He is the guy you love to hate, but honestly, can’t help but be fascinated by. When Takaihito—better known by his alias Tsuruki Arata—first stepped onto the screen in My Happy Marriage (Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon), the vibe shifted instantly. It wasn't just another handsome face in a series already full of them. It was a disruption.
Fans of Akumi Agitogi's light novel series know exactly what I’m talking about. While Kiyoka Kudou represents the protective, icy-yet-thawing hero, Arata is the ultimate catalyst for the plot’s supernatural chaos. He isn't just a hurdle for Miyo Saimori's heart. He’s the physical manifestation of her family’s messy, magical past.
If you’re confused about who he actually is, you’re not alone. The series likes to play its cards close to its chest.
The Mystery of Arata Tsuruki and the Takaihito Identity
Let’s clear up the naming thing right away because it trips people up. In the world of My Happy Marriage, the "Takaihito" (Usuba family) refers to the bloodline that governs the most dangerous supernatural gifts. Arata Tsuruki is his public persona. He works for the Tsuruki Trading Company, acting as a negotiator and a middleman. But his real name is Arata Usuba. He is Miyo’s cousin, and his role is far more complex than just a "villain" or a "love interest."
He is a bridge.
Arata represents the Usuba family’s desperate attempt to reclaim what they believe belongs to them: Miyo and her "Dream Sight" ability. When he first approaches Kiyoka under the guise of business, he’s testing the waters. He’s calculating. It’s that calm, corporate demeanor that makes him so unsettling compared to the raw, military power we see from the Imperial family.
It’s interesting. Most viewers expected a traditional love triangle. Instead, we got a deep dive into the politics of gifted families. Arata doesn't just want Miyo; he believes he is her only salvation. He genuinely thinks that her power will destroy her—and him—if she stays under the protection of the Kudou family.
Why the Usuba Bloodline Matters So Much
The Usuba family isn't like the Saimoris or the Kudous. They don't just blast things with fire or lightning. Their powers are mental. Psychological. Invasive.
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They can manipulate memories. They can see the future through dreams. Because of this, they’ve lived as outcasts, hidden away by the Emperor’s decree because their power is a threat to the throne itself. Arata is the face of this isolation. He carries the weight of a family that has been forced into the shadows for generations.
When you see him challenging Kiyoka, it isn't just a duel over a woman. It is a clash of philosophies. Kiyoka represents the "New Japan"—military strength, transparency, and a merit-based status. Arata represents the "Old Secrets"—tradition, hidden bloodlines, and the heavy price of inheriting a gift you never asked for.
The Duel That Changed Everything
The fight between Kiyoka and Arata is probably one of the most talked-about moments in the first season of the anime and the second volume of the light novels.
Here’s the thing: Arata won.
He didn't win through brute strength. He won because he played on Kiyoka’s fears and Miyo’s lack of confidence. He used an illusion—a trick of the mind—to prove that Kiyoka couldn't protect Miyo from the very thing she is: an Usuba. It was a brutal wake-up call for the audience. Up until that point, Kiyoka seemed invincible. Arata showed us that in the world of My Happy Marriage, the mind is a far more dangerous battlefield than the physical world.
Is Arata Actually a Villain?
Labels are tricky here.
If you ask Miyo, he’s a terrifying figure who tried to separate her from the man she loves. If you ask the Usuba patriarch, Arata is a loyal son doing his duty. If you ask me? He’s a tragic figure. He is a man who has been raised to be a weapon and a guardian, with very little room for his own desires.
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His obsession with Miyo isn't romantic in the traditional sense. It’s duty-bound. He sees her as a mirror of himself—someone who has been mistreated and misunderstood. He thinks the only place for a "monster" is with other "monsters." It’s a very lonely way to live.
Real-World Context: The Voice Behind the Character
We can't talk about Arata without mentioning Ryohei Kimura’s performance in the anime. Kimura has a history of playing these types of "gentlemanly but dangerous" characters. He brings a specific silkiness to Arata’s voice that makes the character’s threats sound like promises.
In the Japanese version, the way he uses formal language (keigo) even while being incredibly insulting to Kiyoka is a masterclass in passive-aggression. It highlights the cultural nuances of the Meiji-era setting, where social standing and polite speech are used as armor.
Misconceptions About the "Takaihito" Role
One of the biggest mistakes fans make is thinking Arata wants to overthrow the Emperor.
That’s not his goal. The Usuba family’s role—the role of the Takaihito—is to be the "Check and Balance." They are meant to stop those with supernatural gifts from going out of control. Arata sees Miyo’s uncontrolled Dream Sight as a ticking time bomb. His actions, however misguided, are driven by a desire for order.
He isn't trying to start a war. He’s trying to prevent one.
The Evolution of the Character
As the series progresses into the later light novels, Arata’s role shifts. He doesn't stay the antagonist forever. Without spoiling too much for anime-only fans, let’s just say that the "Dream Sight" arc forces him to re-evaluate his relationship with Miyo.
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He starts to see that her strength doesn't come from her bloodline, but from her resilience. This realization is what makes Arata one of the most well-written characters in the series. He is capable of growth. He is capable of admitting he was wrong.
Key Insights for Fans Following the Series
If you're trying to keep track of the lore, remember these points:
- The Tsuruki Trading Company is a front. It allows the Usubas to interact with the world and gather intelligence without revealing their location.
- Arata’s "Gift" is specifically focused on illusions and mental manipulation. He is the ultimate "counter" to physical attackers like Kiyoka.
- Miyo's Mother, Sumi, is the link. Arata’s motivations are deeply tied to the fact that Sumi "betrayed" the family by marrying into the Saimoris. He feels he is "correcting" a historical mistake.
Honestly, the dynamic between Arata, Miyo, and Kiyoka is what keeps the story from being just another historical romance. It adds a layer of psychological tension that is rare in the genre. You’re never quite sure if Arata is going to help them or betray them, and that’s exactly how he wants it.
What to Watch Out For Next
As we look toward future seasons or upcoming light novel translations, the focus on the Usuba family will only intensify. Arata remains a key player because he is the only one who can truly teach Miyo how to use her power without it consuming her.
Kiyoka can provide love and safety, but he can't teach her how to navigate the dream world. Only an Usuba can do that. This creates a fascinating, begrudging alliance that is a joy to watch.
Next Steps for Completionists:
To fully understand the weight of Arata’s character, you should look into the specific history of the Meiji and Taisho eras that the show mirrors. The tension between old aristocratic families and the rising military class isn't just fantasy—it’s a reflection of real Japanese history.
- Read Volume 2 and 3 of the Light Novels: These provide much more internal monologue for Arata than the anime. You get to see his guilt, not just his confidence.
- Compare the Manga and Anime: The manga highlights his facial expressions during the duel, showing a flicker of hesitation that the anime occasionally misses.
- Track the "Usuba" sigil: Keep an eye on the imagery used whenever Arata is on screen. The visual cues often hint at his true intentions long before he speaks them.
Arata isn't just a hurdle for our main couple to jump over. He is a reminder that the past is never truly buried, especially when that past has the power to reshape reality itself. Understanding him is the key to understanding the true stakes of Miyo's journey.