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Princess Jellyfish 2-in-1 Omnibus #8
Princess Jellyfish, Vol. 8
TURNING TIDES
As this modern fairy tale of otaku girls bum-rushing the fashion industry hits its penultimate volume, Kuranosuke charges onwards for Tsukimi's retrieval mission! Hanamori-san also makes his way to Singapore, for less noble reasons, but the biggest showstopper is Shu, who decides to propose...for real this time! Meanwhile, the Jelly Fish line may not be dead yet, but who's crazy enough to take its reins?
As this modern fairy tale of otaku girls bum-rushing the fashion industry hits its penultimate volume, Kuranosuke charges onwards for Tsukimi's retrieval mission! Hanamori-san also makes his way to Singapore, for less noble reasons, but the biggest showstopper is Shu, who decides to propose...for real this time! Meanwhile, the Jelly Fish line may not be dead yet, but who's crazy enough to take its reins?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2018
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489 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 24, 2021
Princess Jellyfish has reached a point of equilibrium. Tsukimi returns to Japan without a lot of fanfare. The Amars are still faced with losing their home, so they are reviving their brand and rethinking how best to design and market their clothes to appeal to people like themselves.
I enjoy these characters, and the discussions about fashion that permeate the story, and could keep going with those for quite a bit longer. But I'm also perfectly fine with it ending in one more volume, before stagnation sets in. All that remains to be seen--as has been the case for quite some time--is which brother Tsukimi decides on, and whether Amamizukan will be saved.
I enjoy these characters, and the discussions about fashion that permeate the story, and could keep going with those for quite a bit longer. But I'm also perfectly fine with it ending in one more volume, before stagnation sets in. All that remains to be seen--as has been the case for quite some time--is which brother Tsukimi decides on, and whether Amamizukan will be saved.
April 28, 2018
In this penultimate volume, the Singapore side trip wraps up comedically before a little bit of heartbreak starts creeping into the love triangle at the center. It's been an enjoyable ride, but I'm looking forward to an ending.
July 17, 2021
The first volume (15) didn't hold my interest the way they usually do -- maybe because the characters were apart? But 16 was excellent. I'm so impressed by how Kuranosuke has grown as a person, and it's nice to see Tsukimi also being a bit less interior. I guess travel really is broadening, even if you're basically kidnapped and swept along via a series of lux elite spaces. I really liked how the two of them developed their philosophy of fashion.
January 5, 2021
Princess Jellyfish is an enjoyable read about two very different people from very different worlds colliding to form an unlikely bond. We are first introduced to Tsukimi who is an otaku. She’s antisocial and has all the usual trappings of someone who could be defined as a geek, big glasses, unkempt hair, and overall doesn’t prioritize her looks. While you might at first glance think that she’s nothing special, you couldn’t be more wrong. Tsukimi has a love for jellyfish, and this love manifests itself in a beautiful display of art. She has incredible talent and needs help growing the confidence to share her creations.
Meanwhile, Kuranosuke is an extremely confident person with a flare for fashion. He is continually pressured to meet the standard of his family but wants to find a way to pursue his passions and lead a less lonely life. While his life as a fabulous cross-dresser might seem glamorous, is life really worth it if you don’t have any real or genuine relationships?
Princess Jellyfish is like reading a fun thought experiment about truly learning how to love yourself and embrace who you are. The art is skillfully drawn and much of the story is quite funny. At the core, this story is beautiful and is a great read for anyone who is feeling a bit lost in life.
Meanwhile, Kuranosuke is an extremely confident person with a flare for fashion. He is continually pressured to meet the standard of his family but wants to find a way to pursue his passions and lead a less lonely life. While his life as a fabulous cross-dresser might seem glamorous, is life really worth it if you don’t have any real or genuine relationships?
Princess Jellyfish is like reading a fun thought experiment about truly learning how to love yourself and embrace who you are. The art is skillfully drawn and much of the story is quite funny. At the core, this story is beautiful and is a great read for anyone who is feeling a bit lost in life.
September 16, 2018
This was probably the best volume in a while. The plot moved forward a few feet. We got to see some back story of how the amars started living together as well as a chapter about how/why Kuranosuke (?) started cross dressing.
I’ve mentioned it before but I appreciate how real the author is about the fashion/clothing industry.
I’ve mentioned it before but I appreciate how real the author is about the fashion/clothing industry.
June 22, 2019
SO CLOSE. I MUST FINISH. EVERYONE IS JUST SO CUTE. AND AHHHHHH MORE.
February 15, 2020
This is the second to last volume of the series, so I'm not going to try and summarize the plot at this point. I'll just say this series remains delightful and I recommend it!
April 13, 2025
Vol. 3 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 4 ★★★★★
Vol. 5 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 6 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 7 ★★★☆☆
The Singapore arc is a detour that doesn't move the story forward. While Tsukimi and Kuranosuke need to reevaluate the direction of their brand, this trip to Singapore doesn't exactly help them on that front or lead to any sort of character growth. It's honestly a waste of chapters. While I find Hanamori funny in small doses, he's irritating when being featured this much.
Vol. 4 ★★★★★
Vol. 5 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 6 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 7 ★★★☆☆
The Singapore arc is a detour that doesn't move the story forward. While Tsukimi and Kuranosuke need to reevaluate the direction of their brand, this trip to Singapore doesn't exactly help them on that front or lead to any sort of character growth. It's honestly a waste of chapters. While I find Hanamori funny in small doses, he's irritating when being featured this much.
September 9, 2021
Well, that was incredibly disappointing. I realize I'm probably the wrong audience for this series, since Kuranosuke is obviously one of the main characters - arguably more important than Tsukimi herself. But I just do not like him.
