongside the FL.. Unfortunately I couldn’t finish the Korean version because I just couldn’t get past Na In Woo’s bland performance..Koshiba Fuka and Satoh Takeru delivered formidable performances.. Both vulnerable and magnetic.. Their chemistry is incredible, making us all root for their happiness.. Koshiba Fuka’s portrayal of Misa is especially captivating.. Showing her range as an actress and her ability to express so many emotions with subtlety.. It was honestly hard to believe it was the same person in the first episode.. Takeru’s portrayal of Wataru is equally remarkable.. A man determined to protect the person he loves when given a second chance..
One of the most memorable lines from the drama comes from the ML..
“I would be an unnamed extra… Not even in focus..
Just Student A, Interviewer B, Boss C..
A background extra with no lines..
I never would have been a part of her story...
Or so it seemed.. But on September 18, 2015, she jumped in out of nowhere.”
And he went from being an extra to the main character in her story..
I really wanted this drama to do well.. I was worried people might see it and think "Eh, just another remake / adaptation".. But it’s not that at all.. This is so much more and so much better.. This drama is elegant and there is a certain magic to the story.. I also liked that it got violent and bloody at the end.. After all they are fighting for her freedom, love and happiness..
It felt like the “Did my dad send you to me??” dialogue from The First Frost would have worked really well here.. They could have used it if you ask me..
The scene where the ML quietly takes her urn and leaves, just so he can take her to a place where she felt safe and loved, was heartbreaking.. The whole situation just made you feel so sad for the FL.. Her husband and best friend are arrested for her murder.. Her mother in law is being detained for insurance fraud and not a single person at the funeral stopped a literal stranger from walking away with her ashes.. How alone was she, really??
The supporting characters in this drama were excellent too.. Whether it was the sister or the colleague or even the friend.. They weren’t just there to elevate the main cast.. They also added so much to the story.. And Esaka Reina?? She was seriously obsessed and crossed some unsettling lines.. Splendid performance by Shiraishi Sei.. I also appreciated how nothing felt dragged out.. And there was no love triangle or unnecessary additions like the fiancee in the Korean version..
Overall, this drama had everything.. Even a satisfying, happy ending.. And I loved that ending.. Instead of the couple being portrayed as rich and powerful, we see the leads doing their best to live out their dreams.. Misa reopening her favorite dessert shop and Wataru going back to university.. They waited ten years to get married, probably because they were afraid of the side effects of altering the timeline too much.. Either way, I loved that proposal scene.. It was beautiful and showed two people truly in love..
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Take Charge of your life and throw away some trash, with the support of a dreamy man
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75I did not watch the Korean version nor the webtoon. Therefore, this review is only based on “Watashi no Otto to Kekkon Shite”.
For a drama that is about revenge and changing one’s destiny, it has quite a slice-of-life tone to it, than my initial expectation of a dramatic one. It’s not good or bad, but just an observation. From a slice-of-life perspective, this version of “Marry My Husband” is paced really well. There’s something about it that it’s not thrill-inducing dramatic, yet you couldn’t stop hitting the “Play Next Episode” button. This is a strength!
But we all know we’re sitting in front of my screen because of Satoh Takeru, right? It can’t be just me.. LOL. Of course, he does not disappoint. His first scene is already showing him handsomely in a nice tailored suit and sexy eyes (but I love his turtle neck sweater and long winter coat look more). His character gave off a very cool/cold persona at first, but he warms up and eventually, you see a much warmer and caring side of him. That’s all shown via Takeru’s excellent acting and micro expressions. But this is not about him only. Koshiba Fuka is the star of the show. From playing a cancer patient, to a submissive and yes girl, to one who takes charge of her destiny… Fuka was amazing in every way. She also makes her character so likable that you can’t help but root for her. Opposite her as her best friend is Reina, played by Shiraishi Sei. She was just as amazing in switching her faces. Honestly, I thought she would be a lot more psychotic and insane, but maybe the Japanese version has downplayed that into creepiness and a more subtle mental tone. As for our second male lead, he’s just a selfish jerk. I think it’s easy to hate him because (sorry), I don’t find the actor attractive. If he’s as good-looking and charismatic as Takeru, it might be more interesting.
