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ふしぎ遊戯 [Fushigi Yûgi] #18
Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play, Vol. 18: Bride
The Neverending Story meets Romance of the Three Kingdoms in this praised shojo (girls') manga. When classmates Miaka and Yui open an ancient magical Chinese book, Miaka is transported inside, beyond the reach of schoolwork and family problems, into the Universe of the Four Gods. Heralded as the legendary Priestess of Suzaku, she becomes involved in romance and court politics, and must find the Seven Celestial Warriors of Suzaku to fulfill a prophecy and find her way home.
191 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 1996
About the author
Yuu Watase
359 books1,166 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 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 21, 2011
I'm finished?
I'm finished!
Okay, wow. Um. Where to go with this...
I made it through eighteen volumes that were at times so sugary sweet they'd kill a diabetic for the sake of two bit characters. (And if you thought that sentence was confusing, I'm sorry. I'm confused too and it came out of my own brain.)
Let's start with the bad stuff, and there's only one big thing...
Miaka and Tamahome's relationship. UGH. This is the sappiest, most melodramatic, and yes, most annoying couple I've ever read. I don't even know how to describe it. It was like someone felt the need to bludgeon a message into me every single chapter and that message was that Tamahome and Miaka were Meant To Be Together, DAMMIT. And you know what? I get it. I got it in the first volume. And yes, I'm aware this is shojo manga and romance is pretty much the entire point of the genre, but come on. Watase herself commented that the plot is very shonen-like. Would it really have been too much to ask for them to tone it down a little? It was seventeen follow-up volumes of gratuitous PDA, for goodness sake. ARGH.
Oh, and
So if I disliked the main couple and center of the story, why did I give this entire series four stars? I have two words for you and they are: Nuriko and Hotohori. I loved these characters. Like... adored them. Nuriko was so much more nuanced than any of the others- she was funny, wise, strong, and totally kick-ass. I'll admit, she annoyed me at first, but the further I got the more I liked her. And Hotohori was a great ruler character- noble, dedicated, but still showing a longing to get out into the world. Also a total badass, if you were wondering. I'd ship him with Miaka expect that I think he deserved better.
Oh, and the plot was interesting. I do have one complaint but it applies to all manga: the serial nature of the form makes individual subplots feel tacky at times, and that definitely showed here. Mostly, though, it was good. The mythos was really super cool, and I enjoyed the way it was based in ancient China. And though big shojo eyes will always annoy me, the character designs were otherwise very nice, especially costumes. Preeeeety. (Well, up until the nineties fashion of the 'real world'. Then again, it was written in the nineties, so that's to be expected. But really, Keisuke looked like an idiot with his shirt tucked in to his jeans.)
To sum up: would I recommend it? Eh, if you're bored. I wouldn't say you should avoid it, and it's a better choice than some of the stuff out there, but it wouldn't be my first pick of manga. I enjoyed it, and it kept me entertained, but it didn't make me think much. Good fluff reading.
For the sensitive: there's substantial violence, several sexual or near-sexual encounters, and one extended sex scene. Nothing is drawn in detail, but it's not an oblique allusion either.
I'm finished!
Okay, wow. Um. Where to go with this...
I made it through eighteen volumes that were at times so sugary sweet they'd kill a diabetic for the sake of two bit characters. (And if you thought that sentence was confusing, I'm sorry. I'm confused too and it came out of my own brain.)
Let's start with the bad stuff, and there's only one big thing...
Miaka and Tamahome's relationship. UGH. This is the sappiest, most melodramatic, and yes, most annoying couple I've ever read. I don't even know how to describe it. It was like someone felt the need to bludgeon a message into me every single chapter and that message was that Tamahome and Miaka were Meant To Be Together, DAMMIT. And you know what? I get it. I got it in the first volume. And yes, I'm aware this is shojo manga and romance is pretty much the entire point of the genre, but come on. Watase herself commented that the plot is very shonen-like. Would it really have been too much to ask for them to tone it down a little? It was seventeen follow-up volumes of gratuitous PDA, for goodness sake. ARGH.
Oh, and
So if I disliked the main couple and center of the story, why did I give this entire series four stars? I have two words for you and they are: Nuriko and Hotohori. I loved these characters. Like... adored them. Nuriko was so much more nuanced than any of the others- she was funny, wise, strong, and totally kick-ass. I'll admit, she annoyed me at first, but the further I got the more I liked her. And Hotohori was a great ruler character- noble, dedicated, but still showing a longing to get out into the world. Also a total badass, if you were wondering. I'd ship him with Miaka expect that I think he deserved better.