At least he finally announced that he's going to stop living off his father's money and plans to make it on his own, which...sure, buddy. We'll see how likely that is, and if Jelly Fish actually does end up earning enough to pay ongoing living expenses for 6 people in the middle of an economic crisis that is partially bankrupting Kai's super successful and brilliantly run fashion empire. If that happens, all the carefully constructed realism of the past 8 volumes will be thrown out the window.
For now, what I'm really disappointed about is that after all that effort of sending Tsukimi to Singapore and having her study fashion and start to get to know Kai as a genuinely interesting person...she just leaves. Gets on a plane with Kuranosuke and heads back to Tokyo, doing whatever he says, as always.
She made the choice to go with Kai to Singapore. Kuranosuke makes the choice to bring her back.
He doesn't ask her. She doesn't get an option. She lets him rule her life because...she's used to it by now, and she doesn't think she can make it on her own. This is something Kuranosuke repeatedly tells her and everyone else. Quote from this volume, after Kuranosuke scoffs at the idea that a man like Kai could ever find Tsukimi attractive: "I don't see how Tsukimi's designs could have any influence on your brand...It's crazy that [Kai] brought know-nothing Tsukimi all the way here on some whim!"
I hate how he talks to and about her. I hate that this is getting set up as The Ultimate Romance, when he is the least suited for Tsukimi - and the most likely to squeeze her into whatever shape will benefit him, rather than letting her truly thrive. He drags her back to Tokyo, promising to take control of her vision again, while she gets back to her silly little designs that he's deemed not even worthy of the name, since the rest of them do all the real work.
Ugh. He infuriates me. I hate that he's the hero. I hate that Tsukimi worships him.
She has other options, and I don't just mean on the romantic front.
Kai is kind of a jerk - we get to see that demonstrated by him burning the excess stock of his clothing lines (something lots of high-end fashion brands apparently do) and closing poorly-performing stores (thus laying off hundreds of employees) to head off the financial crisis that could ruin his company if he didn't take action. Yeah he's a big businessmen. That makes him evil on a basic level, since you can't earn a ton of money without being a kind of terrible person. (See: Hanamori, who'd jump at the chance.)
But Kai saw Tsukimi's potential, and he wanted to nurture that. He told her she was valuable and important on her own. He wanted to give her the help and instruction she'd need to be successful. And beyond all of that, he genuinely had fun with her, showing her the flashy parts of the city but paying attention to her comfort level and toning down their adventures. Taking her to his favorite out-of-the-way eating spot - an experience she loved - was the spark of jealousy that caused his childhood best friend and right-hand woman to betray him.
Doesn't that mean, then, that he was taking Tsukimi seriously? He saw something special in her, defended her against his model semi-girlfriend's insults, and spoke of her as a brilliant designer who should be respected. Tsukimi was his lady luck. Someone who could transform the fashion world with him.
I really, really wanted to see that explored more. Instead, Kai is barely in this volume at all, and he gets royally screwed over by Fayong, who...chooses Kuranosuke over him? Theme of this series.
Even in the bonus chapter about how Kuranosuke started crossdressing in his final year of high school, everything's about how irresistible he is and how every girl in school and even some of the guys are obsessed with him, and how terrible this is for him, poor Kuranosuke, everyone thinks you're marvelous, however can you cope. He even got into university based on recommendations, not his own merit or any effort he'd spent studying, so I suppose it's no wonder that he never bothers actually going to his classes.
At least Hanamori flew to Singapore too, and stole all the scenes he was in, as usual. He's invariably funny and terrible but even sweet, in his own way - managing to be the only guy with an open invitation to the Amars household. He even bathes there!
I like how much he genuinely seems to care about Shu, even if he's deeply disloyal, spills secrets at the slightest nudge, and would even be willing to sleep with Kai to get a better-paying job as his chauffeur. (Now that would've been a worthwhile plot line.)
Shu does return in this volume, just so he can formally propose to Tsukimi and get shot down. (After somehow seeming to still have no idea where she was or what she was doing, which continues to be an infuriatingly baffling plot hole.)
Now, after the Singapore adventure and everything, I actually think Tsukimi is right to put the brakes on the marriage talk. She's not ready. Shu's not really ready, either; he's rushing straight to marriage because he's an absolute sweetheart and has no idea what he's doing. He loves Tsukimi and doesn't intend to ever love anyone else, so why wouldn't they just get married?
Shu is such a good guy. Far too pure for politics, as his father and uncle muse - Kuranosuke was the true politician all along, dripping with ambition and deceit and sleazy selfishness. But Shu is the dedicated son and family man trying to follow the path that was expected of him...and losing his actual heart's desire in the process. (Every time he daydreams, it's not of himself in a position of power and Tsukimi as his demure little politician's housewife. He's always escaping...to the countryside or the sea, where he can live in a little house with Tsukimi and give her anything she wants.)
I really wish he could've had more development in this series. I would've liked to see him take inspiration from Tsukimi and follow his dreams - to discover what those dreams might be.
Honestly, I cried during the rejection scene...Shu has been steady and sweet and loyal from page 1, and everyone has been so consistently horrible to him. Inari, of course, who's apparently been dropped from the plot (what is even happening with the redevelopment now?). His father. The rest of his family. Kuranosuke, who calls him an idiot and a "revolting...stupid virgin" and demands that Tsukimi turn him down. (He is so. Freaking controlling.)
She was going to anyway - that was her choice, and I do think it was the correct one for right now - but she had to literally beg Kuranosuke to not go with her to talk to Shu. And I think it's pretty awful, too, that Kuranosuke mocked and laughed at the ring Shu bought in Venice - which, as I'd predicted, Tsukimi absolutely loved.
Tsukimi doesn't want to get married right now; she's 19 and just starting to figure out some of the things she might want to do with her life. She wants to stay with her friends and make clothes. She wants to make dresses for Kuranosuke.