I was also surprised as I watched the middle episodes, the word “romantic” pops up in my head. If you read my reviews, you know I LOVE romance. But this is not a drama about cute and fluffy scenes or grand love confessions. That’s just not the drama for it and I know, yet I found the interaction between the leads very romantic. I am not going to lie, I do want more hand-holding, hugging and maybe one or two more kisses. But even without all that, their conversations about her ‘scheme’, the time they spent together at work events, or just talking about how to eat grapes…all feel very intimate and romantic to me. You know what, that’s what they call chemistry between the leads. It’s not burning with fire, it’s not sweet and fluffy like cotton candy, but it’s comforting, reassuring and satisfying. ML is just there, any time FL needs him. No grand gesture, but always there to accompany and support her on demand.
Last but not the least, this is an interesting plot of revenge. You want your husband to marry your best friend to get out of this horrible marriage? Cool! In a way, it also reminded me of the C-drama “Scent of Time” (it’s good and underrated!). But is it about revenge, or just wanting to finally take charge of your life. Maybe it’s more about not thinking and living like a victim, but knowing that you can take responsibility and live a better life when you put your heart and mind to it. Be more confident in yourself, recognize those who really are your friends, and dump all the trash who’s holding you back. Revenge is just a byproduct of FL’s journey to take charge of her life.
I had a very enjoyable time watching “Watashi no Otto to Kekkon Shite”. I binged all 10 episodes on a Saturday and was engaged throughout. With great acting, the second-life ‘revenge’ plot intertwines seamlessly with the romance plot. I was satisfied and was not disappointed by the high expectations that I had. However, since ratings are very subjective, and for some reason I can’t quite give this more than 8.75 (not quite a solid 9 but close). Something is missing and I don’t know what that is.
Completed: 7/27/2025 Review #607
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Surprisingly an Amazing Drama
I read the webtoon before the K-drama came out, and I really liked the plot.The Kdrama was also pretty good, except the Jdrama definitely outshines it.
The significant differences between the two versions are:
1. The Kdrama's plot really focused on the revenge part of the story, while the Jdrama had a balance between romance and revenge.
2. The Jdrama had a lot of emotional and character depth that made it superior than the Kdrama, which-looking back now- had no significant depth in the plot or characters.
3. The Kdrama, like I said, focused heavily on the revenge part of the story- which is the whole plot of the drama. I have to say, with the revenge part, the Kdrama showed a BRUTAL and satisfying revenge. However, it doesn't mean that the Jdrama was any less satisfying. It was raw and emotional, unlike the Korean version, which was a "classic revenge" style.
4. I felt that the main leads' story in the Jdrama was much more heartwarming than the Kdrama. They had chemistry and the male lead wasn't written like a supporting character (like the Kdrama) and actually played a lot of role in the FL's life and revenge plot.
5. The Villains: Needless to say, the Korean version of the villains were absolute trash, which made the Kdrama's revenge even more satisfying. However, the Japanese version had an unexpected depth to them. I felt sad for Reina's story and her "becoming a villain" story. It shows how much attention the writers paid to each and every character.
6. I loved how the Jdrama was shot. It was shot beautifully, very different from how the Kdrama was shot. This reminds of me of The Glory as well, directed by Ahn Gil-ho- who is also the director of this Jdrama. It had this beauty and calmness in every shot and it felt warm.
7. The OST: Marry My Husband: Japan has the most banger OSTs I've ever heard! I remember watching the Korean version, but only one of the OSTs really stuck with me: Wounds of Time.
To conclude, I really liked the Jdrama. It's an overally 10/10 for me because I enjoyed it throughout. And though it had only 10 episodes, it was perfectly-paced, no-nonsense, and an overall excellent watch, unlike the Kdrama- which had 16 episodes- though it has it's own charm, I hated how the put filler characters in- like the fiancé and the parents. For 10 episodes, this drama didn't feel too rushed, or too slow, and had great character depth, including the villains! Within these episodes, it has no loopholes and 100% chemistry between the main leads.
LOVED IT!
Thank you for reading
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Amazing acting, impressive production, overall entertaining
**updated after finishing the drama**This was tightly paced and well done except for some blips in the later episodes. Overall the production value of this drama is so great.
