My Happy Marriage, an anime set in historical times, follows the journey of Miyo Saimori, a young woman who has experienced pain and hardship throughout her life. Born into a loveless marriage, she endures the loss of her mother and the arrival of a stepmother and stepsister, leaving her far from happiness.
Due to her unfortunate circumstances, Miyo has become adept at accepting misfortune, feeling like a worthless servant because she lacks the family's psychic abilities. When she is married off to Kiyoka Kudou, a military captain believed to be cruel, Miyo accepts her fate and prepares for a life of more suffering. However, unexpected moments of happiness await her in this marriage, much to her own delight and the joy of fans of this historical romance anime. If you enjoy My Happy Marriage, here are ten other romance anime that you might also enjoy.
10 Bibliophile Princess
Elianna Bernstein, known as the Bibliophile Princess, is in a similar situation as Miyo Saimori, as she also faces an arranged marriage. Growing up in a noble family renowned for their love of books, Elianna's childhood was immersed in literature and reading.
Christopher Selkirk Asherald, who holds the title of the kingdom's crown prince, presents Elianna with the opportunity to become his wife. Tempted by the promise of uninterrupted reading time, she agrees to the proposal, without anticipating any feelings of love or romance. However, her connection with Christopher turns out to be more profound than she could have ever imagined.
9 Code: Realize - Guardian of Rebirth
In Guardian of Rebirth, Cardia Beckford shares a similar suffering to Miyo Saimori, albeit for a different reason. Her memories are hazy, with only glimpses of her father and childhood home lingering in her mind. Living in her town, she is feared and scorned as a monster due to the Horologium, a buried treasure within her heart that causes her skin to turn destructive upon contact.
As the Horologium is highly sought after, Cardia finds herself held captive by the British Military. However, her fortunes take a turn when the thief, Arsène Lupin, comes to her aid. He not only rescues her but also embarks on a journey together, leading Cardia towards self-discovery and the blossoming of love.
8 Romeo x Juliet
Similar to Miyo Saimori, the female protagonist in this narrative, Juliet Fiammata Asto Capulet endures tragedy and sorrow from a tender age when her noble family is ruthlessly overpowered and slain by the Montague clan. Subsequently, Juliet is raised by loyalists and transforms into a vigilante, devoted to safeguarding the townsfolk.
Unaware of Romeo Candorebanto Montague's true identity and his lineage, Juliet encounters him and they are captivated by one another's kindness and charm, falling deeply in love. However, their journey together has merely commenced, for their love is destined to confront numerous tribulations.
7 Emma: A Victorian Romance
This historical romance anime created by Pierrot shares numerous similarities with My Happy Marriage. The story revolves around Emma, a long-time maid who finds fulfillment in her work and adores her kind-hearted retired governess, Kelly Stownar. Unfazed by the admiring glances from numerous men, Emma yearns for something greater.
Her desire comes to fruition when she encounters William, the newly elevated member of an esteemed family. Introduced to Emma through Kelly Stownar, William and Emma develop a profound love for each other. However, their relationship must confront the obstacles posed by societal divisions and class disparity.
6 My Daddy Long Legs
Set in a historical backdrop, this romantic comedy anime from Nippon Animation delves into the complex dynamics of social class. Our protagonist, Jerusha 'Judy' Abbot, resides in New York and leads an orphaned life. However, her fortunes turn when she is granted a scholarship by a mysterious benefactor known as 'Daddy Long Legs', whom she has never seen apart from his towering silhouette. Accepted into a prestigious all-girls school, she maintains a correspondence with her enigmatic sponsor through monthly letters. Along her high school path, Judy forms connections with Sallie McBride and Julia Pendleton, embarking on a journey brimming with countless experiences and unexpected romance.
5 Taisho Otome Fairy Tale
After surviving a car accident that tragically claims his mother's life and leaves him with a disabled right hand, Tamahiko Shima decides to isolate himself in the mountains, driven by his family's proud background and a desire to avoid further shame.
However, his solitude is unexpectedly interrupted when Yuzuki Tachibana arrives, fulfilling a promise made by his father to provide him with a wife. Despite being sold to settle her own family's debts, Yuzuki remains devoted to Tamahiko and cares for him with unwavering dedication. While their bond is rooted in duty and unfortunate circumstances, it doesn't mean that there isn't room for love to blossom between them.
4 TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You
Nasa Yuzaki, the main character in this Seven Arcs story, has a promising future ahead of him. With multiple plans in mind, he is determined to make them a reality. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a captivating woman on the street who instantly captures his heart.
In his attempt to approach her, he is involved in a serious accident that brings him close to death. Thankfully, the mysterious woman comes to his rescue, saving his life, and she becomes a part of his life. However, he refuses to let her slip away after coming so far, and she sets forth her condition: only through marriage can he have her.
3 Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
The story centers on Sawako Kuronuma, a misunderstood girl often likened to Sadako from The Ring. From her secluded world, she develops a yearning for Shouta Kazehaya, the popular boy in her class.
Throughout the narrative, Sawako displays an unparalleled sense of optimism and undergoes a profound transformation. As Kazehaya enters her life, her presence in his life also brings about positive changes, leading to a gratifying and gradual blossoming of their romance.
2 Maid Sama!
Misaki Ayuzawa, often referred to as the 'Demon President', has become the target of negative sentiments from her male-dominated school, Seika High School, due to her strict and hardworking nature. As the first female student council president in the school's history, Misaki's position is met with both admiration and criticism.
However, an unexpected bond forms between Misaki and Takumi Usui, a popular boy at Seika High. Takumi has discovered Misaki's well-guarded secret, her employment at a maid cafe, which poses a threat to her reputation. Intrigued by this revelation, Takumi starts visiting the cafe frequently, further deepening their unlikely connection.
1 Spice and Wolf
In contrast to the realistic approach of My Happy Marriage, Spice and Wolf embraces a fantastical world where the protagonists, Kraft Lawrence and the wolf deity Holo, share an inseparable bond. Set in a medieval setting, the story revolves around Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, as they navigate through economic and political obstacles. However, their extraordinary connection takes on unforeseen depths and brings about unexpected transformations, diverging from their initial individual aspirations, such as Lawrence's dream of establishing his own shop.