So you're choosing Kuranosuke, Shu says, in one of the most beautiful pages of the series - he's not judging her, he's not trying to make her change her mind. He's hurt - his beautiful little brother wins again, as he always does - but he's accepting Tsukimi's decision. (The cut to Hanamori's face hurt there, too...he knows how much Shu loves Tsukimi and how much he wanted this to work out.)
Here's where Tsukimi's Kuranosuke-worship comes out in full force. She has never once believed that she is worthy of wearing the jellyfish dresses her mother had promised her. Only someone as beautiful, as magnificent, as Kuranosuke deserves to be in those dresses. He's her princess, she tells Shu.
"I see," Shu says, and smiles softly, knowing he's lost. "But the thing is, to me, you were the princess."
And that, right there, is the difference.
Reader, I sobbed.
Tsukimi is a princess. I think she's the princess of this series' title. She absolutely, 100%, thinks Kuranosuke is...and so does he.
Plot-wise, we're diving right back into the clothes-making that Kuranosuke has been making them do all along. While Tsukimi was in Singapore, though, the Amars started to really take some concrete steps on their own, which was great. I particularly really, really like Jiji, who I thought in volume 1 was the one with the least personality. She's been growing so much, and I love to see it.
One more volume. I hope the entire frigging thing isn't just another ode to Kuranosuke's unbearable beauty. I'm still mad about Kai.
At least he finally announced that he's going to stop living off his father's money and plans to make it on his own, which...sure, buddy. We'll see how likely that is, and if Jelly Fish actually does end up earning enough to pay ongoing living expenses for 6 people in the middle of an economic crisis that is partially bankrupting Kai's super successful and brilliantly run fashion empire. If that happens, all the carefully constructed realism of the past 8 volumes will be thrown out the window.
For now, what I'm really disappointed about is that after all that effort of sending Tsukimi to Singapore and having her study fashion and start to get to know Kai as a genuinely interesting person...she just leaves. Gets on a plane with Kuranosuke and heads back to Tokyo, doing whatever he says, as always.
She made the choice to go with Kai to Singapore. Kuranosuke makes the choice to bring her back.
He doesn't ask her. She doesn't get an option. She lets him rule her life because...she's used to it by now, and she doesn't think she can make it on her own. This is something Kuranosuke repeatedly tells her and everyone else. Quote from this volume, after Kuranosuke scoffs at the idea that a man like Kai could ever find Tsukimi attractive: "I don't see how Tsukimi's designs could have any influence on your brand...It's crazy that [Kai] brought know-nothing Tsukimi all the way here on some whim!"
I hate how he talks to and about her. I hate that this is getting set up as The Ultimate Romance, when he is the least suited for Tsukimi - and the most likely to squeeze her into whatever shape will benefit him, rather than letting her truly thrive. He drags her back to Tokyo, promising to take control of her vision again, while she gets back to her silly little designs that he's deemed not even worthy of the name, since the rest of them do all the real work.
Ugh. He infuriates me. I hate that he's the hero. I hate that Tsukimi worships him.
She has other options, and I don't just mean on the romantic front.
Kai is kind of a jerk - we get to see that demonstrated by him burning the excess stock of his clothing lines (something lots of high-end fashion brands apparently do) and closing poorly-performing stores (thus laying off hundreds of employees) to head off the financial crisis that could ruin his company if he didn't take action. Yeah he's a big businessmen. That makes him evil on a basic level, since you can't earn a ton of money without being a kind of terrible person. (See: Hanamori, who'd jump at the chance.)
But Kai saw Tsukimi's potential, and he wanted to nurture that. He told her she was valuable and important on her own. He wanted to give her the help and instruction she'd need to be successful. And beyond all of that, he genuinely had fun with her, showing her the flashy parts of the city but paying attention to her comfort level and toning down their adventures. Taking her to his favorite out-of-the-way eating spot - an experience she loved - was the spark of jealousy that caused his childhood best friend and right-hand woman to betray him.
Doesn't that mean, then, that he was taking Tsukimi seriously? He saw something special in her, defended her against his model semi-girlfriend's insults, and spoke of her as a brilliant designer who should be respected. Tsukimi was his lady luck. Someone who could transform the fashion world with him.
I really, really wanted to see that explored more. Instead, Kai is barely in this volume at all, and he gets royally screwed over by Fayong, who...chooses Kuranosuke over him? Theme of this series.
Even in the bonus chapter about how Kuranosuke started crossdressing in his final year of high school, everything's about how irresistible he is and how every girl in school and even some of the guys are obsessed with him, and how terrible this is for him, poor Kuranosuke, everyone thinks you're marvelous, however can you cope. He even got into university based on recommendations, not his own merit or any effort he'd spent studying, so I suppose it's no wonder that he never bothers actually going to his classes.
At least Hanamori flew to Singapore too, and stole all the scenes he was in, as usual. He's invariably funny and terrible but even sweet, in his own way - managing to be the only guy with an open invitation to the Amars household. He even bathes there!
I like how much he genuinely seems to care about Shu, even if he's deeply disloyal, spills secrets at the slightest nudge, and would even be willing to sleep with Kai to get a better-paying job as his chauffeur. (Now that would've been a worthwhile plot line.)
Shu does return in this volume, just so he can formally propose to Tsukimi and get shot down. (After somehow seeming to still have no idea where she was or what she was doing, which continues to be an infuriatingly baffling plot hole.)
Now, after the Singapore adventure and everything, I actually think Tsukimi is right to put the brakes on the marriage talk. She's not ready. Shu's not really ready, either; he's rushing straight to marriage because he's an absolute sweetheart and has no idea what he's doing. He loves Tsukimi and doesn't intend to ever love anyone else, so why wouldn't they just get married?
