In Volume 4 of Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet by Mika Yamamori, Fumi Oono, our heroine, traveled to Kyoto with writer Akatsuki Kibikino and his editor, Kaneishi. During the trip, Akatsuki overheard Fumi confessing her love in her sleep, leading to a misunderstanding. When he confronted her, Fumi insisted it was none of his business, leaving things unresolved. Now that they’re back home, will this awkward situation finally be addressed? Let’s explore Volume 5 and find out.
Fumi, Akatsuki, and Kaneishi: Awkward Tension
After their return, the relationship between Fumi and Akatsuki grows strained. The tension increases further with Kaneishi spending much more time at their house, claiming to be there for work-related reasons. However, Akatsuki becomes irritated by Kaneishi’s constant flirting with Fumi. Despite Akatsuki warning Kaneishi that Fumi may already like someone, Kaneishi brushes it off, saying, “It’s not like she’s dating him yet. Seeing if she’s interested isn’t a crime.”
Fumi, on the other hand, doesn’t think much of Kaneishi’s presence and enjoys the time they spend together. Her mind drifts to the upcoming summer festival, which she longs to attend. Her friend Tobiume suggests she go with Akatsuki. Tobiume also reveals that Aioi has asked her to attend the festival alone with him, showing their relationship has grown closer. However, Fumi worries about imposing too much on Akatsuki and questions whether attending the festival with him would be asking for too much.
Romantic Confusion at the Summer Festival
Fumi also finds herself pondering the possibility of Tobiume and Aioi dating. She wonders what it feels like to have your feelings accepted by the person you like. Before she has much time to think about it, Kaneishi unexpectedly invites her to the summer festival instead of Akatsuki.
A Key Turning Point for Akatsuki and Fumi
Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Volume 5 represents a major turning point for the series. Both Akatsuki and Fumi must confront their true feelings. Akatsuki mistakenly believes Fumi has feelings for someone else, which leaves him feeling oddly upset by Kaneishi’s advances toward her. Why does the thought of Fumi dating another person bother him so much? Akatsuki has been unlucky in love, and romance hasn’t played a big part in his life for a while, so this sudden heartache takes him by surprise.
Kaneishi, meanwhile, plays a crucial role in pushing Akatsuki forward. Knowing that Fumi truly loves Akatsuki (and not some mystery man), Kaneishi tries to provoke Akatsuki by pretending to flirt with Fumi. He hopes this will force Akatsuki to come to terms with his feelings and make a move.
The Summer Festival Brings Emotions to the Surface
The summer festival becomes the emotional peak of this volume, with long-buried feelings rising to the surface. Without giving away spoilers, the events during the festival lead to a significant turning point for both Fumi and Akatsuki. I’d also like to highlight Mika Yamamori’s artwork here. Although the festival features many common tropes like games and food stalls, Yamamori keeps the scenes fresh with a short but impactful montage of moments that feel lively and vibrant. Even the smaller panels are packed with energy, keeping readers engaged.
Yamamori’s art and storytelling continue to impress throughout Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet. Her ability to balance visual detail and emotional depth makes this volume an enjoyable and heartfelt read.
Translation and Release Details
This English edition of Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Volume 5 comes to us from Yen Press, with Taylor Engel handling the translation and Lys Blakeslee doing the lettering. The translation reads smoothly, with no notable issues. At the end of the volume, there are some insightful translation notes that add context to cultural references, which are worth exploring.
Currently, Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Volume 6 is scheduled for an English release in February. While there’s no release date for further volumes, the series is complete in Japan with 14 volumes. Hopefully, the next installment won’t be too far behind.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Read for Shojo Fans
Overall, Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Volume 5 is a pivotal installment that brings emotions to a head for both Fumi and Akatsuki. This volume continues to develop the romance in a way that feels natural and compelling, making it one of the standout shojo releases I look forward to the most. If you’ve been following the series, this volume will leave you eager to see what happens next!