Oh, and the plot was interesting. I do have one complaint but it applies to all manga: the serial nature of the form makes individual subplots feel tacky at times, and that definitely showed here. Mostly, though, it was good. The mythos was really super cool, and I enjoyed the way it was based in ancient China. And though big shojo eyes will always annoy me, the character designs were otherwise very nice, especially costumes. Preeeeety. (Well, up until the nineties fashion of the 'real world'. Then again, it was written in the nineties, so that's to be expected. But really, Keisuke looked like an idiot with his shirt tucked in to his jeans.)
To sum up: would I recommend it? Eh, if you're bored. I wouldn't say you should avoid it, and it's a better choice than some of the stuff out there, but it wouldn't be my first pick of manga. I enjoyed it, and it kept me entertained, but it didn't make me think much. Good fluff reading.
For the sensitive: there's substantial violence, several sexual or near-sexual encounters, and one extended sex scene. Nothing is drawn in detail, but it's not an oblique allusion either.
February 9, 2023
En en många favoritserier i mangavärlden ♡
February 22, 2017
Oh the end of Fushigi Yuugi..... *blows nose*
It is truly a long long LONG journey through The Universe of the Four Gods but a beloved one with each turn of the page. And looks like Watase-sama is strongly considering writing out Susanno's tale with the Byakko Celestial Warriors so one day the book might be truly completed.
My only sadness is that they haven't translated and released the novella Eikoden to America (or if they have I don't know it yet) so, alas, my collection still feels incomplete. Maybe I'll watch it to feel better.....
Oh and is it weird for me to say that though Tamahome is my number one favorite anime/manga character of ALL TIME I still frickin' HATE Taka? I dunno why but I cannot stand that jabronie..... >.<
Wo Ai Ni
UPDATE: February 2017
You know, after re-reading this whole thing all over again, I actually like Taka. I take back the jabronie comment and not just 'cause it's so ten years ago....
Time to read Eikoden!
It is truly a long long LONG journey through The Universe of the Four Gods but a beloved one with each turn of the page. And looks like Watase-sama is strongly considering writing out Susanno's tale with the Byakko Celestial Warriors so one day the book might be truly completed.
My only sadness is that they haven't translated and released the novella Eikoden to America (or if they have I don't know it yet) so, alas, my collection still feels incomplete. Maybe I'll watch it to feel better.....
Oh and is it weird for me to say that though Tamahome is my number one favorite anime/manga character of ALL TIME I still frickin' HATE Taka? I dunno why but I cannot stand that jabronie..... >.<
Wo Ai Ni
UPDATE: February 2017
You know, after re-reading this whole thing all over again, I actually like Taka. I take back the jabronie comment and not just 'cause it's so ten years ago....
Time to read Eikoden!
April 12, 2017
Well, it's over. As far as Yuu Watase finales go, it seems pretty typical for her? I just feel . . . roundly dissatisfied, but not 100 percent so. I have so much to chew on in regards to this series, so who knows?
March 8, 2019
Well, I basically hate-read the last few of this series to just be able to finish and really wish I'd stopped at volume 13. That really felt like the ending to this series and everything after it has felt like an increasingly bad fan fiction.
January 5, 2024
Buen tomo final
September 20, 2024
The urge throughout the whole series to just hug Hotohori
February 27, 2014
I read this series before I read Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 01, and I didn't review it then. Having read them both now (and awaiting the final volume of Genbu), I can safely say that this series didn't catch me the way that Genbu did. It's romantic, but that's almost all it is. The heroine leaves much to be desired. I'm not saying it's terrible, because it's not. It was a good read. But in the precursor series, there is so much more to the priestess than her own romantic feelings for some guy. In this series, I feel like that's all our little heroine cares about (she is a high school girl, so I guess I should cut her some slack).
It is gorgeous, and there's humor, and definitely some serious tension and battle scenes. Not bad. But, overall, it just lacked some of the substance that I was hoping for. At it's best, it is a good series to read in order to set up the plot for Genbu Kaiden, despite the fact that Genbu is meant to be a prequel.
It is gorgeous, and there's humor, and definitely some serious tension and battle scenes. Not bad. But, overall, it just lacked some of the substance that I was hoping for. At it's best, it is a good series to read in order to set up the plot for Genbu Kaiden, despite the fact that Genbu is meant to be a prequel.
October 25, 2025
Review for complete series
I am actually really sad and disappointed. Fushigi Yuugi was that one classic shoujo fantasy that I never got around to reading even though I was convinced I would love it. I love Watase's art - this is an older work and the art is a tad dated, but it's perfectly lovely. It's a portal fantasy quest story with Chinese lore and it's not ridiculously long like many of its peers (I'm looking at you Inu Yasha and Yona of the Dawn). Eighteen volumes seemed like the perfect length and there was just no way I wasn't going to love this. It turns out that this manga has some of the worst pacing I have ever come across.
