I wouldn’t say “don’t watch this,” but I do believe “365 Days to the Wedding” sets up expectations it doesn’t fully meet. The initial episodes suggest the characters will be unique and decently well-developed. And while I wouldn’t call them generic, the anime has its fair share of flaws. To help you decide if this is worth your time, I’ll break down the issues before delving into its strengths.
Here’s the main list of problems:
• Melodrama
• Slow Pacing & Lack of Character Development
• A Weird and Goofy Premise
Here’s the main list of what's good:
• The Characters
• The Romance
• Great Ending
Let’s start with the issues:
1. Melodrama:
One of the most glaring issues is the overuse of melodrama. While some tension is expected given the story’s setup—two introverts faking a relationship to avoid being transferred abroad—it quickly becomes overwhelming. Rika and Takuya, as quiet, introspective characters, naturally lend themselves to moments of internal and external conflict. However, the drama is so exaggerated that it feels relentless. Nearly every episode features anxiety-driven misunderstandings or situations that threaten to break them up, over and over again.
This constant cycle of “Will they split up?” becomes tiresome, especially since the anime is not marketed as a full-blown drama. The original manga handled these themes with more subtlety, and the heightened dramatics here seem more like a ploy to keep viewers hooked rather than an organic extension of the story. The result? A show that’s often more exhausting than engaging.
2. Slow Pacing & Lack of Character Development:
The pacing compounds the problem. Too much time is spent on the repetitive “should they break up?” drama, leaving little room for meaningful character development. Episodes are bogged down with internal monologues and melodramatic moments, which limits opportunities for Rika and Takuya to grow as individuals or as a couple.
By the end of the series, it’s hard not to feel like their relationship lacks substance. The anime rarely delves into their personal thoughts or shared experiences that could help viewers understand their bond. What could have been a heartfelt exploration of two introverts finding comfort and connection in one another instead feels superficial. The show desperately needed more moments of genuine interaction and mutual growth to strengthen the core relationship.
3. A Weird and Goofy Premise:
Finally, the premise itself is odd—almost laughable. The idea that a company would threaten employees with transfers to remote locations like Alaska unless they are married seems absurd. While this might reflect a heightened, more comical, version of corporate culture in Japan, it’s still hard to take seriously.
Moreover, the fact that no one at their company questions this setup or resigns en masse is equally ridiculous. It’s clear the premise exists as a plot device to kickstart the story, but it stretches believably to its breaking point. Instead of grounding the narrative, it undermines it, leaving the whole setup feeling contrived and somewhat lazy.
Onto the Good:
1. The Characters:
When the focus shifts from drama to characterization, the anime truly shines. These are the moments when Rika and Takuya come alive as characters. When their backstories, hobbies, and personalities are explored, the depth and charm of their relationship start to show.
Rika’s love of maps and Takuya’s collection of spices from around the world add layers to their personalities, making them somewhat relatable (In their odd way). These moments of personal expression are when the anime is at its best, offering glimpses of what could have been a much better narrative if the anime did this more often.
2. The Romance:
The romance, despite its uneven execution, is one of the stronger aspects. While I disliked the long stretches between romantic moments, the connection between Rika and Takuya feels authentic when the anime delves into their shared interests and quirks.
Their relationship showcases how people with unique and sometimes odd hobbies can bond, creating moments of genuine development. When they show each other how they have fun or share what they collect, it highlights their growth as a couple.
3. The Ending:
The ending is really good, and ends the anime perfectly. By far the best episode in the entire anime, and definitely showcases how good this anime can be when it has good pacing and great character development, which closes this anime out nicely.
365 Days to the Wedding is still a somewhat mixed bag. It has potential, but the overblown drama, slow pacing, and weak character development hold it back. If you’re willing to overlook its flaws for the unique premise and moments of charm, its still worth a watch.
7/10, I personally enjoyed it, even with the problems, but it really depends on if you would like to watch a lot of melodrama to get to a great closing episode.
[Thanks for reading!]