Shu is such a good guy. Far too pure for politics, as his father and uncle muse - Kuranosuke was the true politician all along, dripping with ambition and deceit and sleazy selfishness. But Shu is the dedicated son and family man trying to follow the path that was expected of him...and losing his actual heart's desire in the process. (Every time he daydreams, it's not of himself in a position of power and Tsukimi as his demure little politician's housewife. He's always escaping...to the countryside or the sea, where he can live in a little house with Tsukimi and give her anything she wants.)
I really wish he could've had more development in this series. I would've liked to see him take inspiration from Tsukimi and follow his dreams - to discover what those dreams might be.
Honestly, I cried during the rejection scene...Shu has been steady and sweet and loyal from page 1, and everyone has been so consistently horrible to him. Inari, of course, who's apparently been dropped from the plot (what is even happening with the redevelopment now?). His father. The rest of his family. Kuranosuke, who calls him an idiot and a "revolting...stupid virgin" and demands that Tsukimi turn him down. (He is so. Freaking controlling.)
She was going to anyway - that was her choice, and I do think it was the correct one for right now - but she had to literally beg Kuranosuke to not go with her to talk to Shu. And I think it's pretty awful, too, that Kuranosuke mocked and laughed at the ring Shu bought in Venice - which, as I'd predicted, Tsukimi absolutely loved.
Tsukimi doesn't want to get married right now; she's 19 and just starting to figure out some of the things she might want to do with her life. She wants to stay with her friends and make clothes. She wants to make dresses for Kuranosuke.
So you're choosing Kuranosuke, Shu says, in one of the most beautiful pages of the series - he's not judging her, he's not trying to make her change her mind. He's hurt - his beautiful little brother wins again, as he always does - but he's accepting Tsukimi's decision. (The cut to Hanamori's face hurt there, too...he knows how much Shu loves Tsukimi and how much he wanted this to work out.)
Here's where Tsukimi's Kuranosuke-worship comes out in full force. She has never once believed that she is worthy of wearing the jellyfish dresses her mother had promised her. Only someone as beautiful, as magnificent, as Kuranosuke deserves to be in those dresses. He's her princess, she tells Shu.
"I see," Shu says, and smiles softly, knowing he's lost. "But the thing is, to me, you were the princess."
And that, right there, is the difference.
Reader, I sobbed.
Tsukimi is a princess. I think she's the princess of this series' title. She absolutely, 100%, thinks Kuranosuke is...and so does he.
Plot-wise, we're diving right back into the clothes-making that Kuranosuke has been making them do all along. While Tsukimi was in Singapore, though, the Amars started to really take some concrete steps on their own, which was great. I particularly really, really like Jiji, who I thought in volume 1 was the one with the least personality. She's been growing so much, and I love to see it.
One more volume. I hope the entire frigging thing isn't just another ode to Kuranosuke's unbearable beauty. I'm still mad about Kai.
April 4, 2018
The penultimate volume? I thought this was the last volume, so I was surprised when a lot of the chapters went into the back stories for the characters. I genuinely enjoyed this fleshing out of the characters, since they don't really appear in the drama, but was surprised that it happened here, before the climax to the various plotlines.
June 2, 2018
Woo! So many things happen in this volume, plus back stories for the Amara's and Kuranosuke. I think most of the main characters are actually having growing moments! The two lead characters of course but Jiji and Shu had moments too! Kinda interested to see how Jiji develops to be honest, I think she's got great potential.
January 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this volume. Probably my favorite so far. You see the Amars going out of their comfort zones on their own. You see women standing up for themselves. There's a whole bit about the trashyness of capitalism and I love it
November 12, 2020
My full review for this series can be seen on the first omnibus's page.
June 25, 2018
Goooood stuff. A lot of quality realizations and background exploration in this volume. It really gets at the motivations and maturing desires of the characters. Art is expressive and charming as always.
April 20, 2018
The pacing was off, curtailing a lot of the main story with backstories of various characters. Don’t get me wrong, it was enjoyable seeing how everyone came together, it just interrupted the urgency of the main plot which has not really been resolved. I had thought this was the last volume, but it appears Amazon has a volume 9 releasing in June stating that that is the final volume.
This series has always been good at asking interesting questions of their characters, and this volume is no exception. Lots of brilliant character moments and interactions, and without spoiling anything, this volume is a must read for anyone curious about their beloved character’s motivations.
This volume also had some really great laugh out loud moments.
This series has always been good at asking interesting questions of their characters, and this volume is no exception. Lots of brilliant character moments and interactions, and without spoiling anything, this volume is a must read for anyone curious about their beloved character’s motivations.
This volume also had some really great laugh out loud moments.
January 15, 2021
Princess Jellyfish 8
Operación Rescate, bueno,
Así que ya de regreo en Japón, conlas Amars.
Ese Shu, de plano, proponerse así de repente, muy mal, terrible.
Tsukimi logra re-encontrar su inspiración, acercándose el final, ¿qué pasará??.
4 star
Operación Rescate, bueno,
Así que ya de regreo en Japón, conlas Amars.
Ese Shu, de plano, proponerse así de repente, muy mal, terrible.
Tsukimi logra re-encontrar su inspiración, acercándose el final, ¿qué pasará??.
4 star
January 5, 2021
I liked this one considerably more than #7 -- especially seeing several of the Amars demonstrating character growth & ambition while still remaining true to their geeky enjoyable selves. Writing this I am wondering if I would like this mangaka better in a different genre, because her character work is so, so good, but I find the actual plot and the way development is paced not so much to my taste. I should clearly check out some of her other work and see if it is just in her style, or if it was about hitting reader expectations.