At its core, the story is pretty straight forward: Miaka is your normal school girl who comes by a magic book, gets pulled into an ancient fantasy world and is sent on a quest to collect items that will help her save the world she's in. For this, she needs to pull together some preordained set of warriors who fight by her side. Of course she falls in love with one of them and there's the big drama or which world she will end up staying in. All of this is pretty standard in this type of portal fantasy but that's exactly what I am here for. So while the premise isn't hugely unique, it's definitely not the problem I had with this story.
The first couple of volumes were insta-everything. I'm not just talking about Miaka and Tamahome falling madly in love from volume one, all other relationships are established in the same way. Yui, Miaka's best friend, is also in love with Tamahome from the moment they meet. The emperor is in love with Miaka from before they meet. All allies join their ranks effortlessly and they become best buddies just because. There's no real effort in recruiting any of the characters nor even finding them. Part of the whole point of this quest was to find these characters yet they just sometimes stumble into a scene, introducing themselves and declaring they're part of the gang and are already set to join them on a quest - no questions asked. It was so extreme that I don't think the last two characters added to the group were given much of a personality and were completely forgettable.
The problem with tossing these characters together like that is that there are no real developments. They say they all love and care for each other but, as far as I am concerned, I can't really believe them. If I see characters get to know each other, grow and form bonds, I will care for them. If they just pop out of the blue and risk limb and life for each other I feel there is something sorely lacking. I can't invest into friendships or romances that just kind of happened without any development whatsoever.
The plot becomes continuously more dark and a lot of deaths and loss occur. I'd normally feel something for these characters by that point but everything feels so over the top dramatic given what it is all based on. The pacing did improve quite a bit halfway through the series and the last couple of volumes were over all well-paced. The problem is that the damage was already done - the characters grew on me to some extent and while their actions and motifs became more believable, it still didn't do away with how wishy-washy their starting point was.
I also need to dedicate a paragraph to Yui - I feel no sympathy for her whatsoever. I don't care if she was manipulated, her actions were shallow and selfish. She blames Miaka for things she didn't do and sets heaven and hell loose just to get an uncalled for revenge. It's such a shame because I liked Yui's character in the second arc but yet again, it was already ruined by how she acted in the first arc. I'm not saying a character can't redeem themselves, Yui did do her part to earn forgiveness. The problem is that her anger and bitterness was completely misplaced and out of proportion.
I am not saying that this is a bad manga. I do think that a lot of people who like this are driven by nostalgia and I think I would have liked it a lot more had it also been one of my first manga. But after years of manga reading, this just doesn't deliver emotionally what I would expect of a good fantasy manga. The art is its strongest point, the characters are nice but they were never given the time they needed to grow. I don't think that eighteen volumes was too short, I just think that Watase priorities the wrong things over proper character and relationship development. I am not even sure what I am going to do with my copies - it's a good chunk of eighteen volumes taking up shelf space and somehow I don't see myself reading it again. Yet there's a part of me that just really wants to like this - but of course, wanting to like something and actually liking it are not the same thing. I think it will ultimately depend on how much I like its prequel Genbu Kaiden - I expect it to be a better work as it was written later and Watase has already proven in other works and in Fushigi Yuugi's second arc that she can write a properly paced story.
January 14, 2014
#Program BUBU
Pertama kali dibeli dan dibaca pada tanggal 22 Mei 2003.
Tamat beneran, kayaknya sih.
Untuk manga dengan universe Empat Dewa ini yang lain, aku baru baca satu-dua jilid yang Genbu Kaiden. Itu pun bukan terbitan m&c!, dengan kata lain bajakan. Yah, mungkin aku perlu baca mangascannya, kapan-kapan untuk menyelingi baca timbunan novel.
Pertama kali dibeli dan dibaca pada tanggal 22 Mei 2003.
Tamat beneran, kayaknya sih.
Untuk manga dengan universe Empat Dewa ini yang lain, aku baru baca satu-dua jilid yang Genbu Kaiden. Itu pun bukan terbitan m&c!, dengan kata lain bajakan. Yah, mungkin aku perlu baca mangascannya, kapan-kapan untuk menyelingi baca timbunan novel.