I am loving this drama! Both leads are doing an outstanding job. I did watch the Korean version first and I do compare the storyline often, but I am also enjoying this version thoroughly. There are some minor changes (and we can anticipate more since this is only 10 episodes while original was 16) but changes so far works for the japanese adaptation.
I am a huge Satoh Takeru fan so I started this just for him but Koshiba Fuka has also done a good job. Even the second leads/villains are good so far.
The Soundtrack is also super fun and I am loving the Japenese/Korean collaboration with the director and music. Definitely gives the drama a different feel compared to typical jdramas.
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"Thank you for picking up my discarded trash" What a masterpiece!
✎ DISCLAIMER: This review is from the perspective of someone who didn't watch the original Korean version. So I won't be comparing it, and will only share how I felt watching it.At the beginning, I was reluctant to watch another time-travel drama as it can be complicated to understand sometimes. But Satoh Takeru, being the male lead, assured me to watch this. OMG, after watching it I was completely obsessed with the characters and the storyline. Honestly, it was so mentally, emotionally satisfying that I didn't want to let go. THE FIRST REMAKE that did not excite me to watch the original one. This is the version I only need.
𖤓 Storyline:
The storyline was fascinating. There was no way one could get bored or want to skip scenes. Every second of this drama was full of surprises and thrilling elements to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. Very intriguing and satisfying, but it was frustrating at times.
𖤓 Characters:
✦ Misa > Koshiba Fuka aka Misa as our main protagonist was phenomenal. Her realistic portrayal of the character Misa brought her to life. The way she changed herself to portray different phases, from misery, revenge to embracing her happiness, I was awestruck with her charm.
✦ Wataru > Satoh Takeru as Wataru was the best thing EVERRRR! His charming appearance, micro expressions, and acting were amazing. I mean, if you're signing up for a drama where he's the lead, it's rarely bad. Loved his character! He was a loving, caring person throughout Misa's journey who made her feel respected and cherished.
✦ Reina > What a vile character. She was so toxic that just a sight of her face was enough to make my blood boil. She made me wonder if she ever considered Misa as her friend. She was always jealous of her happiness and she wanted Misa to mirror her unhappiness. The actress, Shiraishi Sei, just nailed it. Her sudden expression changes, twitching lips, fake smile and with jealous eyes to portray this character just won my heart as a villain. I'm looking forward to her future work!
✦ Tomoya > Ah, this spineless scoundrel was hard to watch on screen. His aloof, mean face infuriated me. He never cared for Misa, only treated her as an emotional punching bag who'd tolerate his tantrums and wouldn't talk back. He deserved the misery.
Overall, it's a drama that will frustrate you and do a happy dance in the same episode and, as a result, your satisfaction level will increase at the end of it. So if you are looking for a drama that is energetic, full of twists and turns, then you should definitely check this out. Let me remind you that you are in for a wiiiild ride.
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Charming, great acting, an exciting journey!
Despite having watched the kdrama and knowing the entire plot, this was quite entertaining and fun to watch. That should speak for itself. The story moves pretty quickly right from episode 1 and also builds each character up quite well.Every actor performed well and personally I found the Japanese version quite charming. The female lead was quite impressive with the two different personalities she portrayed. The female in the negative role also performs exceptionally well. There are moments where you can feel her pain as well and what led to her being the way she is. This is important since not many villains get a backstory but it adds so many layers to a character and why they act the way they do.
So even if you have watched the Korean version, it's well worth your time to give this a shot as well. Plus it is always fun to see a woman stand up for herself and her happiness.
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Marry My Husband: from Korea to Japan, from (post)makjang to thriller
Truly another masterpiece and award-winning work from director Ahn Gil Ho, following Stranger (Secret Forest) and The Glory.The Korean version of Marry My Husband leans toward a post-makjang revenge story. Meanwhile, the Japanese version has a suspense/thriller undertone. It perfectly fits my taste and matches my expectations of director Ahn Gil Ho.
I think this is the first East Asian drama (K-drama, C-drama, or J-drama) in 2025 that, as it reached its final episodes, I watched with such intensity that I reflexively clapped—and even empathized with the villain.