September 30, 2020
Nevermind that plot didn't occupy as much space as I thought (Tsukimi with Fish in Singapore) and we are back to making the Jellyfish brand with the Amars, which I love. I do feel this manga is playing with the love triangle between Tsukimi, Shu and Kuranosuke. It's raising my hopes up just to dash them I think.
April 28, 2021
In the struggle to take ownership over their wayward futures, the characters of this manga series are slowly but surely making all of the right decisions. Most of them. Doing what is right and doing what is in one's self-interest rarely line up so well, but for Kuranosuke and Tsukimi, the time is now. PRINCESS JELLYFISH #8 shuts the door on the Singapore arc of the narrative and shifts into the final stretch. Also, Hanamori blows ¥100,000 in less than a minute. Classic.
The hectic, running-around drama of the previous volume and a half concludes anticlimactically here. Kai Fish's instinct to shelter and hoard his jellyfish princess was incredibly prescient. Too bad for him, Kuronosuke is not one for giving up easily. It's no surprise that after several hours navigating the streets of Singapore, its colorful people, and its brightly overlapping of culture, the Japanese pretty boy storms the castle tower. But will Tsukimi come quietly? Will Kai Fish stick to his guns? And what about Miss Fayong, the assistant and dear friend of the ruthless apparel executive?
PRINCESS JELLYFISH #8 is a crash course in trade-offs. Indeed, so many dynamics in this manga are zero sum. Fayong contemplates the betrayal her emotional connection to Kai for the sake of his success. Kai himself believes only in the power of capitalism and so ridicules the ambitions of the heart at every turn. The girls of Amars, wayward adults though they may be, have come to realize the criticality of abdicating responsibility to a world that is wholly indifferent to their insecurities.
The lengths through which Kuranosuke goes to track, locate, find, and re-kidnap Tsukimi says a great deal about how much affection he has for the little weirdo. It also says a lot about the skills and intelligence he possesses and typically applies in otherwise peculiar or insignificant circumstances. The purest example of this occurs toward the end of the volume, in a rare fit of fourth-wall clarity, in a conversation between Kuranosuke's uncle and father. The civil servants openly note that the young man is smart, handsome, a natural showoff, has nerves of steel, and can bluff his way through anything. He is, for better or for worse, a natural politician. Too bad he's in love with an impoverished jellyfish girl.
But it's all good.
Shu-san finally spits out a wedding proposal to Tsukimi. Fayong finally gets honest with herself about what she wants out of life. Hanamori runs into a Singaporean casino and promptly burns through all of his money. Twice. And the girls of Amars, led by Jiji-sama, take a daring step toward independence by genuinely articulating and debating what qualifies as dignified adult clothing. On the latter of these, one notes this exchange is as large of a grain of the truth as readers have encountered since the manga's beginning, and it's clear the series' conclusion is likely to capitalize on it. (And who knows, maybe readers will finally glimpse Mejiro-sensei as more than the bedraggled, sweatsuit-wearing woman with a duffle bag and wheeled suitcase.)
The hectic, running-around drama of the previous volume and a half concludes anticlimactically here. Kai Fish's instinct to shelter and hoard his jellyfish princess was incredibly prescient. Too bad for him, Kuronosuke is not one for giving up easily. It's no surprise that after several hours navigating the streets of Singapore, its colorful people, and its brightly overlapping of culture, the Japanese pretty boy storms the castle tower. But will Tsukimi come quietly? Will Kai Fish stick to his guns? And what about Miss Fayong, the assistant and dear friend of the ruthless apparel executive?
PRINCESS JELLYFISH #8 is a crash course in trade-offs. Indeed, so many dynamics in this manga are zero sum. Fayong contemplates the betrayal her emotional connection to Kai for the sake of his success. Kai himself believes only in the power of capitalism and so ridicules the ambitions of the heart at every turn. The girls of Amars, wayward adults though they may be, have come to realize the criticality of abdicating responsibility to a world that is wholly indifferent to their insecurities.
The lengths through which Kuranosuke goes to track, locate, find, and re-kidnap Tsukimi says a great deal about how much affection he has for the little weirdo. It also says a lot about the skills and intelligence he possesses and typically applies in otherwise peculiar or insignificant circumstances. The purest example of this occurs toward the end of the volume, in a rare fit of fourth-wall clarity, in a conversation between Kuranosuke's uncle and father. The civil servants openly note that the young man is smart, handsome, a natural showoff, has nerves of steel, and can bluff his way through anything. He is, for better or for worse, a natural politician. Too bad he's in love with an impoverished jellyfish girl.
But it's all good.
Shu-san finally spits out a wedding proposal to Tsukimi. Fayong finally gets honest with herself about what she wants out of life. Hanamori runs into a Singaporean casino and promptly burns through all of his money. Twice. And the girls of Amars, led by Jiji-sama, take a daring step toward independence by genuinely articulating and debating what qualifies as dignified adult clothing. On the latter of these, one notes this exchange is as large of a grain of the truth as readers have encountered since the manga's beginning, and it's clear the series' conclusion is likely to capitalize on it. (And who knows, maybe readers will finally glimpse Mejiro-sensei as more than the bedraggled, sweatsuit-wearing woman with a duffle bag and wheeled suitcase.)
July 23, 2020
I was very pleasantly surprised to see this volume take such a critical look at the fast fashion industry. Without getting into spoilers, a section of it discusses the mass waste that large retailers create in order to artificially inflate the value of their clothing. When I first started this series, I remember thinking very clearly that while this was a book series partially about fashion, it didn't feel super informed on the real-life industry or that it would provide any insight to the business that the average reader wouldn't know about. These last couple of volumes changed my perception on that.