October 18, 2018
To be honest, I liked the first part waaaay more than the second part. The ending was adorable though c:
December 5, 2019
3,5 stars
January 5, 2020
Good tale. Great ending. =)
January 4, 2023
Después de muchos años, he vuelto a releer Fushigi Yûgi (ふしぎ遊戯), considerada una de las mejores obras de Yuu Watase. Este manga se publicó entre diciembre de 1991 y mayo de 1996 en la revista Shojo Comic de la editorial Shogakukan y, bajo mi punto de vista, se trata de un título bastante relevante dentro del manga shojo de los años 90. Después de haberlo leído más de 30 años después de que comenzara a publicarse, creo que a esta serie le pesan un poco los años, pero sigue siendo un manga entretenido con algunos clichés como el poder del amor y de la amistad, típicos de los manga. La edición que yo tengo es la que consta de 18 volúmenes que publicó la desaparecida editorial Glénat a principios de los 2000 con traducción al español de Marc Bernabé, Marta E. Gallego y Verónica Calafell.
Fushigi Yûgi narra la historia de 2 amigas que accidentalmente entran a un mundo de un libro titulado "El universo de los 4 dioses", cuya acción transcurre en la China antigua. En este lugar, las 2 amigas comenzarán un viaje para convertirse en las sacerdotisas de 2 de lo dioses de ese mundo, un hecho que las transformará en rivales y enemigas.
En cuanto a la lectura de la obra, creo que se trata de un manga muy dinámico, con mucha acción que no resulta difícil de leer ya que siempre están sucediendo muchas cosas con muchos personajes constantemente. En este sentido, me gustaría destacar que Yuu Watase consigue un equilibrio muy bueno entre manga Shojo y Shonen; no se trata de una obra que trate solo de amor ni se trata de una obra en la que estén sucediendo batallas constantemente, teniendo en cuenta que el eje principal de la acción siempre gira en torno a la historia de amor entre Miaka y Tamahome, los dos protagonistas. Además, al igual que en otras de sus obras, Yuu Watase le da muchísima importancia a los personajes y siempre se preocupa de contar sus historias para que el lector comprenda por qué han llegado a ser buenos o malos. En este sentido, me gusta mucho cómo enfoca esta autora la creación de personajes cuya información amplía en los espacios de extras en los tomos. Además, en el caso de Fushigi Yûgi la ambientación en la China antigua me parece estupendo, se nota que la autora estuvo documentándose sobre los distintos paisajes y palacios de este país antes de dibujar el manga.
En cuanto al dibujo, también se le notan un poco los años, pero ahora visto en la distancia, creo que es un dibujo muy noventero que funciona bien con la obra. Además, otro rasgo muy propio de la autora es dibujar a sus personajes de manera seria y a continuación, añadir alguna broma y dibujarles a modo de "chibis". Después de haber leído otras obras de esta autora, es curioso ver cómo evoluciona su dibujo a uno mucho refinado, especialmente en obras relacionadas con Fushigi Yûgi como su continuación, Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden (ふしぎ遊戯 玄武開伝).
En cuanto a la obra en sí, Fushigi Yûgi está claramente dividido en 2 partes, la primera de los tomos 1 al 13, en que se desarrolla la historia de Miaka y Yui como sacerdotisas de Suzaku y Seiryu. A mi juicio, la primera parte es sin duda la que tiene más calidad y más divertida de leer. La segunda parte, de los tomos 14 al 18, se desarrolla un tiempo después y narra cómo un extraño villano surgido de "El universo de los 4 dioses" pretende salir del libro al mundo real.
En definitiva, una muy buena serie con un estupendo equilibrio entre la aventura y el romance con algunos clichés típicos del manga y del anime. Aunque se le noten los años, sigue siendo una obra que guardo con cariño en mi estantería y en breves comenzaré con la segunda parte Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden que nunca llegué a terminar de leer y que la editorial Glénat dejó inconclusa por 1 solo tomo, una verdadera pena.
Fushigi Yûgi narra la historia de 2 amigas que accidentalmente entran a un mundo de un libro titulado "El universo de los 4 dioses", cuya acción transcurre en la China antigua. En este lugar, las 2 amigas comenzarán un viaje para convertirse en las sacerdotisas de 2 de lo dioses de ese mundo, un hecho que las transformará en rivales y enemigas.
En cuanto a la lectura de la obra, creo que se trata de un manga muy dinámico, con mucha acción que no resulta difícil de leer ya que siempre están sucediendo muchas cosas con muchos personajes constantemente. En este sentido, me gustaría destacar que Yuu Watase consigue un equilibrio muy bueno entre manga Shojo y Shonen; no se trata de una obra que trate solo de amor ni se trata de una obra en la que estén sucediendo batallas constantemente, teniendo en cuenta que el eje principal de la acción siempre gira en torno a la historia de amor entre Miaka y Tamahome, los dos protagonistas. Además, al igual que en otras de sus obras, Yuu Watase le da muchísima importancia a los personajes y siempre se preocupa de contar sus historias para que el lector comprenda por qué han llegado a ser buenos o malos. En este sentido, me gusta mucho cómo enfoca esta autora la creación de personajes cuya información amplía en los espacios de extras en los tomos. Además, en el caso de Fushigi Yûgi la ambientación en la China antigua me parece estupendo, se nota que la autora estuvo documentándose sobre los distintos paisajes y palacios de este país antes de dibujar el manga.
