Warning: Potential spoilers.

I have not read the manga. I have also never watched a j-drama that's an adaptation of a manga. I actually picked this up after watching a few k-dramas, which I have more experience with.

Story
I was intrigued by the plot, even though it gives away what happens. However, I am evaluating this as a standalone drama and overall, I found the story pacing to be very condensed. While individual episodes seemed long, a lot happens in those 30 minutes. In the beginning we get to know each character well, and why the marriage needs to happen. But in the remaining two-thirds of the show, the couple's relationship is pretty much solidified and focuses more on external issues. It felt like the relationship issues were resolved too quickly. Also, it's easy to see how the pacing is divided, and how conflicts (while they do overlap) increase in order of importance: the marriage, to social circles, then family. I did not like how the ending was handled, because there was too much information at the very end. Unbelievable - withholding such information, only for the drama to finish and leaving the audience unsatisfied. As a viewer, I felt like I held my breath for too long and the ending was not worth the wait. More could be done, pacing could be changed.

Acting
I wanted to keep rooting for the main girl. It was fun to watch in the beginning because she grew and had a lot on her plate. But later on, it was less growing and more adapting. As she got more involved with the husband's side of things, she had less autonomy and therefore became less interesting to observe. As for the main guy, he's so stiff that even when he tries to be affectionate, it seems fake or forced. Despite his humble past, all I could see was a traditional Japanese man who expects his wife to attend to him, their home, and nothing else. You can see it in the sets too: husband is mostly seen at at work/at the office, and wife is also at work and other places, but often seen waiting for the husband at home.

Now my major issue with this drama is this: when exactly did the main characters fall in love? They seemed to understand and empathize with each other's circumstances, but it wasn't until near the end of the drama was I convinced that there was real love in this marriage. The main girl often complained, her dreams of her ideal marriage shattered. They do couple things but it looks forced. I don't know if it's the acting or how the characters are written or it's the culture, I'm just not convinced. I could see them as life partners but not necessarily a loving couple (with the exception of a few scenes but like I said, they felt forced).

Music
The theme song gets stuck in my music the moment I hear it start. Perhaps the remaining music did fit well, but not as memorable because I don't remember anything else.

Overall, this drama felt very story-driven and even then, it could have been done better. Events seemed to happen too fast, and the flow of time was not very clear. Character development was good but the relationship building needed work. If anything, the first half was more enjoyable than the second half. I wish I dropped this when I could but I wanted to see it through to the end and I kind of regret it.