My Bride Is a Mermaid

Plot

The series revolves around a young teenage boy named Nagasumi Michishio. One day during his summer vacation at the Seto Inland Sea, Nagasumi is saved from drowning by a mermaid named Sun Seto. Under mermaid law however, either the mermaid whose identity was revealed or the human who saw the mermaid must be executed. In an attempt to save both Nagasumi and Sun's lives, Sun's family (which is the head of a mermaid Yakuza group) reluctantly decides that the two are to be married. Sun's father Gōzaburō is enraged about his daughter's sudden marriage. Between Gōzaburō's constant attempts on his life and the madcap antics of a slew of antagonists, Nagasumi has a hard time transitioning into his new married lifestyle.

Characters

Michishio family

Nagasumi Michishio (満潮 永澄, Michishio Nagasumi)

Voiced by: Takahiro Mizushima (Japanese); Todd Haberkorn (English)

Nagasumi stands out as the most sensible member of his family, aside from his grandmother. Though usually timid, he exhibits surprising strength in dire situations, entering a heightened state—triggered by his ahoge—that allows him to evade nearly any threat. He chooses to marry Sun despite fierce opposition from most of the Seto group, except Ren and Masa. Over time, his initial sense of duty blossoms into genuine love, which he openly declares. Sun's Song of Heroes enhances his abilities in battle, though he can also tap into this power when she is endangered. After Sun saves him from drowning a second time, he proposes, and they share their first kiss.

Nagasumi's father (永澄の父, Nagasumi no Chichi)

Voiced by: Atsushi Imaruoka (Japanese); Andy Mullins (English)

Nagasumi's father often finds himself heartbroken due to his wife's shifting affections. She frequently dotes on Masa, leaving her husband visibly dejected—such as when she prepares a meal exclusively for Masa, leaving him to eat a lonely burger before being scolded by his boss. On another occasion, he sulks at the table after missing dinner, having been too absorbed in his gloom to notice the food. His despair peaks when his wife temporarily falls for Nagasumi, who had unwittingly taken a love potion that made him resemble Masa. Left abandoned, Nagasumi's father sits alone on a playground swing, utterly despondent.

Nagasumi's mother (永澄の母, Nagasumi no Haha)

Voiced by: Noriko Namiki (Japanese); Lydia Mackay (English)

Nagasumi's mother is cheerful and easygoing, though her fondness for Masa often irritates her husband. While her romantic interest in him has waned over time, she remains deeply devoted to her family, including her spouse. She embraces Sun and Lunar as if they were her own daughters, delighting in their presence and treating them with warmth and affection. Her nurturing nature extends to all those close to her, making their home lively and welcoming despite the occasional marital friction.

Seto family

Sun Seto (瀬戸 燦, Seto San)

Voiced by: Haruko Momoi (Japanese); Alexis Tipton (English)

Sun is a mermaid and daughter of yakuza leader Gōzaburō Seto. Guided by a strong sense of honor (which she connects to the linguistic similarity between ninkyō (任侠; chivalry) and ningyō (人魚; mermaid)), she takes her role as Nagasumi's wife seriously while genuinely loving him. As a juvenile mermaid, her legs transform back into a tail when wet. She occasionally enters a dramatic "chivalry mode" accompanied by cherry blossoms and enka music. Though usually peaceful, she demonstrates skilled swordsmanship when necessary. Unlike Lunar, Sun employs bodyguards only during conflicts with Lunar's guards. Like most mermaids, she fears cats but can overcome this phobia when needed.

Gozaburo Seto (瀬戸 豪三郎, Seto Gōzaburō)

Voiced by: Kenta Miyake (Japanese); John Swasey (English)

Gōzaburō is a sea dragon and boss of the Seto Group. Though a doting father to Sun, he despises Nagasumi for "stealing" her away. Using his influence, he and his subordinates infiltrate Nagasumi's school as staff, with Gōzaburō becoming their homeroom teacher to monitor Sun. Despite being a powerful yakuza leader with an intimidating presence, he suffers from two crippling fears: cats (stemming from a childhood trauma) and his wife, who punishes him without hesitation. His imposing demeanor often contrasts comically with these vulnerabilities, particularly when confronted by felines or his spouse's wrath.