En cuanto al dibujo, también se le notan un poco los años, pero ahora visto en la distancia, creo que es un dibujo muy noventero que funciona bien con la obra. Además, otro rasgo muy propio de la autora es dibujar a sus personajes de manera seria y a continuación, añadir alguna broma y dibujarles a modo de "chibis". Después de haber leído otras obras de esta autora, es curioso ver cómo evoluciona su dibujo a uno mucho refinado, especialmente en obras relacionadas con Fushigi Yûgi como su continuación, Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden (ふしぎ遊戯 玄武開伝).
En cuanto a la obra en sí, Fushigi Yûgi está claramente dividido en 2 partes, la primera de los tomos 1 al 13, en que se desarrolla la historia de Miaka y Yui como sacerdotisas de Suzaku y Seiryu. A mi juicio, la primera parte es sin duda la que tiene más calidad y más divertida de leer. La segunda parte, de los tomos 14 al 18, se desarrolla un tiempo después y narra cómo un extraño villano surgido de "El universo de los 4 dioses" pretende salir del libro al mundo real.
En definitiva, una muy buena serie con un estupendo equilibrio entre la aventura y el romance con algunos clichés típicos del manga y del anime. Aunque se le noten los años, sigue siendo una obra que guardo con cariño en mi estantería y en breves comenzaré con la segunda parte Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden que nunca llegué a terminar de leer y que la editorial Glénat dejó inconclusa por 1 solo tomo, una verdadera pena.
January 5, 2020
Ah, what can I say? I owe myself to read the manga version of Fushigi Yûgi, the afternoon TV show that awakened my interest in anime since I was five years old.
As I can vividly remember, when I was five, I watched one episode of this anime and my very first anime crush became Tamahome. I tried my best to follow the story and it wasn't really a surprise to me how I have never forgotten all of the main characters in the show, since they were all beautifully drawn. I was in the first grade when I knew about Fushigi Yûgi.
Luckily when I got into sixth grade, Animax had it shown and I was able to watch it again, from start to finish. From there I was able to understand the story. During that time, I promised myself that if I could watch it again, or if I could read the raw (manga version) story when I get the opportunity, I would.
And like the tradition I made for myself, I started this year by reading one of my childhood classics.
In my opinion, the manga already has a good storyline from Volume 1 to 12. I think the author should have really just ended it from there. But since I'm a committed reader, I finished it until Volume 18.
The next volumes after the 12th one had been so much of a drag, but I did enjoy Volumes 15 and 18, because these two volumes showed action. I didn't regret reading it until the last part though, since the ending was satisfying.
If any readers out there would like to finish only until Volume 12, they may do so. I think the anime also ended it there, where it showed that Tamahome was already in Miaka's world, which he was called Taka.
Props to the author for giving this wonderful story to the world. To Yuu Watase, you are a foundation of my childhood.
As I can vividly remember, when I was five, I watched one episode of this anime and my very first anime crush became Tamahome. I tried my best to follow the story and it wasn't really a surprise to me how I have never forgotten all of the main characters in the show, since they were all beautifully drawn. I was in the first grade when I knew about Fushigi Yûgi.
Luckily when I got into sixth grade, Animax had it shown and I was able to watch it again, from start to finish. From there I was able to understand the story. During that time, I promised myself that if I could watch it again, or if I could read the raw (manga version) story when I get the opportunity, I would.
And like the tradition I made for myself, I started this year by reading one of my childhood classics.
In my opinion, the manga already has a good storyline from Volume 1 to 12. I think the author should have really just ended it from there. But since I'm a committed reader, I finished it until Volume 18.
The next volumes after the 12th one had been so much of a drag, but I did enjoy Volumes 15 and 18, because these two volumes showed action. I didn't regret reading it until the last part though, since the ending was satisfying.
If any readers out there would like to finish only until Volume 12, they may do so. I think the anime also ended it there, where it showed that Tamahome was already in Miaka's world, which he was called Taka.
