The Japanese remake of the popular Korean drama “Marry My Husband“ has taken the spotlight, with many viewers and critics praising it for its deeper emotional storytelling and refined performances. The series, titled “Watashi no Otto to Kekkon Shite”, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on June 27, 2025, and has quickly gained global attention for its unique take on the original story.
What Is “Marry My Husband” About?
The story follows Kobe Misa (played by Kojima Fuka), a terminally ill woman who discovers her husband and best friend betraying her. After her tragic death, she wakes up 10 years in the past and decides to change her fate by making her husband marry her former best friend. Along the way, she meets Suzuki Wataru (played by Sato Takeru), a reserved executive who becomes her unexpected ally.
The Korean version, released in January 2024, starred Park Min-young and Na In-woo and was based on a hit web novel and webtoon. While it was successful, some viewers felt the second half of the story had weak plot points. The Japanese remake fixes these issues with tighter pacing and stronger character development.
Key Differences Between the Korean and Japanese Versions
- More Emotional Depth
The Japanese version focuses more on the emotional struggles of the characters. Unlike the Korean male lead, who was cheerful, Sato Takeru’s character is quiet and carries emotional baggage, making his journey more compelling. - Better Pacing and Less Filler
The Korean drama had 16 episodes, while the Japanese version is 10 episodes long, cutting unnecessary scenes and keeping the story focused. - Cultural Adjustments
The Japanese remake includes subtle cultural elements, like scenes where characters bond over wagashi (Japanese sweets) and symbolic turtle-shaped desserts representing fate. - Stronger Female Lead
Kojima Fuka’s performance has been praised for showing a more natural transformation from a weak victim to a confident woman compared to Park Min-young’s version. - More Intimidating Villains
The Japanese antagonists—the cheating husband (Yokoyama Yu) and the backstabbing best friend (Shiraishi Sei)—are seen as more threatening than their Korean counterparts.
Why Fans Love the Japanese Version More
Many fans on social media have called the Japanese remake “better than the original”, praising its mature storytelling and strong acting.
“Y’ALLLL #MarryMyHusband Japan is SO FREAKING GOOD!!!!! It’s sooo well-executed imo, the tension is THERE, the annoying people are THERE, the romance is THERE, and the YEARNING??? gimme more!”
“not to be that person but i find japanese version of #MarryMyHusband so much better than the korean one.. and takeru satoh being the main lead is like cherry on top”
“The Japanese version has depth, warmth and that typical jdorama calmness to it. The Korean version felt like a screaming contest coupled with a fashion show.”
How the Remake Was Developed
The Japanese version was not just a simple remake but a new adaptation of the original web novel. The production team, including director Ahn Gil-ho (known for Netflix’s “The Glory”) and screenwriter Oshima Satomi, worked closely to adjust the story for Japanese audiences.
During a press conference, director Ahn Gil-ho shared his surprise at how Japanese dramas handle conflicts differently:
“I was surprised when I saw how extramarital affairs are depicted in Japanese dramas. The husband, mistress, and wife sat down and talked calmly over tea. Director Ahn and I were stunned. We wondered, ‘Why isn’t anyone slapping anyone?’ That kind of restrained emotional expression felt very Japanese.”
Cast and Characters
- Kojima Fuka as Kobe Misa – A woman who gets a second chance at life.
- Sato Takeru as Suzuki Wataru – A lonely executive who falls for Misa.
- Yokoyama Yu as the cheating husband.
- Shiraishi Sei as the betraying best friend.
How the Remake Boosted the Original’s Popularity
The success of the Japanese version has led to a surge in viewership for the Korean original. On Amazon Prime Japan, both versions are now ranking in the top two spots, showing how much interest the remake has generated.
Final Thoughts
With its stronger emotional depth, better pacing, and standout performances, the Japanese “Marry My Husband” has proven that remakes can sometimes surpass the original. Fans of the Korean version are encouraged to watch this new take, as it offers a fresh and more refined experience.
Also read: Marry My Husband Japan Final Episodes 9 And 10 Release Date And What To Expect From The Ending
Credits: Sources include IMDb, Wikipedia, Korea JoongAng Daily, and social media reactions.
