Watch Seto no Hanayome

Seto no Hanayome, also known as My Bride is a Mermaid, is a romantic comedy anime series that aired on TV Tokyo in 2007. The series is based on a manga of the same name written and illustrated by Tahiko Kimura. Todd Haberkorn, Alexis Tipton, and John Swasey are some of the voice actors behind the English dub of the show.

The series follows the story of a high school student named Nagasumi Michishio, who, while on vacation with his parents, almost drowns in the Seto Inland Sea. Fortunately, he's saved by a mermaid named Sun Seto. However, according to mermaid law, humans who see mermaids must be put to death. To avoid this, Sun's father, a mermaid yakuza boss, suggests that Nagasumi should marry Sun to ensure her safety.

Thus, the story evolves as Nagasumi suddenly finds himself engaged to a mermaid schoolgirl. Sun is a character that has a very different take on humans than her family, and as a result, she finds Nagasumi charming and attractive. However, Nagasumi is reluctant to accept the marriage proposal, not wanting to disrupt his mundane life in high school.

The series is full of hilarious situations and misunderstandings. The show's comedic timing is spot on, and the humor is genuinely entertaining. Additionally, Seto no Hanayome has memorable characters that are uniquely different from one another. From the mermaid yakuza boss, who is a loving and caring father to his daughter Sun, to the sassy and spiteful mermaid Maki, each character has a distinct personality.

The voice acting in the English dub of Seto no Hanayome is top-notch. Todd Haberkorn, who voices Nagasumi, does an excellent job of conveying the character's emotions and frustrations without sounding too over the top. Similarly, Alexis Tipton, who voices Sun, brings a lot of bubbly energy to the role and captures Sun's innocent and curious nature very well. John Swasey, who voices the mermaid yakuza boss Gouzaburou Seto, is another standout performance, with his gruff and authoritarian tone complementing the character's intimidating appearance.

One of the show's strengths is how it blends romance and comedy together in a way that feels authentic. While the central plot is a mermaid-human marriage, the writers don't focus on this aspect too much, instead opting to explore the budding relationship between Nagasumi and Sun. The two have adorable moments together, and their chemistry is evident. Additionally, the misunderstandings and wacky scenarios that the two find themselves in not only provide comedic relief but also serve to strengthen their relationship.

The show's animation is top-quality, with the mermaid characters being especially well-designed. The detailed scales and fin-like features of the mermaids are eye-catching and enhance the supernatural aspects of the series. The art style of the show is bright and colorful, matching the upbeat and comedic tone of the series perfectly.

In summary, Seto no Hanayome is a romantic comedy anime series that's worth watching. With endearing characters, a well-paced plot, comedic timing, and great voice acting, this show delivers an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or simply looking for a lighthearted series to watch, Seto no Hanayome is worth checking out.