Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play, Vol. 7: Castaway

ふしぎ遊戯 [Fushigi Yûgi] #7

by Yuu Watase

Now that the Seiryu Warriors have ruined their attempt to summon the god Suzaku, Miaka and her Celestial Warriors are forced to travel to a frozen northern country in hopes of gathering the sacred treasures that will grant them a second chance. Illustrations. Rated for older teens.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels, Shojo, Fiction, Comics

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 1993

About the author

Yuu 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".

Reviews

[MargReadsManga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking volume! 😭 It hits different now that I’m an adult/mom. I had forgotten all about this part. We find out a little more about Nuriko’s past. Our Suzaku warriors encounter some new baddies from the Seiryu side.

[Pixie 🍜 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was dramatic lol
I keep forgetting how dramatic manga is and how quickly these issues get resolved in the manga 😂
Though I had forgotten what happens in this volume and I’m not sure I ever read this far? Either way I forgot what happened to Tamahome this volume.

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miaka annoys me and the "rated for older teens" warning cracks me up, it's so funny but overall this series is a #Mustread.
Should I watch the anime?

[fawkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

EL GRAN DRAMOTE.

[Anna-Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Am liebsten 0 Sterne, Transphobie kommt auch noch dazu…

[Jolly Ann Paciencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging just 1 day book to me.

[Lemoona · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Suboshi did was so messed up! I didn’t want to hate him but now I do!!! Poor Tamahome. God knows what will happen if Miaka ever leaves him.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to another recap of Fushigi Yugi - your one stop manga that has love, betrayal, twins, monsters, mythology, kings, ghosts, wars, gods, murder, revenge, music, death, reanimated corpses, AU fantasy realities, libraries, exams, gender confused warriors and school girls!

So to get this out of the way two things happen that are diametrically opposite but serve the same point: being a priestess sucks.

Miaka learns from my fav Tai Yi-jun that oops well as a priestess ya gotta be pure so quit trying to make it to third with Tamahome. This creates unnecessary and ultimately stupid tension between the two.

THEN well Nakago convinces the grief stricken Suboshi to avenge his twin Amiboshi by...murdering a bunch of previously seen characters. On the plus side we meet Soi. A rather tragic figure all things considered.

I never liked Suboshi, he's too willing to jump at violence as his answer.

As both gals are abject failures as Priestesses, they both head off to Bei-Jia and Keisuke learns some horrible truths about being the Priestess. Thanks to Tetsuya who I also adore.

Miaka's mom makes a brief bitchy appearance. She's basically Joyce Summers in season 2/3 of Buffy.

Oh and hey Nuriko is a hot guy and this is where Watase sort of...muddies the idea of Nuriko a lot. We learn why (tragedy of course) Nuriko dresses as she does. We learn how comforting she finds it. She mentions her love for Hotohori a lot. Yet Watase tosses in a brief bit of Nuriko contemplating going back to being a guy possibly (or rather 'maybe it's time I lived again as a guy').

I wonder if she got pressure from folk to adjust Nuriko a bit (later, in Genbu Kaiden, there's a character who legit changes male to female to male physically due to his celestial mark, who's the main love interest, but that series was written almost a decade later after Watase was definitely a well known/sought creator). While technically FY isn't a reverse harem romance series, Miaka is shipped heavily with pretty much every Suzaku Warrior but Mitsukake & Chiriko.

[Bibliothecat · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really conflicted on how to rate this one. There was some ickyness with Miaka/Tamahome being told they can't touch or be intimate due to her role as priestess but she's like barely 15 and he's at least 18 already. Like, ew. Also, probably a victim of its time but still uncomfortable is the conversation that started over Nariko. While I assumed she was trans, apparently she/he/they (at this point I don't know the appropriate pronoun) only dressed as a girl to honor her dead sister. I originally liked the line "gender fulfilled" but the whole conversation is wrong.

