Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all well. Today, I’m diving into the series We Married as a Job, a delightful exploration of a contract marriage that gradually blossoms into a genuine relationship, challenging preconceived notions about love and partnerships.
We Married as a Job aired for the first time on October 11, 2016, on TBS, delivering a total of 11 episodes, each lasting around 46 minutes. This romantic comedy, inspired by Tsunami Umino’s manga and featuring the talents of Yui Aragaki and Gen Hoshino, became a significant cultural hit in Japan. It sparked discussions on modern relationships, work, and gender dynamics. The series, also recognized as “The Full-Time Wife Escapist” or by its Japanese title “Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu,” is now accessible on several global streaming platforms.
This show spins a unique tale where marriage is a pragmatic agreement, offering solutions to personal dilemmas. We Married as a Job stands out with its insightful look at how true emotions can emerge in unconventional setups, while tackling current issues like joblessness, societal pressures, and evolving relationships in contemporary Japan.
Mikuri’s Transformation: From Jobless to Empowered
The narrative revolves around 25-year-old Moriyama Mikuri, portrayed by Yui Aragaki, an unemployed graduate feeling aimless after losing her temporary position. When she takes on the role of housekeeper for 36-year-old bachelor Hiramasa Tsuzaki, their arrangement morphs into a contract marriage proposal. We Married as a Job expertly depicts Mikuri’s journey from feeling invisible to realizing her own worth and strength through this atypical partnership.
Mikuri Moriyama: The Core of Practical Love
Yui Aragaki delivers an enchanting performance as Mikuri, embodying the character’s mix of practicality and vulnerability with genuine finesse. As the series progresses, we witness Mikuri maneuvering through a relationship initially rooted in pragmatism but gradually deepening into something more profound. Her journey touches on themes of self-esteem, autonomy, and the bravery to chase personal happiness, making her story both relatable and motivational.
Hiramasa: The Quiet Innovator
Gen Hoshino shines as Hiramasa Tsuzaki, a socially awkward systems engineer who suggests the contract marriage for mutual benefit. Their relationship unfolds with sincerity and authenticity, steering clear of typical romantic drama tropes, and instead highlights genuine compatibility and respect. We Married as a Job excels in illustrating how real partnership can arise from unexpected scenarios, with each small moment of connection feeling meaningful and deserved.
When Pretend Turns Into Reality
The series reaches its most rewarding emotional peaks when both characters recognize their feelings have surpassed the initial contract. These crucial episodes display We Married as a Job at its finest, showcasing the gradual growth of love through everyday kindness, understanding, and shared moments. The show adeptly captures the transition from a practical partnership to authentic emotional closeness, crafting some of the most touching romantic moments in Japanese television.
Triumph on TBS
We Married as a Job became a cultural sensation in Japan, lauded for its novel approach to romance and its thoughtful analysis of modern societal issues. The show’s 46-minute episodes skillfully blend romantic comedy with deeper social insights, ensuring it is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. With remarkable chemistry between Yui Aragaki and Gen Hoshino, We Married as a Job successfully redefined traditional romantic tales while presenting a narrative that is innovative yet timeless.
Your Next Heartwarming Find
For those who enjoy unconventional romances paired with insightful social commentary, We Married as a Job is an ideal series to binge on streaming platforms. It offers a delightful mix of gentle humor, genuine relationship development, and an optimistic romance that will renew your belief in finding love in unexpected places.
Why This Show Redefines Love
We Married as a Job shows that the most exquisite love stories can grow slowly and authentically. This series provides a refreshing view on contemporary relationships, celebrating both personal growth and partnership, making it essential viewing for anyone who believes in love that thrives on true understanding and respect.
Series Information
Number of Episodes: 11 episodes (1 season, completed, with a 2021 special)
Platform: TBS (available on Viki, Crunchyroll, and other streaming services)
Release/End Year: 2016
Current IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Status: Completed series with special episode
Protagonists: Yui Aragaki (Mikuri Moriyama), Gen Hoshino (Hiramasa Tsuzaki)
Antagonist: Social expectations, employment struggles, personal insecurities