Props to the author for giving this wonderful story to the world. To Yuu Watase, you are a foundation of my childhood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
Today's post is on Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play, Vol. 18: Bride by Yu Watase. It is 193 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover is Miaka and Take with Suzaku behind them. It is the eighteenth in her long running series and you need to have to have read the rest of the series to understand what is going on. There is no foul language, mild sexuality and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character Miaka. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Bride: Miaka has been fighting a battle across two different worlds to keep Taka, the human incarnation of her true love Tamahome, from vanishing. But what could it mean when Tamahome himself returns to confront Miaka and Taka? The answer to this riddle leads Miaka and the Seven Celestial Warriors to the stunning finale of the best-selling Fushigi Yûgi series.
Review- What an ending to an incredible series. Miaka and Taka are the only ones who can summon Suzaku to save both worlds. Their true love stops the bad guy from winning and they get to live happily ever after. This series has everything in it from betrayal, true love, kung-fu fighting, gods, different worlds, and everything else I cannot think to list. The characters were so interesting, the plot was very intense and you just never knew what was going to happen next, and the art was just Five star by itself. I know that some readers have some problems with some of the plot or characters but in general I have enjoyed every moment of this series. There is a reason this series is a classic of the shojo genre and I would recommend this series.
I give this 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 book- Bride: Miaka has been fighting a battle across two different worlds to keep Taka, the human incarnation of her true love Tamahome, from vanishing. But what could it mean when Tamahome himself returns to confront Miaka and Taka? The answer to this riddle leads Miaka and the Seven Celestial Warriors to the stunning finale of the best-selling Fushigi Yûgi series.
Review- What an ending to an incredible series. Miaka and Taka are the only ones who can summon Suzaku to save both worlds. Their true love stops the bad guy from winning and they get to live happily ever after. This series has everything in it from betrayal, true love, kung-fu fighting, gods, different worlds, and everything else I cannot think to list. The characters were so interesting, the plot was very intense and you just never knew what was going to happen next, and the art was just Five star by itself. I know that some readers have some problems with some of the plot or characters but in general I have enjoyed every moment of this series. There is a reason this series is a classic of the shojo genre and I would recommend this series.
I give this this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
February 2, 2019
C'est enfin la fin de cette grande histoire et les derniers tomes qui ont clairement été faits en bonus étaient dispensables. La fin de l'arc principal qui arrive au tome 13 est bien menée avec un bon climax très sympa avec un lien avec notre monde c'était bien réussi. Ces tomes rajoutés sont bien ficelés et c'est pas mal de fan service à revoir tous les personnages et un questionnement sympa sur la réalité des personnages. Mais cette partie de l'histoire reste dispensable.
En tout cas cette histoire de Fushigi Yuki a été passionnante, l'autrice maîtrise la fantasy, la magie et les pouvoirs et la construction de son monde imaginaire. Elle fait un joli lien avec une galerie de personnages auxquels on s'attache rapidement et gère très bien la romance tout du long des tomes, en la semant d'embuches. Le plus important dans ses mangas ce sont les relations humaines, les amitiés et tous les sentiments qui prennent le dessus. Et surtout elle arrive à maintenir de l'humour et des blagues sur les personnages tout du long ce qui est très agréable.
En tout cas cette histoire de Fushigi Yuki a été passionnante, l'autrice maîtrise la fantasy, la magie et les pouvoirs et la construction de son monde imaginaire. Elle fait un joli lien avec une galerie de personnages auxquels on s'attache rapidement et gère très bien la romance tout du long des tomes, en la semant d'embuches. Le plus important dans ses mangas ce sont les relations humaines, les amitiés et tous les sentiments qui prennent le dessus. Et surtout elle arrive à maintenir de l'humour et des blagues sur les personnages tout du long ce qui est très agréable.
July 4, 2018
I am relieved that I have finally came to the end of this series. I was hoping it to end after volume 11. I did not enjoy the story after summoning of the Suzaku was already done and then this reincarnation arc was injected to the story. The story became dragging up until it has finished - with all the school drama and even the minions and tenko and his four gods. Thankfully it’s now over. Moving onto my next manga.
December 31, 2021
El final fue lindo, sí.
Le redondeo un poquito para arriba el puntaje porque el último capítulo me gustó mucho.
Tenía la esperanza de que pero que haya quedado en "algún día" fue lindo también.
(De todos modos sigo pensando que el manga tendría que haber parado en el volumen 13).
Le redondeo un poquito para arriba el puntaje porque el último capítulo me gustó mucho.
Tenía la esperanza de que pero que haya quedado en "algún día" fue lindo también.
(De todos modos sigo pensando que el manga tendría que haber parado en el volumen 13).
July 20, 2018
I began this series when I was in middle school and absolutely adored the characters and plot. Finally finishing the series as an adult I see it as a little overly romantic and cheesy, but still fun.
August 8, 2023
Estoy muy contenta por haber vuelto a leer Fushigi yugi. Hace algunos años no estaba lista para esta historia y ahora si. Creo que mi yo de entonces no estaba preparada para leer algo con tanto romance.