But otherwise this was a dark volume with murder and death, very twisty!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

💔tamahome's family 😭

[✨Samantha Lopez✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 7 Castway

Ch 37 Forbidden Love 💙

After the fail attempt at summoning the beast god of the south. Tai-Yi-Jun gifted the Celestial Warriors with each a gift based on their own powers except for Tamahome who was calling her old, but she secretly did gifted him a power to protect Miaka when in doubt. Tai-Yi-jun also gifted the Lady Miaka a gift as well ashes from the old Gods. However, the gifts she gifted them wasn't all Tai-Yi-jun also had another plan for the Lady Miaka and the Celestial Warriors to head into Bei-Jan in search for an object that another Priestess was given to Shentsopao. Then Tai-Yi-jun dismiss all the Celestial Warriors to wait outside while she has a little chat with the Lady Miaka. In the show they made this part a little more dramatic than the comics did. What happened was that Tai-Yi-jun advised the lady Miaka that her body, mind and soul most be pure and that no man should spoil her body until the beast God is summoned. In truths the lady Miaka most abandoned her love for Tamahome. (Ch 38) How can she? When she's so in love with him and wishes to be with him. But as I learned in the show these two can overcome any obstacle that is thrown in their path.

Chapter 39 Frail Smile
(I'm going to skip some of the summaries from the beginning to get to the main part of this chapter.)

Hotohori asked Tamahome if he's interested in bringing his father and family into the kingdom to be protected under the Kings watch. Tamahome is so filled with joy that he goes into town and buys gifts for his brothers and sisters. Jie-Lian a 4th child who was raised and cared by Tamahome was his most favorite child, he has taken care of and sort of spoiled her. While buying them each gifts he rides into his hometown to discover a horrible sight. The Lady Miaka and Nuriko washed in horror as Tamahome finds his father and family brutally murdered. A horrible sight to see as one child's leg is cut off cleanly and another stabbed through the dead bodies of children. Jie-Lian was still breathing by the time Tamahome got home and held her in his arms and washed in pain and anguished as his little sister takes her last breath away. (Ch 40.) They soon find out who it was who brutally taken the life of the children's. With hatred and revenge in his heart he seeks blood for blood of his twin brother's death. But what lies has Nakago has set up this time? After, Suboshi and Soi leaves Tamahome buried his family. The lady Miaka tries her best to help him, but he asked her to leave him be. (end of Ch 39 & 40.)

Chapter 41. The Mystery of the Universe of the Four Gods

(I'm going to skip some of the summaries from the beginning to get to the main part of this chapter.)

As Tamahome is asleep in his bed the Lady Miaka brings him a tray of food to eat. He's past out on the bed and grabs the Lady Miaka into his arms! Waking up from a dream his eyes widen with surprise wishing that his dream self would've done more than just grabbing her into his arms. Miaka punches him on the head.


Anyways, on a different note, I think if Nuriko would've cut that hair a long ago and went with Miaka then the love triangle wouldn't be a triangle it would be a box? I think... But I think Nuriko and Miaka would've been the best couples besides Tamahome and Hotohori.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's post is on Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play, Volume 7: Castaway by Yuu Watase. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has the two main characters on it facing looking in the distance with excitement towards something that the reader cannot see. The intended reader is someone who likes historical fantasy, high fantasy, romance, and shojo stories. There is mild foul language, mild sexuality, and violence in this story. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Shipwrecked!
Now that the Seiryu Warriors have ruined their attempt to summon Suzaku, Miaka and her Celestial Warriors are forced to travel to a frozen northern country in hopes of gathering the sacred treasures that will grant them a second chance. Little do they know that they have made new enemies, ones who will stop at nothing to wreak their vengeance!


Review- Picking up where the last volume, the real Chiriko has appeared but the scroll of the Four Gods was destroyed by the Warriors of Seiryu and without it Miaka cannot summon Suzaku. We also learn something very important; the priestess must be a virgin so that means that General Nakago has lied to Yui about being raped. So she is angry at Miaka over a lie and is being manipulated by General Nakago for his own reasons. So off Miaka and the Suzaku Warriors go to Genbu's country to find the objects that are needed to do the summons now but so is Yui and her warriors so that she can summon Seiryu. Miaka and Tamahome have a serious heart-to-heart about what their relationship is, with the whole must be a virgin thing, and where they want it go after she summons Suzaku. I enjoyed the character development in this volume and I cannot wait see more of the island they get shipwrecked on in the last few pages.

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.

[Aikazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's my favorite scenes in this volume;

1. Tamahome’s Mind-Control: Nakago intensifies his manipulations by using the power of the Seiryuu to brainwash Tamahome. Under Nakago’s influence, Tamahome becomes a dangerous enemy, attacking Miaka and her allies. This creates a heartbreaking conflict for Miaka as she struggles to save the man she loves.