The character design for each figure is excellent; every character has a clear motive and logic. The cinematography is both beautiful and thrilling, especially in the final episode.
Why did I sympathize with the villain? Because Marry My Husband (Japan) portrays so well the story of a "neglected" child.
Just like in Stranger, director Ahn Gil Ho explicitly shows the cycle of violence and crime. Reina, who was neglected; Tomoya, who was overly pampered within a patriarchal culture; and Wataru, whose opinions were constantly dismissed by his grandfather—all are roots of destructive traits in adulthood: being manipulative, narcissistic, and lacking courage. Only Misa was raised with love & kindness.
Unlike the Korean version which focuses on revenge & punishment, Marry My Husband (Japan) is about how humans “powerplay” with fate—including the fate of which family one is born into—so that we can still live as mature adults, living well & by virtue as human being. Or we just want to blame the situation how we live, then weaponize it to justify our bad & evil behaviour. We become similar toward someone we hate: the bad family. We become reflection of bad parents/grandparents. We dont fight, we dont change, & just maintain the evil cycle. And in that situation, we lose completely to fate powerplay.
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marry my husband : japan aka what an adaptation!!
when i started watching this dorama, i didn't think i'd end up loving it so much, perhaps even more than the korean adaptation. the japanese version had no business being THAT good. its creators took the original idea, gave it a cosy japanese coat and sent it into the world with a style. and iam glad they did!! the execution of the story feels raw yet fresh (plus there are no unnecessary twists at the end to make it confusing). character-wise, not only is misa incredibly badass and owns her story, she feels like a complex human being, and her synergy with wataru aka the greenest yearning man in the world, is top-notch!! the chemistry is sizzling and the vibes are immaculate. plus even the villains make sense the way they are portrayed, they let you understand their motivations without feeling any need to excuse their actions. and don't even get me started on the supporting cast, i love them so so so much (miku and yuto shipper for life)!!marry my husbad simply draws on the art of a good adaptation—it takes the original story and makes it its own thing while retaining the utmost respect. definitely worth the watch!!
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"When your dignity is trampled on, being angry is the right response"
It has been a long, long time since I’ve enjoyed a romance drama like I did Marry My Husband: Japan. I’ve not watched or read any of the other versions, so my review will be solely focused on this one. Koshiba Fuka and Satoh Takeru were delightful in the lead roles. While there was the supernatural element and business side, revenge and a modicum of suspense, the drama excelled in developing friendships and characters which I quite enjoyed.Kanbe Misa is suffering from terminal cancer and to add salt to the wound, her only family in the world turns out to be a traitorous best friend and a murderous husband. She wakes up to find herself 10 years prior, the only one aware of her time jump. In her second life, she keeps bumping into handsome “Noble Son” Suzuki Wataru. Faced with her empty life and disloyal loved ones, she has to scramble to figure out what is going on and even more, can she change her future?
Koshiba gave a wonderful performance as the doormat Misa and also as the woman whose courage and confidence begin to steadily grow. I found myself highly invested in her journey and emotions. At her core she was still the kind Misa, but also learned through Wataru that she’d been a trash magnet. It was okay to have a few thorns to ward off toxic trash. Slowly, she came to realize that there were good people around, people far more worthy of calling friends and that she was worthy of being theirs. Misa could be a dim bulb when it came to putting facts together, bless her heart. In the past her vision had been myopic. She’d not seen the gorgeous student who sat 10 feet from her every day in the park or on the many occasions at work. In the present, hints were dropped with the subtlety of a sledgehammer that she could not add up. While Misa developed a backbone and confronted problems head on, she also failed to use her words on occasion. Someone who had better communication skills…
… was the socially awkward Wataru, whose failure to be brave had led to disastrous consequences. Satoh was lovely as the secret science nerd. At first, I thought he was going to be one of those crass cold male leads, but his acerbic tongue was short-lived...thank goodness. Wataru refused to live with misunderstandings and asked the right questions to get everything out in the open. He was a bright green flag whose loyalty was unwavering. Like Misa, his brain wattage had a tendency to dim at times as well, but like her it made them relatable.
