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Episode 1 of 365 Days to the Wedding delivers a delightful introduction to an unconventional romance between two socially awkward coworkers, Rika Honjouji and Takuya Oohara. The pair agrees to a fake marriage in a bid to avoid being transferred to a new work branch, setting the stage for an engaging story filled with humour, social tension, and the complexities of adult life. This first episode captures the awkwardness and charm of two people forced to navigate a strange situation, hinting at a blossoming romance wrapped in comedic misunderstandings.

365 Days to the Wedding Episode 1 is available here on Crunchyroll.

“Takuya and Rika are quiet loners who work at a travel agency in Tokyo. A new branch office is opening in Alaska, and some unlucky unmarried employee will have to run it. Could a fake marriage between two virtual strangers be a way to avoid the transfer?” ~ Crunchyroll

365 Days to the Wedding Episode 1 – Why Don’t We Get Married?

I love how we get both Takuya Oohara’s and Rika Honjouji’s inner thoughts. Takuya is a bit reserved and calm, but he struggles with self-esteem and uncertainty about how well he’s navigating adulthood. He takes his time before responding to things, and this makes him seem unsure. He gets flustered and frantic every time he catches Rika staring—or possibly glaring—at him.

Rika’s reflection in the window as she reflects on herself is such a classic anime moment, but I still appreciate it. You can hear in her voice that she feels bad for scaring Takuya. I sympathise with her; she just happens to have an RBF (resting b-face). Her love for maps is beautiful, and I enjoy how anime often explores characters’ hobbies like this. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind being sent to Alaska! It’s unfair that only unmarried employees are considered for the transfer.

A cat is a very valid reason not to be ‘forced’ into a work transfer abroad, and with Takuya’s personality, I doubt he’ll be chosen to go to Alaska anyway. However, marrying just to avoid being transferred is ridiculous—especially as I’m in the middle of planning my own wedding! This is not a good reason to get married.

If mosquitoes in Alaska are as monstrous as they say, I might reconsider my excitement. That said, I absolutely adore the cat, Kama. I fully understand Takuya’s desire to quit his job for his cat, though he should probably have another job lined up first. It’s a drastic decision, but I get it. I love that the series gives us Kama’s backstory. Poor thing was bullied by other cats!

I had a feeling Rika would be the one to propose. Takuya didn’t have it in him. However, Rika’s proposal was impulsive too. They’re pretending, but we all know how these things go—it won’t stay pretend for long. Now we get to enjoy watching them evolve from awkward colleagues to a real couple. My only request, please be a healthy pairing and please be toe-curlingly sweet. Just realised I am only 10 minutes into episode one.

The flaw in their plan is obvious—they both work for the same company. The company might see this as a bargain and send both of them since there are no children to consider.

Rika seriously underestimates how much people love office gossip—especially when it involves the quiet ones. I don’t think they’ll be able to just ‘run down the clock’. I bet they’ll actually have to go through with a real wedding, and I can’t wait to see their reaction at work. Do it for the cat!

I love how supportive their boss, Asako Kurikawa, is of their relationship. She’s genuinely happy for them, and I’m excited to see how the news spreads around the office. The phone call asking for work documents? I knew something was up. The engagement party with their colleagues was such a sweet gesture. Their collective panic was perfect. They’re not ready for all the questions coming their way. Their boss is suspicious, but of the wrong thing, and I’m living for the chaos. So many assumptions about a shotgun wedding! Getting drunk to cope with a social situation—relatable, but probably not the best choice.

Rika is contributing far more to their fake backstory than I expected. When Takuya asks to be involved in crafting their lie, it was a touching moment. The speed with which they get the rings is intense. I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes up with for his proposal line. They’re already leaning towards each other, and all the blushing is adorable.

I’m glad Takuya feels the weight of those four words: “Will you marry me?” It should be meaningful, not just something you say casually.

The episode beautifully captures the awkwardness and anxieties of navigating social situations, especially when faced with a sudden and unexpected life change. Despite their initial hesitation, Takuya and Rika’s journey towards a pretend marriage promises to be filled with heartwarming moments and endearing discoveries.

Characters in this episode:

Takuya is reserved, and calm, and spends a lot of time overthinking his responses. This characteristic makes him instantly relatable, though not immediately captivating, as his cautious personality doesn’t give him much confidence or dynamism.

Rika, on the other hand, is more complex. While she’s outwardly calm, her “resting face” unintentionally intimidates Takuya, and she’s aware of it, leading to a sense of melancholy. Yet, her passion for maps adds a charming, personal touch, making her more intriguing as the episode progresses. Her impulsive decision to propose the fake marriage is a standout moment, revealing that despite her introspective tendencies, she can take bold action when needed.

Their boss, Asako Kurikawa, is another notable character. Her genuine enthusiasm for their relationship is both heartwarming and funny, adding a layer of external pressure that creates comedic tension. The minor character Kama, Takuya’s cat, also manages to capture attention. His history of being picked on by other cats adds an adorable touch to the narrative and subtly builds empathy for Takuya’s decision-making.

Final thoughts on 365 Days to the Wedding Episode 1:

This episode introduces several key themes, including societal expectations and the lengths people go to avoid them. The idea of getting married to avoid work transfer showcases a comical yet relatable take on the pressures of adulthood and commitment. It critiques how some people make significant life decisions—like marriage—based on convenience rather than love.

The episode also cleverly plays with the theme of perception versus reality. Takuya and Rika both deal with being misunderstood: Takuya for being quiet and introverted, and Rika for her unintentional coldness due to her expression. These traits not only set up their personal growth but also hint at the potential for future character development, as they must navigate not just their fake marriage but also how they see themselves and each other.

The cat, Kama, becomes a subtle symbol of personal attachment and responsibility. His presence and backstory elevate Takuya’s motivation for staying in Japan, demonstrating that small, personal reasons often drive big decisions.

The episode promises a fun and potentially heartwarming series as the pair navigate office gossip, personal growth, and, hopefully, a healthy romantic relationship. With likable characters, a unique premise, and adorable touches like Kama the cat, this anime is off to a promising start.

Episode 1 of 365 Days to the Wedding successfully sets the foundation for a romantic comedy filled with awkward interactions, misunderstandings, and slow-burning character development. The initial plan for a pretend marriage is an obvious setup for deeper feelings, and viewers will likely be rooting for these two socially inept characters to eventually fall in love for real.

Recap of Key Points in this episode:

• Both Takuya and Rika are socially awkward and struggle with communication.
• The story introduces their plan to pretend to be engaged to avoid a work transfer.
• The episode highlights their inner thoughts, adding depth to their personalities.
• Office gossip is already brewing, and their fake engagement will likely face complications.
• The cat, Kama, plays a significant emotional role in Takuya’s decision-making.
• The groundwork is laid for what will likely evolve from a pretend relationship into something real.

Questions I have that have not been answered:

• Will Takuya and Rika’s plan of pretending to be engaged backfire at work, especially with their boss already spreading the news?
• How will their relationship evolve from a fake marriage to something more genuine?
• What further challenges will arise from their decision to lie to their coworkers, and how will they handle it?
• Will we see more of Kama’s influence on their decisions and relationship?
• How will Takuya handle the growing pressure of maintaining their lie?

What are your thoughts on the final 365 Days to the Wedding Episode 1?

Episode Quotes:

“I was considering how to respond.” – Takuya

“Going out in public doesn’t interest me at all.” – Rika

“I’m sorry for always being unsociable.” – Takuya