I have mixed feelings on the Amars at this point. From the beginning of the series, there was the theme about how gentrification can harm a community. Now I don't know to what degree the author wanted to push this message, but it isn't all that strong when the characters fighting against the gentrifiers are 30-something NEETs (their words) wanting to stay at their low-rent home to avoid getting real jobs (again, their words). Some of the women are more tolerable at this point (Jiji seems to be the only one interested in continuing the clothing brand after Tsukimi leaves), but the others don't seem to mind that their friend signed herself into servitude for them to keep their house. I would think that the series would have portrayed their dynamic as "yeah, the Amars are weird and unconventional, but although they are shy around outsiders they have a strong bond amongst themselves." Well that doesn't seem to be the case apparently.
Like with previous volumes, Kuranosuke is the most complex and fleshed out character. I have to say, I enjoy watching his change over the books. At the start he felt like a spoiled rich kid who had no intent on working (sounds like another group I know), but by this book it is very clear that he now has ambitions and is using his brain to figure out how to make Jellyfish successful. If there's anything that bugs me, it is that I wish Tsukimi had more agency at this point. Again without spoilers, it feels like for the most part either she goes along with the plans other characters make or the actions she chooses are done as a personal sacrifice in order to help others. She does make a few personal decisions in her own interest by the end of this volume, but I would have liked to see more from her by this point.
I have mixed feelings on the Amars at this point. From the beginning of the series, there was the theme about how gentrification can harm a community. Now I don't know to what degree the author wanted to push this message, but it isn't all that strong when the characters fighting against the gentrifiers are 30-something NEETs (their words) wanting to stay at their low-rent home to avoid getting real jobs (again, their words). Some of the women are more tolerable at this point (Jiji seems to be the only one interested in continuing the clothing brand after Tsukimi leaves), but the others don't seem to mind that their friend signed herself into servitude for them to keep their house. I would think that the series would have portrayed their dynamic as "yeah, the Amars are weird and unconventional, but although they are shy around outsiders they have a strong bond amongst themselves." Well that doesn't seem to be the case apparently.
Like with previous volumes, Kuranosuke is the most complex and fleshed out character. I have to say, I enjoy watching his change over the books. At the start he felt like a spoiled rich kid who had no intent on working (sounds like another group I know), but by this book it is very clear that he now has ambitions and is using his brain to figure out how to make Jellyfish successful. If there's anything that bugs me, it is that I wish Tsukimi had more agency at this point. Again without spoilers, it feels like for the most part either she goes along with the plans other characters make or the actions she chooses are done as a personal sacrifice in order to help others. She does make a few personal decisions in her own interest by the end of this volume, but I would have liked to see more from her by this point.
November 25, 2025
4 stars.
I really enjoyed this volume. It was so interesting seeing Tsukimi and Kuranosuke (plus Jiji!) think more about their brand and what leads people to pick out the clothes that they wear. I have been considering my own style lately and it was fascinating to see my own thoughts reflected in these characters. I was expecting Kuranosuke's rescue of Tsukimi to be more dramatic but I love having her back at Amamizukan. I do think her time away has changed her and her viewpoint. I'm excited to see how things develop with the Jellyfish brand, now that Tsukimi seems to be taking it more seriously and has a more focused goal in mind.
I really liked the scene with Kuranosuke and Fayoung. I want everyone at Amanizukan to be successful and to blow that CEO out of the water. I am happy Fayoung quit and went back to do work at the orphanage. It seems like it is very healing for her and like she still has a soul, unlike the CEO.
I totally forgot Shu was still around. I really do dislike him and the way he is bulldozing through his relationship with Tsukimi. However, I LOVE that Tsukimi didn't say yes to his proposal because she wanted to achieve her dream with Amars and their fashion line. This is another way in which I think she has grown and changed. I love Kuranosuke for saying their is no time for marriage because they need to make their fashion line. EXACTLY!! I do hope Tsukimi and Shu break up. Even if she doesn't get with Kuranosuke, I want her away from that dude.
I ADORED the flashback chapters! It was so fun to see everyone so young and how they came to Amamizukan/how Kuranosuke began crossdressing.
I cannot believe this series is ending in the next volume. I would follow these characters' shenanigans forever and watch them grow and reach their dreams. I hope that the story manages to wrap everything up in a satisfying way. I'm really sad to be almost finished but I truly love these characters.
I really enjoyed this volume. It was so interesting seeing Tsukimi and Kuranosuke (plus Jiji!) think more about their brand and what leads people to pick out the clothes that they wear. I have been considering my own style lately and it was fascinating to see my own thoughts reflected in these characters. I was expecting Kuranosuke's rescue of Tsukimi to be more dramatic but I love having her back at Amamizukan. I do think her time away has changed her and her viewpoint. I'm excited to see how things develop with the Jellyfish brand, now that Tsukimi seems to be taking it more seriously and has a more focused goal in mind.
I really liked the scene with Kuranosuke and Fayoung. I want everyone at Amanizukan to be successful and to blow that CEO out of the water. I am happy Fayoung quit and went back to do work at the orphanage. It seems like it is very healing for her and like she still has a soul, unlike the CEO.
I totally forgot Shu was still around. I really do dislike him and the way he is bulldozing through his relationship with Tsukimi. However, I LOVE that Tsukimi didn't say yes to his proposal because she wanted to achieve her dream with Amars and their fashion line. This is another way in which I think she has grown and changed. I love Kuranosuke for saying their is no time for marriage because they need to make their fashion line. EXACTLY!! I do hope Tsukimi and Shu break up. Even if she doesn't get with Kuranosuke, I want her away from that dude.
I ADORED the flashback chapters! It was so fun to see everyone so young and how they came to Amamizukan/how Kuranosuke began crossdressing.