2. Yui’s Increasing Despair: Yui begins to realize the extent of Nakago’s control and manipulation, but she remains conflicted. Her jealousy and bitterness toward Miaka grow, but there are glimpses of her lingering inner turmoil as she questions whether her choices are truly her own.

3. Preparation for the Final Battle: By the end of the volume, the Suzaku warriors have made significant progress toward gathering the necessary items to summon Suzaku. However, the looming threat of Nakago and the Seiryuu warriors grows ever closer, setting the stage for a climactic showdown.

[Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me quedé helada con la aniquilación de la familia de Tamahome, eso sí que no lo esperaba. Muchos mangas o anime tienen el giro dramático pero no lo esperaba en éste a esta altura.

Me causa gracia la "cláusula" de que Miaka tiene que ser virgen, la autora le dio mucho más dramatismo a eso (que tampoco es para tanto, es un tiempito nada más) que a la verdadera tragedia que ocurrió.
Es mucho más interesante todo lo que descubrió Keisuke, su escena en la biblioteca me gustó mucho, y me resultó gracioso lo rápido que su amigo aceptó todo.

Sobre Nuriko, hay muchas cosas muy desprolijas, para decirlo con amabilidad. Me siguen chocando comentarios que en esa época eran comunes y ahora son discriminatorios, y supongo que es por eso que su historia es bastante tosca y hasta insensible.

[♡Kayla♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*

This volume was actually SO dark, and just very melancholic overall. I actually cried, which is something of a rarity for me.

I really liked the exploration of the history of the book that Miaka and Yui were transported into, it's super ominous and mysterious, and it was probably my favorite element. I hope we can learn even more in the next issue.

I still feel a little lukewarm about Miaka and Tamahome's relationship though. It's just kind of insta-lovey, and I prefer a romance that takes a little more time to develop, especially when it comes to strong declarations of love. Plus a part of me does prefer Hotohori a bit still.

[Zennica Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 7 continues the intricate and emotionally charged tale of Miaka Yūki, as she grapples with her role as the Suzaku Empress. This volume delves deeper into the complexities of loyalty, love, and destiny, as Miaka faces increasingly difficult decisions that impact not only her life but the fate of the Kingdom of Konan.

What stands out in this volume is the balance between adventure and character growth, as Miaka faces both external and internal battles. Her struggle with identity and power adds layers to her development, making her a compelling protagonist. The mix of high-stakes drama and tender moments makes this volume both engaging and emotionally resonant.

[Pittoresque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, in diesem Band passiert echt eine ganze Menge! Tamahome erlebt seinen schlimmsten Albtraum, die Rivalität zwischen Miaka und Yui wird noch vertieft, Keisuke taucht mal wieder auf (und ich dachte schon, wir wären fertig mit der realen Welt) und wir lernen etwas über Nurikos Vergangenheit. Letzteres ist lustigerweise der einzige Teil, der mir vom ersten Lesen her noch bekannt vorkam. Prioritäten, mein Mädchen, Prioritäten!

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add Miaka to the list of annoying characters. Something I don't like about this volume is how rushed it feels, especially after seeing Tamahome's family's death. He must have been traumatised but the story just focuses on his relationship with Miaka.

[Bee (BacchusVines) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yuu Watase does not waste time in killing off characters. Now onward to Genbu territory c:

[Anne Mey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Les dessins prennent de l'ampleur pour représenter les sentiments et notamment la perte de la famille de Tamahome et l'histoire de Nuriko est très intéressante.

[✨Sky✨ ♏ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was quite eventful. I have to give a shout out to George RR Martin for preparing me for such tragedy mentioned in this volume. 😅

[Lore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy murder! I was not expecting that...

[Lindsey Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhhh

[Mayar · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUSTICE FOR TAMAHOME!!!!! I can’t believe they did that to his family. Poor Tamahome. He deserves so much better!!! I’m literally aggravated.

[Frankie Frabizzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuriko is mother and this volume was crazy. I was tuning into some DRAMA as a child with this series honey…….and it holds the hell up!! Pleased to say😌

[ⓘⓣⓐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2024 goal 163/150

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

La autora advirtió que la historia tomaría un rumbo más oscuro y triste... y yo no le creí.

[Finn Lectora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Por mas años que pasen, todavía me sigue doliendo lo de Tama 🥹💔

La referencia a Genbu 🫶🏻🔝