Akari Watanabe
Akari Watanabe |
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| Kanji: | 渡辺 星 |
| Romaji | Watanabe Akari |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 19 |
| Birthday: | December 25 |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Saori Ōnishi |
| English: | Lindsay Sheppard |
Akari Watanabe (渡辺 星, Watanabe Akari), is the main female protagonist of the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers (Fūfu Ijō, Koibito Minam) manga and anime series. Akari is a Gyaru with a distinctive and confident personality who finds herself paired with Jirō Yakuin in the Marriage Practical—an activity at their school designed to help students understand the responsibilities and dynamics of marriage. Her initial goal during this training was to be paired with Minami Tenjin, and she aimed to act as a perfect newlywed with Jirō as a stepping stone for that goal.
However, after spending significant time with Jirō, Akari’s feelings evolve, and she unexpectedly develops genuine affection for him. Over time, Akari transitions from seeing Jirō as just a partner in a school activity to truly falling in love with him, and she prioritizes being with him as a real couple. This shift from a planned goal to authentic love is a central aspect of her character arc.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Akari Watanabe is a Gyaru, a subculture associated with a fashionable and confident appearance, and her personality mirrors her external appearance assertive, self-assured, and stylish. Initially, she participates in the Marriage Practical with the goal of being partnered with Minami Tenjin, a popular and attractive classmate, hoping to become the ideal newlywed for the training. Akari’s goal is driven by her desire to impress Minami and achieve social validation through the marriage simulation.
However, as she spends more time with Jirō Yakuin, her initial goals begin to shift. Her relationship with Jirō becomes more than just a school activity as she finds herself genuinely attracted to him. After experiencing rejection from Minami and growing closer to Jirō, Akari begins to see him in a new light, ultimately deciding that she wants to be with him, not just as a newlywed in a school simulation, but as a real couple.
Appearance
Akari Watanabe’s appearance is strongly influenced by the Gyaru subculture, which is known for bold, fashionable styles and distinctive makeup. She often wears bright, eye-catching clothing and styled hair, embodying a confident, lively personality. Her look contrasts with Jirō’s more understated and reserved appearance, highlighting the differences in their personalities.
Akari’s appearance reflects her outgoing and assertive nature, with her bold style matching her character’s dynamic and energetic persona. She is often seen with bright, expressive eyes and a smile that conveys her confidence. As the series progresses and her feelings for Jirō grow, Akari’s facial expressions shift from being playful and mischievous to more genuine and affectionate, showing the depth of her emotional growth.
Personality
Akari Watanabe is a confident, independent, and outgoing individual. Her initial personality traits align with the Gyaru subculture: she is assertive, energetic, and unafraid to stand out in a crowd. She is used to getting attention and is determined to impress those around her, especially in the context of the Marriage Practical, where she initially views the experience as an opportunity to build a perfect image of herself with Minami Tenjin.
However, as the story unfolds, Akari’s personality evolves. While she still retains her confidence and spirit, she begins to show a more vulnerable side as she develops genuine feelings for Jirō. Her relationship with him helps her move past her initial superficial goals and discover the real value of companionship and love.
Akari’s shift in feelings is a significant aspect of her development, as she transitions from being focused on impressing others to pursuing a meaningful connection with Jirō. This emotional growth is central to her character arc, and her self-awareness and genuine affection for Jirō gradually replace her original, more self-centered goals.
Role in the Story
The Marriage Practical: Akari is assigned Jirō Yakuin as her partner in the school’s marriage practical program. Initially disappointed, she decides to fake a good partnership to increase her compatibility score, aiming to eventually switch to her crush, Minami.
A Shift in Perspective: Despite their opposite personalities, Akari and Jirō gradually begin to understand each other. Akari starts to enjoy their time together and feels truly seen by Jirō in ways Minami never made her feel. After being gently rejected by Minami, Akari’s emotional focus shifts fully to developing a genuine relationship with Jirō.
From Practice to Real Feelings: Akari struggles with her growing affection, battling jealousy, doubt, and her own previous goals. Eventually, she embraces her feelings and begins to pursue Jirō earnestly, not for the sake of the program, but out of real love.
Relationships
Jirō Yakuin: Her assigned marriage partner and eventual love interest. Though they initially clash, Akari gradually grows attached to Jirō’s honesty, reliability, and kindness. Their relationship evolves from strategic teamwork to a heartfelt, if awkward, romance.
Minami Tenjin: Akari’s initial crush and the reason she joined the marriage practical with enthusiasm. Though she harbored romantic feelings for him early on, Minami’s rejection serves as a turning point in her development, allowing her to move on and realize her true feelings for Jirō.
Shiori Sakurazaka: Jirō’s childhood friend and romantic rival. Akari’s interactions with Shiori are respectful but emotionally tense, especially as she begins to see Shiori as a serious threat to her hopes of forming a real couple with Jirō.