I cannot believe this series is ending in the next volume. I would follow these characters' shenanigans forever and watch them grow and reach their dreams. I hope that the story manages to wrap everything up in a satisfying way. I'm really sad to be almost finished but I truly love these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2018
The story has had a bit of a slump in the previous volume(s) but this one picked up again! And good it did, being penultimate omnibus volume. I was very happy seeing the characters develop or find their motivation again. And most happy I was seeing how Tsukimi started to think for herself and how she dealt with Shu at the end of the volume!
Indeed, Tsukimi was not much more than an item to be dragged around for the Singapore part of the story but here she becomes her own person again. And Kuranosuke is more determined than ever, if he still can't admit his feelings to even to himself. And even Jiji of the Amars is stepping outside of her comfort zone! I absolutely don't think that Amars should become "stylish" or whatever but these little character growth moments are good for the story.
I've been fine with Hanamori as a comic relief but here his stupidity goes too far, I only found him annoying this time. It wasn't funny how he ruined everything Kuranosuke did in Singapore. Ugh.
Storywise it was good idea to have Kuranosuke set a new goal for Jelly Fish brand; a fine setup for the finale. I'm interested to see how the fight for Amamizukan concludes! The flashback chapters were a nice addition too.
Art is sometimes very nice, sometimes looks somewhat hurried, as it has been throughout the series. It's very quick to read though. There's a lot of translation notes which is nice and because they are in the back of the book, you can ignore them if you want to but are there to provide a little extra information or clarification for those who are interested.
Indeed, Tsukimi was not much more than an item to be dragged around for the Singapore part of the story but here she becomes her own person again. And Kuranosuke is more determined than ever, if he still can't admit his feelings to even to himself. And even Jiji of the Amars is stepping outside of her comfort zone! I absolutely don't think that Amars should become "stylish" or whatever but these little character growth moments are good for the story.
I've been fine with Hanamori as a comic relief but here his stupidity goes too far, I only found him annoying this time. It wasn't funny how he ruined everything Kuranosuke did in Singapore. Ugh.
Storywise it was good idea to have Kuranosuke set a new goal for Jelly Fish brand; a fine setup for the finale. I'm interested to see how the fight for Amamizukan concludes! The flashback chapters were a nice addition too.
Art is sometimes very nice, sometimes looks somewhat hurried, as it has been throughout the series. It's very quick to read though. There's a lot of translation notes which is nice and because they are in the back of the book, you can ignore them if you want to but are there to provide a little extra information or clarification for those who are interested.
June 25, 2019
Things are still moving along, and Tsukimi and Kuranosuke are starting to figure out what their Jelly Fish brand stands for and needs to be - clothing that is for regular people, that can be long-lasting and multi-purpose. Clothing with depth. While I'm happy to see them making progress on that front, it feels like the story has stalled out from the relationship front. Sho actually proposes in a way that Tsukimi understands, with a ring that is actually perfect for her, and it after freaking out, it seems like the main reason she says no is because she feels like she is still figuring out who she is. Which is fair, but still makes me a little sad for Sho. I thought that Kuranosuke had come to a realization about his feelings for Tsukimi when she was taken to Singapore, but now I'm not sure - did he just realize he needed her for the brand and to realize his own dreams? Or has he realized that Tsukimi doesn't need him to be a romantic partner, she needs him to be a friend and business partner and inspiration?
With one volume left, I really hope some of these questions get answered before it's all over. As big as this volume was, it didn't feel like very much progress was made, but that's likely because there were extended background segments about how the Amars came together and how and why Kuranosuke first started crossdressing. While those stories are interesting, I wonder if they would have made more sense if they had been inserted earlier, because at this point, they feel like filler keeping us away from the eventual conclusion of the story.
With one volume left, I really hope some of these questions get answered before it's all over. As big as this volume was, it didn't feel like very much progress was made, but that's likely because there were extended background segments about how the Amars came together and how and why Kuranosuke first started crossdressing. While those stories are interesting, I wonder if they would have made more sense if they had been inserted earlier, because at this point, they feel like filler keeping us away from the eventual conclusion of the story.
August 15, 2018
some editorial changes in this book - all the Translation Notes are now in the very last pages. No more splitting them up mid-book where orig volume ended. (am still amused the translator didn't have Banba call the girls 'basic bitches' to be honest. Or is that word too stylish for her vocab)
Also people in Singapore speaking English to a bewildered Tsukimi really needed a more distinct font. Come on, Kodansha, you guys used to do it before in other books, why'd you stop?!?!
Some nice flashbacks chapters here: about Amars & high-school senior Kuranosuke
The former made me wanna punch Mayaya in the face even more. JFC woman, even your doujin-otaku cousin is more of a functioning human than you.
In present there's some legit chara growths as Jiji attempts to clothes shop with the group
Also people in Singapore speaking English to a bewildered Tsukimi really needed a more distinct font. Come on, Kodansha, you guys used to do it before in other books, why'd you stop?!?!
Some nice flashbacks chapters here: about Amars & high-school senior Kuranosuke
The former made me wanna punch Mayaya in the face even more. JFC woman, even your doujin-otaku cousin is more of a functioning human than you.
In present there's some legit chara growths as Jiji attempts to clothes shop with the group
August 19, 2019
3.5/5
I wasn't too fond of the Kai arc, but at the end of this volume, things are so intense and I was being held at the edge of my seat and I just HAVE to know what happens next! That was a runon sentence, but I'm feeling like Jelly Fish is being its own runon. It's time for the Amars to shine and for Tsukimi to get her moment!
I applaud Kuranosuke for going out of his way to not give up on his friend, but I also think it's a little creepy the way he follows her everywhere because he thinks she made a shit decision. Excuse me, but can't Tsukimi think for herself? I didn't really like where things were headed, either, but she made her decision so you wouldn't do something like this. I like the characters of both Kuranosuke and Shu, but I don't think either of them fit with Tsukimi as a romantic relationship.
