Creative Staff
Story/Art: Mika Yamamori
Translation/Adaptation: JN Productions
What They Say
Suzume has moved to Tokyo and is living with her uncle. She is trying to get over Mr. Shishio, but they unexpectedly end up going to an aquarium together. Suzume enjoys herself, but Mr. Shishio’s confusing attitude puzzles her.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Just as Suzume feels she can handle Mr. Shishio and Tsubomi being back together again, she gets a home visit from Tsubomi. She gives Suzume a note and asks to give it to Mr. Shishio, because she is leaving Japan. She admits there is nothing between her and Mr. Shishio. Suzume isn’t sure if she wants to be Tsubomi’s delivery girl, but she ends up bringing the note to Mr. Shishio. He also reiterates that he isn’t with Tsubomi and goes as far as to seek a little comfort from Suzume by leaning his head on her shoulder.
Tsubomi gives Shishio a parting gift with a ticket to the aquarium for five. Shishio agrees to go with Suzume and some of her friends. However, Yuyuka helps make over Suzume, and then purposely ditches the aquarium event, so that Suzume and Shishio have time alone. Yuyuka’s plan works too. Suzume is still confused about Shishio regarding the difference between what he says and does. Yuyuka, however, isn’t making much progress with Mamura.
A new semester starts with a change in the air. The cultural festival is around the corner, and Suzume volunteers to be the class rep. Yuyuka doesn’t seem to be her usual self, and no one knows why. Suzume, however, has a run-in with a second-year named Minagawa, and he is interested in Yuyuka.
Minagawa is pretty persistent in his pursuit of Yuyuka, and she isn’t like it one bit. Suzume keeps moving forward, but it seems Shishio might be acting a little different.
In Summary:
This straightforward slice-of-life high school shojo has steadily picked up its pace. It really needed to do so, because, at volume four, we needed something to keep the momentum going. The characters are well developed, and it is becoming easier to get invested in the cast of characters and the various relationships. The creator is also doing a nice job of introducing uneasiness on many levels throughout all the potential love relationships. It does keep you wondering who will actually end up with who. This is a pleasant read, but don’t expect anything special. You’ll get all the clichés your heart desires in this story.
The packaging is standard printing with no extras. I’m sure this a topic of much discussion amongst translators that I know nothing about, but it’s always curious when translators choose to use words like “veen” that have no actual meaning in English. Veen is not exactly a sound effect, but an action. I’m not a professional on the topic, but I wonder if new readers to manga would be lost to the meaning.
Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: C+
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Teen
Released By: Shojo Beat (Viz Media)
Release Date: January 7, 2020
MSRP: $9.99