First Impressions of Their Marriage/Shiawasena Kekkon

Abe Sadao and Matsu Takako starring in Their Marriage

Netflix has just launched the premiere episode of a new J-drama called Their Marriage (しあわせな結婚/Shiawasena Kekkon), which is broadcast on Japan's TV Asahi Network.

It's always exciting to see Netflix introducing currently airing Japanese TV shows to a broader audience. Now, let's dive into the show!

Refreshingly, the series is a "marriage suspense" family drama that delves into the complexities of love between a husband and wife. It stars Sadao Abe as Kotaro Harada, a 50-year-old single lawyer, and Takako Matsu as Nerura Suzuki, a 45-year-old mysterious high school art teacher.

Kotaro Harada is a successful and well-known lawyer, having won high-profile cases and appearing on TV. Despite his public persona, he lives a solitary life after his parents' deaths, enjoying his own company and never truly falling in love, even though many women are attracted to him.

One day, Kotaro experiences a sudden physical ailment that lands him in the ICU, facing a life-or-death situation. This harrowing experience makes him feel anxiety and loneliness for the first time. During his hospitalization, he has a chance encounter with Nerura Suzuki in an elevator. She's a quiet, unemotional woman who rarely smiles, living with her father, younger brother, and uncle after her mother's passing.

Kotaro is inexplicably drawn to Nerura's mysterious charm, and in a surprising turn of events, they decide to get married suddenly. Kotaro embarks on his newlywed life, moving into the same apartment building as Nerura's family.

However, Nerura is hiding a serious secret from Kotaro. The series then unfolds as Kotaro, now a husband and a lawyer, begins to learn this secret, leading to sleepless nights and a questioning of the true nature of their love and marriage.

Based on the first episode, the drama will explore the shocking truths that lie beneath their seemingly happy newlywed life.

First of all, the show looks incredible. I am always a sucker for the clean, minimal "Japan" cinematography, and this show hits the spot. You can tell this is flag flagship show for a television studio.

I initially assumed this show would focus more on comedy since it begins with a quirky and humorous vibe. However, as episode 1 unfolds, the tone shifts significantly, becoming much darker and evolving into a full-fledged thriller. This transition is remarkably refreshing to witness.

I must admit, it's strange to see Sadao Abe in a more serious role, particularly since most of his globally available content is more comedic and entertaining.

In general, I've been pleasantly surprised and will certainly keep watching to see how this develops.