I wasn't too fond of the Kai arc, but at the end of this volume, things are so intense and I was being held at the edge of my seat and I just HAVE to know what happens next! That was a runon sentence, but I'm feeling like Jelly Fish is being its own runon. It's time for the Amars to shine and for Tsukimi to get her moment!
I applaud Kuranosuke for going out of his way to not give up on his friend, but I also think it's a little creepy the way he follows her everywhere because he thinks she made a shit decision. Excuse me, but can't Tsukimi think for herself? I didn't really like where things were headed, either, but she made her decision so you wouldn't do something like this. I like the characters of both Kuranosuke and Shu, but I don't think either of them fit with Tsukimi as a romantic relationship.
March 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
Growth, Betrayal, and broken hearts is what readers can expect from this volume.
We get to see a lot of growth in our favorite characters and we even get the Amars and Kuranosuke's backstory. Although I think those backstories were cool and provided depth to these characters I wish it had been included in earlier volumes. Adding these to the penultimate volume felt like filler.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this volume and Kuranosuke was on some King Shit in this volume. Not only did he help Tsukimi escape from Singapore, but he also figured out the theme of Jelly fish.
My biggest dream for this series is for Tsukimi and Kuranosuke to realize they have romantic feelings for each other but both of these idiots are so stubborn!
I'm ready to read the conclusion of this series and I hope I won't be disappointed.
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Growth, Betrayal, and broken hearts is what readers can expect from this volume.
We get to see a lot of growth in our favorite characters and we even get the Amars and Kuranosuke's backstory. Although I think those backstories were cool and provided depth to these characters I wish it had been included in earlier volumes. Adding these to the penultimate volume felt like filler.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this volume and Kuranosuke was on some King Shit in this volume. Not only did he help Tsukimi escape from Singapore, but he also figured out the theme of Jelly fish.
My biggest dream for this series is for Tsukimi and Kuranosuke to realize they have romantic feelings for each other but both of these idiots are so stubborn!
I'm ready to read the conclusion of this series and I hope I won't be disappointed.
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June 30, 2021
Best volume yet of the series I have completely fallen in love with Princess Jellyfish manga Tsukimi reminds me so much of my self in so many ways without a set uniform I would all ways be lost in the world I never think about what to wear or what I look like to other people I think more about how comfortable I am wearing the clothes I wear everyday.
So many girls have similar problems for as long as anyone can remember Princess Jellyfish symbolises the entertal struggle many of us face everyday something many manga never portrays in a realistic way. I am looking forward to seeing how the final fashion line is going to look like maybe we all need a Kuranosuke in our lives to show us how to look like modern day princesses.
So many girls have similar problems for as long as anyone can remember Princess Jellyfish symbolises the entertal struggle many of us face everyday something many manga never portrays in a realistic way. I am looking forward to seeing how the final fashion line is going to look like maybe we all need a Kuranosuke in our lives to show us how to look like modern day princesses.
May 8, 2023
i love the cover of this vol
hanamori twirling hes so goofy(of course he lost all the money in less than a minute bc what else could he do)
fayong is such an interesting character
Ji-ji is a great person, she pushes herself out of her comfort zone. go ji ji bestie!
SHES BACK BABES!! IDK WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW BUT I CANT WAIT TO SEE
tsukimi is so right for refusing shu's proposal. girlypop has so much more to learn about life. shu was getting so ahead of himself too hes so dense. I had a fun time along the way though <3
FAYONG QUITTING AVIDY YES GIRL SLAY
how do I only have one more volume left I am going to feel so lost after I finish this series. volume 9 is not a 2 in 1 volume so there is half of what a normal princess jellyfish vol is someone save me please
hanamori twirling hes so goofy(of course he lost all the money in less than a minute bc what else could he do)
fayong is such an interesting character
Ji-ji is a great person, she pushes herself out of her comfort zone. go ji ji bestie!
SHES BACK BABES!! IDK WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW BUT I CANT WAIT TO SEE
tsukimi is so right for refusing shu's proposal. girlypop has so much more to learn about life. shu was getting so ahead of himself too hes so dense. I had a fun time along the way though <3
FAYONG QUITTING AVIDY YES GIRL SLAY
how do I only have one more volume left I am going to feel so lost after I finish this series. volume 9 is not a 2 in 1 volume so there is half of what a normal princess jellyfish vol is someone save me please
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
***maandag 17 juni 2024***
⭐4 - I liked it
This was actually a pretty good story but I'm realising I like the story the most when it is actually combining character growth with the fashion stuff.
It feels weird when Kuranosuke is actually the only one trying to change. Tsukimi is very passive and to me frustrating as a character because stuff just happens to her. She does nothing to change it herself.
You can say that that is the point and to be fair I do see that. But to me that doesn't make for a very enjoyable reading experience. Sometimes I just want to shake her and yell: "Just do something!"
⭐4 - I liked it
This was actually a pretty good story but I'm realising I like the story the most when it is actually combining character growth with the fashion stuff.
It feels weird when Kuranosuke is actually the only one trying to change. Tsukimi is very passive and to me frustrating as a character because stuff just happens to her. She does nothing to change it herself.
You can say that that is the point and to be fair I do see that. But to me that doesn't make for a very enjoyable reading experience. Sometimes I just want to shake her and yell: "Just do something!"
July 20, 2018
This was one of my favorite volumes so far! Our core characters and side characters both get some lovely development, there are some of the most stunning panels that I've seen so far in the manga, the newest direction that Jellyfish is heading as a brand makes real sense and is super clever, and the pull that I felt to just read the next volume along with it in one sitting was strong. You can feel the end coming at the end of this volume, but in the best way. It gives you a satisfying feeling of anticipation for an ending you know will be satisfying as well
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