July 13, 2018
Ahhh the end is emotional!
December 27, 2020
¡Qué fantástica! Leyendola me han venido pensamientos que tenía cuando la leí la primera vez en 2002. Qué potente. Ha sido casi un reencuentro...
May 14, 2021
Aquí se termina este manga, aunque el final es bonito, creo que se podría haber cerrado mejor en tomos anteriores.
August 12, 2021
Watched the anime 13 years ago...and finally had a chance to read it!!!!
March 17, 2023
She didn't die!!!!
January 24, 2025
El último tomo ha salvado un poco el rumbo que había tomado el manda a partir del tomo 13. Un buen cierre.
October 27, 2025
What an amazing adventure and the ending is beautiful. I highly recommend this book.
January 7, 2026
I strained to give this three stars. It would have been far better if the series had stopped at volume 13.
February 6, 2021
(Read series: May 2015
Review written: February 2016)
Ah, this ridiculously sappy, wonderful series.... How do I love thee? <3
I originally was introduced to Watase-san's style with her prequel series, Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden, back in the autumn of 2013. Shortly after, under recommendation, I read Absolute Boyfriend (which I despised), but still held some level of respect for the mangaka's pretty artwork, hilarious moments, and drama-infused plots. I particularly adored Genbu Kaiden, which is still in my top 10 favorites, and was always curious to check out its original series, that was apparently quite popular back in the day (early 90's, basically Sailor Moon's era).
When I noticed my library had the entire series (except vol 4 and 5, which I read online), OF COURSE I had to check it out and read it at last. Aaaaaaaand...... I must admit, despite the rather cynical reviews on this site, I adored it.
What's to the like? The artwork, for one, but even the basic story is intriguing. Two modern-day Japanese girls get sucked into a mysterious book/play set in a mythical Ancient China (or rather, go back and forth between worlds a few times each), and somehow each play out their role as priestesses in rival countries. The driving force behind each warring country is to summon their own "celestial warriors" to resurrect their gods to bring calamity towards one country, and peace for their own. At least.... that's the idea. Turns out, like most religious beliefs, different people interpret the prophecy in different ways, and depending on where you went, people treated the priestesses and her celestial warriors with either utter respect or disdain and fear.
So far, this is Genbu Kaiden to a T. And why not? After all, mythos has a way of repeating itself (see, Greek mythology, Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc), and each time there's a pending disaster at hand, a hero's journey must be brought forth. So, really, I did not mind the parallels and references at all. It only pleased me more, to see that the author understand the importance of classic mythos' storytelling. Not to mention, I particularly loved how she mentioned the plot of Genbu Kaiden's own priestess, as well as a lesser-known fourth one (there are four priestesses, and counterpart gods, in this universe), for continuity purposes.
The biggest difference between the original and its prequel comes down to the heroines. Genbu Kaiden has Takiko, a feisty, albeit daddy-issues girl of the 1920s, who doesn't back down from a fight, and is overall admirable. The Mysterious Play has Miaka, a quirky, "chubby" ditz with a heart of gold (who reminds me heavily of Usuagi/Serena of Sailor Moon), and Yuu, her best friend-turned-enemy, an easily embittered though intelligent girl, who's determined to avenge her honor (due to .... reasons). Now... many reviewers, it seems, despise Miaka and her stupidity. I know I should too, and I probably would have if I had read this back in high school, but.... something about her really tickled me. Maybe it was because her obssesion with food made her one of the few anime heroines NOT be skinny as a twig, maybe it's her unwavering optimism, or maybe I just found her entertaining. Who knows? I certainly think her counterpart of Genbu Kaiden is a much more well-rounded character, but I still enjoyed Miaka for who she is.
Another note worthy of mentioning is the extremely quick-paced romance. Even I was thrown off, that by the second volume, Miaka and Tamahome were already confessing their love for each other and being perfectly lovey-dovey.... Until I remembered that Genbu Kaiden is not much better (okay, so that one took another volume or two to get to the point, but it was also rather rushed!) And, not gonna lie, I'm a hopeless romantic and fell for their romance just as badly as I did for Takiko and Uruki/Limbo. So I guess my opinion is a bit biased, hehe.... What can I say? I'm a sucker for modern-day girls getting whisked away to ancient/mythical worlds and falling for handsome protectors.... (*cough* Inuyasha *cough cough*)
The only major criticism I have for this series is that... well.... I kinda expected it to simply end at volume 13, when "part 1" completed its course. I did not think it was necessary to continue.... But, to give the last volumes credit, it did at least dig into the psychology of bringing Tamahome "reincarnated" into our world as "Taka," and how that entire concept f*cked up his head (as well as confused the hell out of Miaka). So... while the concept and premise was certainly intriguing, it seemed a little too forced to wrap up the series, especially after the epic climax of volume 13...
