Miyo's Journey in *My Happy Marriage*: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Self-Worth

Miyo Saimori's Journey in *My Happy Marriage*

Miyo Saimori, the central character of My Happy Marriage, embarks on a heart-wrenching journey from a life filled with neglect and abuse to a newfound sense of belonging with Kiyoka Kudou. The stark adversities she faces not only highlight her resilience but also make her eventual happiness all the more poignant. Her story is a powerful exploration of overcoming trauma and finding self-worth, as she transitions from despair to love.

The Loss of Sumi's Cherry Blossom Tree

Season 1, Episode 1, “The Meeting”

Before her mother's passing, Miyo's world was bright, filled with the pure love shared between her and Sumi. Sumi's decision to seal Miyo's Gift within a cherry blossom tree was meant to protect her from being exploited. However, after Sumi's death, this tree, a symbol of solace, was cruelly chopped down, reflecting the disregard and disdain her family held for Miyo, and stripping away the last vestige of maternal love and comfort she had left.

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Father’s Rejection and Emotional Neglect

Miyo's father, Shinichi, marginalized her due to her lack of inherited abilities. His favoritism towards Kaya, her half-sister with spirit sight powers, set a precedent for mistreatment by others in the household. This neglect severely damaged Miyo’s self-esteem and left her without parental love, leading to her being discarded in favor of Kaya, as Shinichi pursued better matrimonial alliances for his favored daughter.

Cruelty of Miyo’s Stepmother and Half-Sister

Miyo’s stepmother, Kanoko, and her half-sister, Kaya, exhibited blatant malice, treating Miyo as a servant rather than family. Kanoko's participation in demeaning practices, such as laughing during Kaya's cruel antics, like throwing tea on Miyo, highlight the toxic environment in which Miyo grew up. This daily bullying effectively stripped Miyo of any remaining dignity.

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Kaya’s Jealousy and Attempted Kidnapping

The engagement to Kiyoka wasn't welcomed by Kaya, who raged with jealousy at Miyo's connection with an eminent man. Determined to sabotage Miyo’s happiness, Kaya orchestrated a plan to kidnap her, attempting to drag her back to a life of subjugation and stifle her newfound independence. This brazen attempt to undo Miyo's progress backfired, underscoring Miyo’s determination to forge her own path.

Arranged Marriage with Kiyoka Kudou

The arranged marriage to Kiyoka initially seemed like a bleak twist of fate, orchestrated by Shinichi to rid himself of Miyo. This act of deliberate indifference extended to sabotaging Miyo's expected future with her childhood friend, Kouji, who was promised to Kaya. The manipulation served to remind Miyo of her father's lack of concern for her wellbeing and future prospects.

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Miyo’s Isolated Departure and Humiliation

Leaving with only a single elegant kimono serves as yet another humiliation. Her few tattered garments and the missing-tooth comb symbolize her erased identity and self-worth, a poignant embodiment of her mistreated status within the Saimori household. Her subsequent shopping with Kiyoka for new clothes represents a significant step towards recovering her sense of self.

Public Humiliation by Kaya

While out in the city, Miyo’s vulnerable progress is undermined by a chance encounter with Kaya and Kouji. Kaya’s public taunts stripped away Miyo’s newly gained confidence, underscoring Kaya’s domineering nature and Miyo’s precarious self-image. Kouji’s passive silence exacerbated the situation, cementing Miyo’s feelings of betrayal and helplessness.

Nightmares as a Manifestation of Trauma

The onset of relentless nightmares due to her latent powers manifesting further disrupts Miyo’s healing process. These unrelenting dreams echo her trauma, posing continuous obstacles to her peace and complicating her relationship with Kiyoka. They starkly illustrate how her unresolved past still casts a shadow on her budding future.

Arata’s Challenge and Kiyoka’s Abandonment

Arata Usuba’s challenge for Miyo’s future not only set off a chain of emotional upheavals but also left Miyo feeling isolated when Kiyoka had to leave her behind, albeit temporarily. The engagement with her heritage forced her to confront inner conflicts, testing her resilience once more amidst feelings of abandonment during her trial.

Photo Credit by CBR