Ren Seto (瀬戸 蓮, Seto Ren)

Voiced by: Makiko Nabei (Japanese); Stephanie Young (English)

Ren is Sun's mother and a mermaid who supports her daughter's relationship with Nagasumi. As the most feared member of the Seto Group, she maintains discipline among members, including her husband, through harsh punishments. She joins Nagasumi's school as the nurse and enjoys teasing him. Like Sun, she has a "chivalry mode" accompanied by pink petals and her version of "Namida Ichirin" (Ren-san version (-蓮さんver.-)). Despite her kind appearance, she displays typical yakuza behavior when needed. Her name Ren (蓮) means lotus flower, reflecting her elegant but formidable nature.

Edomae family

Lunar Edomae (江戸前 留奈, Edomae Runa)

Voiced by: Sakura Nogawa (Japanese); Cherami Leigh (English)

Lunar, Sun's childhood friend and rival, is a popular idol singer who uses her mermaid voice. Driven by competitiveness, she initially tries to steal Nagasumi from Sun by making him her servant after he sees her true form. She moves into his home and gradually develops genuine feelings, even attempting to marry him in the manga (with Sun's eventual acceptance). Lunar commands a personal army of Isono Junior High boys, constantly clashing with Sun's guards. She speaks in the plural form and announces herself with a distinctive "hohoho" laugh. Like most mermaids, she fears cats despite her regal demeanor.

Lunar's Papa (ルナパパ, Runa-Papa)

Voiced by: Tesshō Genda (Japanese); J. Michael Tatum (English)

President Edomae leads the construction-oriented Edomae Group as Lunar's imposing father. Clad in a black skintight suit, this silent figure parodies the Terminator, complete with metallic body sounds and iconic film references like a thumbs-up "I'll be back" delivery. Though intimidating, he demonstrates quiet devotion to Lunar, supporting her relationship with Nagasumi more openly than Gozaburo does with Sun. His extreme wealth funds extravagant gestures like a $10 billion film project. In a recurring gag, he infiltrates Nagasumi's school disguised as a female student to monitor Lunar, ultimately revealing unexpected laser eye capabilities. His character theme parodies the Terminator 2: Judgment Day score.

Amano Sagami (相模 天王, Sagami Amano)

Lunar's mother, formerly known as Edomae before her divorce, was believed to have abandoned her family when Lunar was five. In reality, she served a ten-year prison sentence for intentionally running over her neglectful husband with a car. She shares Lunar's dramatic personality traits, recognizing their similarity when entering her passionate "mode". Her influence shaped Lunar's development - the childhood "war songs" she taught fostered Lunar's competitive spirit with Sun, while her absence indirectly motivated Lunar's idol career (partly hoping her father would see her on television). Her criminal past and flamboyant temperament create an unconventional but understanding bond with her daughter.

Other characters

Mawari Zenigata (銭形 巡, Zenigata Mawari)

Voiced by: Rika Morinaga (Japanese); Caitlin Glass (English)

Mawari, Nagasumi's childhood friend and police chief's daughter, harbors a crush on him while sternly policing his behavior. Aspiring to become a police chief like her father, her peacekeeping efforts are accompanied by a symbolic whistle sound. Her name references Zenigata Heiji and the Japanese term "Omawari-san" (police officer). As leader of Isono Junior High's Public Morals Committee, she commands the school's largest faction, rivaling both Sun and Lunar's groups. Though perceptive enough to nearly uncover Sun's mermaid identity, Nagasumi consistently intervenes. She frequently delivers her signature line: "Do you want Mawari to teach you the rules of society?" (巡が社会の常識(ルール)教えてあげようか, Mawari ga Shakai no Rūru oshiteageyō ka).

