The marriage where cheating isn't betrayal—it's house rules. Until the wife wants back in.
69 minSeason 1 • Episode 7
LatestIchiko and Otoya decide they want to have a baby. They start fertility treatments, but the stress and repeated failures take a toll on Ichiko. She finally confesses to Otoya that she is unable to picture a future with him without children, so they decide to get a divorce. Months later, the sudden death of Ichiko's mother unexpectedly brings her ex-husband back to her side.
Ichiko and Otoya are happily married, despite not having sex for the last two years. The secret to their happiness is Otoya's affair with Mitsuki, which Ichiko approves. Everything is going well until Otoya rejects Ichiko's advances on the night of their seventh anniversary. In shock, Ichiko seeks advice from her friend who suggests she exercise her right to have a boyfriend of her own.
Acting
Takahata's micro-expressions during rejection scenes are devastating.
Writing
Manga adaptation that keeps the messy ambiguity, no easy answers.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Japan's 'sexless marriage' phenomenon (estimated 47% of married couples) makes this less provocative and more documentary there. The show sparked debate about whether it romanticizes or critiques consensual non-monogamy.
Director Imaizumi deliberately cast Okada against type—his 'nice guy' image from romance films makes Otoya's cowardice hit harder. The seventh anniversary timing isn't random; seven-year itch, but make it contractual.
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