But no matter. I still loved it. ^_^ After finishing the series, I was half-convinced I loved it more than Genbu Kaiden.... until I reread the first few volumes. Now, I can honestly say that these sister series are tied for me. Both are entertaining, both are emotionally-investing, and both romances are addicting.
Review written: February 2016)
Ah, this ridiculously sappy, wonderful series.... How do I love thee? <3
I originally was introduced to Watase-san's style with her prequel series, Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden, back in the autumn of 2013. Shortly after, under recommendation, I read Absolute Boyfriend (which I despised), but still held some level of respect for the mangaka's pretty artwork, hilarious moments, and drama-infused plots. I particularly adored Genbu Kaiden, which is still in my top 10 favorites, and was always curious to check out its original series, that was apparently quite popular back in the day (early 90's, basically Sailor Moon's era).
When I noticed my library had the entire series (except vol 4 and 5, which I read online), OF COURSE I had to check it out and read it at last. Aaaaaaaand...... I must admit, despite the rather cynical reviews on this site, I adored it.
What's to the like? The artwork, for one, but even the basic story is intriguing. Two modern-day Japanese girls get sucked into a mysterious book/play set in a mythical Ancient China (or rather, go back and forth between worlds a few times each), and somehow each play out their role as priestesses in rival countries. The driving force behind each warring country is to summon their own "celestial warriors" to resurrect their gods to bring calamity towards one country, and peace for their own. At least.... that's the idea. Turns out, like most religious beliefs, different people interpret the prophecy in different ways, and depending on where you went, people treated the priestesses and her celestial warriors with either utter respect or disdain and fear.
So far, this is Genbu Kaiden to a T. And why not? After all, mythos has a way of repeating itself (see, Greek mythology, Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc), and each time there's a pending disaster at hand, a hero's journey must be brought forth. So, really, I did not mind the parallels and references at all. It only pleased me more, to see that the author understand the importance of classic mythos' storytelling. Not to mention, I particularly loved how she mentioned the plot of Genbu Kaiden's own priestess, as well as a lesser-known fourth one (there are four priestesses, and counterpart gods, in this universe), for continuity purposes.
The biggest difference between the original and its prequel comes down to the heroines. Genbu Kaiden has Takiko, a feisty, albeit daddy-issues girl of the 1920s, who doesn't back down from a fight, and is overall admirable. The Mysterious Play has Miaka, a quirky, "chubby" ditz with a heart of gold (who reminds me heavily of Usuagi/Serena of Sailor Moon), and Yuu, her best friend-turned-enemy, an easily embittered though intelligent girl, who's determined to avenge her honor (due to .... reasons). Now... many reviewers, it seems, despise Miaka and her stupidity. I know I should too, and I probably would have if I had read this back in high school, but.... something about her really tickled me. Maybe it was because her obssesion with food made her one of the few anime heroines NOT be skinny as a twig, maybe it's her unwavering optimism, or maybe I just found her entertaining. Who knows? I certainly think her counterpart of Genbu Kaiden is a much more well-rounded character, but I still enjoyed Miaka for who she is.
Another note worthy of mentioning is the extremely quick-paced romance. Even I was thrown off, that by the second volume, Miaka and Tamahome were already confessing their love for each other and being perfectly lovey-dovey.... Until I remembered that Genbu Kaiden is not much better (okay, so that one took another volume or two to get to the point, but it was also rather rushed!) And, not gonna lie, I'm a hopeless romantic and fell for their romance just as badly as I did for Takiko and Uruki/Limbo. So I guess my opinion is a bit biased, hehe.... What can I say? I'm a sucker for modern-day girls getting whisked away to ancient/mythical worlds and falling for handsome protectors.... (*cough* Inuyasha *cough cough*)
The only major criticism I have for this series is that... well.... I kinda expected it to simply end at volume 13, when "part 1" completed its course. I did not think it was necessary to continue.... But, to give the last volumes credit, it did at least dig into the psychology of bringing Tamahome "reincarnated" into our world as "Taka," and how that entire concept f*cked up his head (as well as confused the hell out of Miaka). So... while the concept and premise was certainly intriguing, it seemed a little too forced to wrap up the series, especially after the epic climax of volume 13...
But no matter. I still loved it. ^_^ After finishing the series, I was half-convinced I loved it more than Genbu Kaiden.... until I reread the first few volumes. Now, I can honestly say that these sister series are tied for me. Both are entertaining, both are emotionally-investing, and both romances are addicting.
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