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ふしぎ遊戯 玄武開伝 [Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden] #7
Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 07
This exciting prequel to VIZ Media's best-selling fantasy series, Fushigi Yûgi, tells the story of the very first priestess of the Four Gods--the Priestess of Genbu! When schoolgirl Takiko Okuda attempts to destroy her father's translation of The Universe of the Four Gods, she is instead literally sucked into the story, becoming the Priestess of Genbu in an epic journey to find the seven Celestial Warriors!
Seven Celestial Warriors have been found...but Takiko has just learned that eight are needed. To win the arrogant, powerful Hagus over to her side, Takiko promises to rescue his twin brother, Teg, who embodies the lost half of his Celestial power. Deep in enemy territory, Takiko prepares to face Prince Temdan and his followers. As the war for Genbu begins, the Celestial Warriors leap into the fray...but the first battle will exact a terrible price!
This exciting prequel to VIZ Media's best-selling fantasy series, Fushigi Yûgi, tells the story of the very first priestess of the Four Gods--the Priestess of Genbu! When schoolgirl Takiko Okuda attempts to destroy her father's translation of The Universe of the Four Gods, she is instead literally sucked into the story, becoming the Priestess of Genbu in an epic journey to find the seven Celestial Warriors!
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2005
5 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Yuu Watase
363 books1,165 followersYuu Watase (渡瀬悠宇) is a Japanese shoujo manga-ka. She is known for her works Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend. She likes all music, except heavy metal and old traditional music.
She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".
She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 2, 2015
I've read this in 2010 because I simply could not move on with the Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play. I really had fun. So nostalgic!!!
October 24, 2022
Yuu es maravillosa. Qué dura es esta historia.
October 30, 2021
The following is quite seriously a spoiler, so don't click if you don't want to know about the major plot point in this volume.
Watase is dealing with an illness in her author's notes this time. I know these volumes came at least a half-year apart, and the notes talk about what's happening with her in the immediate time that she's writing, but it worries me to see her doing physically poorly after a year-long break where she was doing mentally poorly. Hang in there, Watase of fifteen years ago!
This story really does feel better grounded than the first FY, and that doesn't stop with its lead character being nothing like brainless Miaka. For example, we see several scenes where villagers are affected by armies that come through, and while Takiko and co. do their level best to help, they don't miraculously fix their trauma. I despise superhero-like depictions of war, so seeing the human cost of it, presented at a level appropriate for teens, was well done. Takiko herself is definitely a teenager, confused and vulnerable, but by no means helpless or stupid. She herself experiences trauma as she witnesses those effects of war, and bears the responsibility for them because of her role as the priestess of Genbu. I like her a lot.
There's also some melodrama of the more cheesy or annoying sort. I've never really believed in Takiko and Uruki as a couple (sorry); while not quite instalove, it's close enough to feel very YA. I'm not a fan of Uruki still. Takiko feels more mature than he does, but maybe as a result of his experiences he'll settle down. And because this is FY, there has to be at least one rape attempt on our heroine where she is rescued by Uruki. Meh. Things like this aren't anywhere near as pervasive as in what I read of the first FY, thankfully. Like, half the story isn't about trying to get Takiko raped so she can't summon Genbu. :P
I really like the theme of compassion in this series, and hope the endgame expands on it. I didn't manage to get more than a few volumes into the first FY* so have no idea what "a FY endgame" looks like. Maybe Miaka's story already told us what happened, because on top of Takiko's time period being well before Miaka's, Takiko's world of the four gods is well before Miaka's as well. Anyhow, this could be a keeper, depending. See you this time next year for the answer!
*it was a YA story that was Watase's life work when she was of YA age herself, and no offense to it, it shows. I would probably have been much more into it if I'd first come across it when I was fifteen rather than being almost a full generation too old for it.
Watase is dealing with an illness in her author's notes this time. I know these volumes came at least a half-year apart, and the notes talk about what's happening with her in the immediate time that she's writing, but it worries me to see her doing physically poorly after a year-long break where she was doing mentally poorly. Hang in there, Watase of fifteen years ago!
This story really does feel better grounded than the first FY, and that doesn't stop with its lead character being nothing like brainless Miaka. For example, we see several scenes where villagers are affected by armies that come through, and while Takiko and co. do their level best to help, they don't miraculously fix their trauma. I despise superhero-like depictions of war, so seeing the human cost of it, presented at a level appropriate for teens, was well done. Takiko herself is definitely a teenager, confused and vulnerable, but by no means helpless or stupid. She herself experiences trauma as she witnesses those effects of war, and bears the responsibility for them because of her role as the priestess of Genbu. I like her a lot.