Hideyoshi Sarutobi (猿飛 秀吉, Sarutobi Hideyoshi)

Voiced by: Masashi Yabe (Japanese); Anthony Bowling (English)

Hideyoshi Sarutobi, nicknamed "Saru" (meaning monkey), is Nagasumi's perverted friend whose name references Sarutobi Sasuke and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Initially befriending Kai Mikawa for money, he genuinely grows to care for him, becoming his loyal protector - often appearing suddenly like his ninja namesake. He periodically adopts a bearded sage persona ("Saru Roshi"), parodying Dragon Balls Master Roshi to dispense lewd advice. This "Pervy Hermit" alter ego reinforces his comedic role while maintaining his monkey-like characteristics, creating a humorous contrast with his occasional moments of genuine loyalty and friendship.

Class Rep (委員長, Iinchō)

Voiced by: Noriko Rikimaru (Japanese); Kate Bristol (English)

The Class Rep is Mawari's meek, bespectacled friend whose real name (later revealed as Iina Chiyo) remains unknown to her classmates. Despite her unassuming nature, she harbors strong feelings for Nagasumi, which she attempts to confess through a letter—only to accidentally declare her love to Sun instead. This triggers her alternate persona, the "Last Amazoness", a bold, girl-loving warrior who emerges when she seeks confidence or attention. Armed with the gender-reversing bow "Gender-X", she actively confronts troublemakers. She occasionally partners with Maki, whom she mistakes for a fairy, and longs for others to discover her true identity.

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by Tahiko Kimura, My Bride Is a Mermaid was serialized in Square Enix's shōnen manga magazine Monthly Gangan Wing from July 26, 2002, to February 26, 2008. The series later moved to the publisher's Monthly Gangan Joker, where it was published from May 22 to November 22, 2010. Square Enix collected its chapters in 16 tankōbon volumes.

Anime

The anime TV series adaptation directed by Seiji Kishi, written by Makoto Uezu and produced by Gonzo and AIC aired in Japan on TV Tokyo between April 1 and September 30, 2007, containing 26 episodes. Episode 17 of the anime adaptation scheduled for broadcast on AT-X on September 3, 2007, was canceled due to concerns of copyright infringement. Some of the characters who appear in that episode are believed to closely resemble characters from other works. The series was licensed by Funimation and was released under the title My Bride Is a Mermaid!. The first of two parts was released on July 20, 2010. Three pieces of theme music were used for the anime: one opening theme, and two ending themes. The opening theme is "Romantic Summer" by Sun (Haruko Momoi) & Lunar (Sakura Nogawa), which was written, composed, and arranged by Momoi. In the opening video, the characters dancing behind Sun change depending on the episode whether it is dedicated or related to them (for example, Nagasumi dancing with the Seto's Special Squad brothers). The first ending theme, used for episodes one through thirteen, and then again for episode twenty-six, is "Asu e no Hikari" (明日への光) by Asuka Hinoi, which was written, composed, and arranged by Yugo Sasakura. In the video, the image in the ending changes slightly between each episode as new characters are introduced in the anime. The second ending theme, used for episodes fourteen through twenty-five, is "Dan Dan Dan" by Sun (Haruko Momoi) & Lunar (Sakura Nogawa), which was written by Gorō Matsui, and composed and arranged by Shūhei Naruse. In the video, the characters' animations change depending on the circumstances they undergo during the episode (for example, the Class President transforming into "Yes! Amazoness!").

Original video animation

An original video animation episode entitled Jin (仁) was released on November 28, 2008, along with the OVA ending theme single, "Mirai e Go" (未来へGo) by Dekabancho. The OVA's opening theme single, "Zettai Otome" (絶対乙女) by Sun&Lunar, was released on October 29, 2008. A second OVA entitled Gi (義) was released on January 30, 2009, along with its ending theme, "Kakehashi" (梯 -かけはし-) by Sun&Lunar. The opening theme for this OVA, "Tenshi Ranman Love Power" (天使爛漫 Love Power) by Haruko Momoi, Sakura Nogawa, Rika Morinaga, Eri Kitamura, was released on December 24, 2008.