The supporting cast was a good crew. Shiraishi Sei as the sabotaging best friend and Yokoyama Yu as the useless adulterous husband were perfectly vile. Though the script tried to make them a tad sympathetic, the characters were awful in two lives which won them zero sympathy from me. They blamed all their problems on others, the opposite of Misa’s job of assuming the blame. I loved the friendships that developed between Miku, Sumiyoshi, Yotu, and Misa. They looked out for each other, comforted and bolstered each other, and celebrated the small wins in life along with the big ones. The changes in Misa’s life changed theirs for the better, too, showing that confidence and loyalty are contagious. Instead of living in misery many of the characters came to the conclusion that taking chances, even starting over when necessary, had the potential to lead to greater gains and happiness. Life is short, make the most of it!
Misa learned that not only had Reina and Tomoya been lying to her but that the far graver sin was that she had been lying to herself. The truth truly did set her free. And when changing the polarity of her magnet she became a treasure magnet, attracting love and true friendships. Not a bad thing when handsome, kind, Wataru (Satoh!) was around. The two little turtles might have been slow in the romance department but made the journey and scenery worthwhile.
29 July 2025
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Not Your Typical Revenge Drama: A Quiet Story About Healing and Second Chances
IF YOU’RE SKEPTICAL ABOUT JAPANESE DRAMAS OR WORRIED THIS WILL BE ANOTHER OVER-THE-TOP REVENGE TALE, WATASHI NO OTTO TO KEKKON SHITE MIGHT SURPRISE YOU.This compact 10-episode series isn’t about loud confrontations or cliché payback. Instead, it’s a subtle, introspective journey centered on self-growth, forgiveness, and the courage to take new chances in life.
A WINDOW INTO JAPANESE CULTURE:
The drama reflects the quiet emotional restraint often found in Japanese storytelling. It explores deep themes like regret, guilt, and personal change, not through explosive scenes, but through quiet conversations, small gestures, and meaningful silences. If you're new to J-dramas, this is a gentle, reflective introduction that balances emotional realism with cultural nuance.
ACTING:
The cast delivers nuanced performances that pull you in, especially the leads whose chemistry feels natural and restrained rather than forced. They carry the emotional weight with believable depth, no melodrama, just real human moments.
DIRECTING & VISUALS:
Director Ahn Gil-ho (The Glory) brings his signature subtlety here, using soft lighting and careful framing to create intimate, emotionally rich scenes. The visuals never distract; they enhance the mood, guiding you gently through the characters’ inner struggles.
SCRIPT & PACING:
With only 10 episodes, some plot elements get trimmed, and the story feels tight, sometimes almost too tight for deep emotional investment. But this brevity works in the show’s favor, making every scene count. The script smartly focuses on character development rather than convoluted twists.
SHORTCOMINGS:
The limited runtime means some storylines and character arcs get less development than they deserve, leaving a few threads feeling rushed or underexplored. If you prefer intense drama or complex plot twists, the pacing might come across as too quiet. Viewers who enjoy deeper immersion may also find it challenging to fully connect in such a short span.
WHY WATCH:
If you want a drama that’s more about healing than hurting, more about quiet courage than loud revenge, and if you appreciate thoughtful storytelling wrapped in beautiful visuals and strong acting, give this a chance. It’s a breather from typical tropes and a reminder that sometimes, growth is the best kind of payoff.
QUICK TAKE: Highly recommended if you want something compact, emotionally honest, and quietly powerful without the usual drama fireworks. Actual rating: 8.5, bumped up to a 9 because this is how you wrap up a story right.
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❤ 私の夫と結婚して❤
This is one of the best dramas I have watched this year and I really loved it. The protagonist Kanbe Misa who is too kind and always puts others first believes in her best friend and husband to continues to do her best but she loses her life due to their betrayal. In the first life she loses her life through death of her friend and husband who betrated her with the worst scenario. One day she suddenly realizes that she has traveled back in time to 10 years ago, she wakes up and re-lives the second life which then she plans a revenge into her friend and ex-husband. She then meets her work manager Suzuki Wataru who she falls in love with but he has known her since a little kid. He has taken care of the turtle [ kamekichi ] which is the first friend of kanbe-san. Suzuki bucho has always been next to Kanbe-san for a long time and in the end they finally get married ❤❤❤Was this review helpful to you?