There's also some melodrama of the more cheesy or annoying sort. I've never really believed in Takiko and Uruki as a couple (sorry); while not quite instalove, it's close enough to feel very YA. I'm not a fan of Uruki still. Takiko feels more mature than he does, but maybe as a result of his experiences he'll settle down. And because this is FY, there has to be at least one rape attempt on our heroine where she is rescued by Uruki. Meh. Things like this aren't anywhere near as pervasive as in what I read of the first FY, thankfully. Like, half the story isn't about trying to get Takiko raped so she can't summon Genbu. :P
I really like the theme of compassion in this series, and hope the endgame expands on it. I didn't manage to get more than a few volumes into the first FY* so have no idea what "a FY endgame" looks like. Maybe Miaka's story already told us what happened, because on top of Takiko's time period being well before Miaka's, Takiko's world of the four gods is well before Miaka's as well. Anyhow, this could be a keeper, depending. See you this time next year for the answer!
*it was a YA story that was Watase's life work when she was of YA age herself, and no offense to it, it shows. I would probably have been much more into it if I'd first come across it when I was fifteen rather than being almost a full generation too old for it.
March 9, 2013
One of the things I love about Genbu Kaiden is that it's character & story focused. It doesn't do things for the sake of adding more to the story. It's well thought out and these characters are the driving force behind it. Takiko is strong but still very caring about the Warriors & all the people she meets. Uruki or Rimundo or Limdo is changing (not just genders). I think they all changed because of Takiko & what she stands for. I did read the series online so I'm not exactly sure where the series break off and start, but I love this series.
--M
•Cherish -- Ai Otsuka
--M
•Cherish -- Ai Otsuka
February 4, 2024
Well... That was heavy
May 26, 2017
Shojo melodrama at it's finest - You know characters are going to die but it still hurts when it happens. And in the FY Genbu Kaiden universe I love all the characters so much - you get completely swept away by the romance and the drama. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2018
2.5 stars
October 26, 2025
Review for complete series
Despite Fushigi Yuugi being a classic fantasy shoujo manga, I only got around to it long after its original publication. Sadly, I was rather disappointed by it, especially given that it is a popular work. Genbu Kaiden is a newer work of Watase's and serves as a prequel to the original series and this series is everything I hoped the original would have been.
All the things wrong with the original were made right here: our main character Takiko largely makes sensible decisions - sure, they are sometimes also emotionally loaded and not always strategic, but she never left me shaking my head in frustration over stupid decisions. Takiko and her love interest don't fall in love from the start allowing for a much more natural flow which in turn led me to genuinely care about them. The pacing was just right for this kind of plot with only a few chapters seeming a little rushed. The characters we meet along the way are more fleshed out and contribute to the story beyond being yet another follower of the main character - they've got agendas and dreams of their own. The fact that they still chose to follow Takiko just makes their bonds seem a lot stronger than in the original series. While I love a bit of comedy here and there, it was far more subtle than in the original which at times came across as silly.
Having fixed all that, this is a wholesome fantasy series with lovely friendships, interesting family dynamics and bittersweet turn of events. Takiko is a strong main character both in her determination but also in her willingness to lift a weapon despite being physically weaker than her companions. The world is interesting and the art is simply beautiful. Although I doubt it will ever happen, if Watase were ever to redraw the original series at this standard, I have no doubt I would love it. Instead, I will hope that her other prequel series, Byakko Senki, will soon no longer be on hiatus and be drawn to the end.
Only one little beef I had with this series: it's common for many manga, especially in the shoujo area, to have a style in which the characters look very much alike. It's usually hair and clothing more than anything else that makes characters look different from each other. This has never been an issue for me but I don't mind when artists add some more diversity. What I don't like is when authors add diversity purely for diversities sake. I am not sure if this is what Watase's intention was but the Genbu Kaiden cast was a lot more diverse than the original series' was (e.g. I was very pleased to have some more important female characters besides the main character). But, as I have already found with some of Watase's other works, she tends to add some goofy or stereo typical cartoonish characters. Hatsui is an overweight character and everything from design to behaviour and personality feels like a joke rather than a proper member of the group. Why not add a competent overweight character rather than, apologies, a bumbling idiot who is treated more like an overgrown child?
January 27, 2025
Today's post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 07 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has three of the Celestial Warriors on it looking serious. The intended reader is someone who likes high fantasy mixed with historical fantasy, and star-crossed love stories. As it is the seventh in the series, you need to have read the first six volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Takiko. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the manga- Seven Celestial Warriors have been found...but Takiko has just learned that eight are needed. To win the arrogant, powerful Hagus over to her side, Takiko promises to rescue his twin brother, Teg, who embodies the lost half of his Celestial power. Deep in enemy territory, Takiko prepares to face Prince Temdan and his followers. As the war for Genbu begins, the Celestial Warriors leap into the fray...but the first battle will exact a terrible price!
Review- Lots of drama in the volume with Takiko and Soren being held as captives. Tomite had been badly hurt during the last battle and is blaming himself for them being taken. We also see what condition Teg is in and it's not good. Also we see what Teg's power is and he can stop the other Warriors from using their powers at all. now people are starting to die, for a Yuu Watase series, there has been a very low body count but I think is going to start changing now. I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen now with the deaths starting.
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
From the back of the manga- Seven Celestial Warriors have been found...but Takiko has just learned that eight are needed. To win the arrogant, powerful Hagus over to her side, Takiko promises to rescue his twin brother, Teg, who embodies the lost half of his Celestial power. Deep in enemy territory, Takiko prepares to face Prince Temdan and his followers. As the war for Genbu begins, the Celestial Warriors leap into the fray...but the first battle will exact a terrible price!
Review- Lots of drama in the volume with Takiko and Soren being held as captives. Tomite had been badly hurt during the last battle and is blaming himself for them being taken. We also see what condition Teg is in and it's not good. Also we see what Teg's power is and he can stop the other Warriors from using their powers at all. now people are starting to die, for a Yuu Watase series, there has been a very low body count but I think is going to start changing now. I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen now with the deaths starting.
I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
January 8, 2021
Oh god. This volume hurt.
I kinda knew where it was going but it still hurt. Ooof, the pain.
The Urumiya twist is not the most shocking, but it wasn't terrible.<
The fight scene was SO badass with Hikitsu and Inami before the uh...interruption.
Yeah, I got nothing otherwise. My poor heart.
I kinda knew where it was going but it still hurt. Ooof, the pain.
The Urumiya twist is not the most shocking, but it wasn't terrible.<
The fight scene was SO badass with Hikitsu and Inami before the uh...interruption.
Yeah, I got nothing otherwise. My poor heart.
August 29, 2017
I cried. I full on just cried.
July 8, 2020
My freaking heart!!!!!!
May 5, 2021
Damn it, Soren... nooooooo ....
*heart breaks*
*heart breaks*
May 23, 2021
Oof, my heart.
April 22, 2022
Ouch. My heart. Big feelings about this one. I thought I was prepared but I was not.
September 8, 2024
That poor guard at the end of the volume. They did him dirty he must be traumatized wherever he is now
October 20, 2024
2024 goal 139/150
October 29, 2024
Oh this one is so sad. My favorite character dies in this one. Getting closer to the end.
January 9, 2026
Since I started in the middle, my rating is uninformed.
June 24, 2013
This is such a wonderful series. The reason this one got a 4 star (as apposed to 5) rating from me was the topic. This volume focuses on the death of a main character and the impact it has on the rest of the characters, particularly, my favorite, Uruki. It is very sorrowful and well done and understandably necessary, but still not my favorite thing to read about. The remoteness it caused un Uruki and the effect on his interaction with Takiko made me sad enough to remove a star. I still love the sereis though and I know more death is one the way. Anyone that read FY already knows how this ends...BAD. How am I going to make it?!!!
May 30, 2013
Not sure when I had read this one, may have to do a little searching but I am really happy Yuu Watase decided to tell the tale of the first prestess and to tell the truth I'm itching for the end too. I wounder is this going to play out like the tale Miaka was told when she was discovering about her role in the mysterious play series or is there a twist? I can't get enough of these wonderful legends, the amazing and enticing papers with such growth.
January 31, 2017
I remember I was so unsure as to whether to read this series or not and now it's one of my favorites. I'm bummed that there are only 12 volumes.... I'm also sad because of (spoiler) Soren's death. HOW CRUEL YUU WATASE, HOW CRUEEEL!! I really enjoy reading the author's side notes. To me, the story has just enough romance without going overboard. I enjoy the fantasy theme more and I'm curious as to how the story will end. I think Hagus has already been won over by Takiko.
August 15, 2014
NOOOOO. WHY DID THAT HAVE TO HAPPEN TT_______TT I would have been BAWLING my eyes out if I wasn't in a PUBLIC library... So many feels in this volume, and I know I haven't said anything about the other volumes, but I just felt the need to voice my feelings right now D':
September 18, 2012
unlike other manga its very differnt,it is more on focuse on story instead of drawing or cuteness.I REALY LOVE FUSHIGI YUUGI ITS VERY ONE OF A KIND MANGA
May 9, 2013
I should have knownnnn. Soren was way too good a character to last this long. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2016
Soruen-san :'( 3
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews