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シメジ シミュレーション [Shimeji Simulation] #1
シメジ シミュレーション 1 [Shimeji Simulation 1]
押入れ生活をやめて学校に行ってみた。
『少女終末旅行』のつくみずが描く、詩的でシュールなほのぼの日常4コマ!
『少女終末旅行』のつくみずが描く、詩的でシュールなほのぼの日常4コマ!
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2020
About the author
Tsukumizu
21 books105 followersTsukumizu (つくみず, a pseudonym, real name unknown) is a Japanese cartoonist.
They are best known for the manga series Girls' Last Tour (2014-2018), a slice-of-life in a post-apocalyptic setting, and Shimeji Simulation (2019-2024), a 'yonkoma' (four panel strip) surrealist comedy.
They are best known for the manga series Girls' Last Tour (2014-2018), a slice-of-life in a post-apocalyptic setting, and Shimeji Simulation (2019-2024), a 'yonkoma' (four panel strip) surrealist comedy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 5, 2020
This manga is like a surreal dream that is weird, but kind of pleasant and that you don't want to be waken up from.
July 10, 2021
Very surreal but oddly comforting. The characters are relatable and there's something soothing about all the strangeness, like a dream that makes you go "woah" after you wake up from it.
January 13, 2024
This is a rare find, so good and nicely written, the right amount of weird, and full of interesting thoughts.
April 13, 2026
This review conerns all 5 volume of the manga
Shimeji Simulation is a slice of life, philosphical escapade which predominantly follows two characters, Shijima Tsukishima, an archetypal pessimist and, Majime Yamashita, a slightly air-headed optimist. This sets the story up for an interesting look through the dichotomy between these two philosophies—which, for someone who really enjoys philosophically thought-provoking literature, I really appreciate this aspect of the manga. I was sort of familiar with Tsukumizu's previous manga, Girls' Last Tour, having read it sometime in mid-late 2024, and I can definitely say this was a big improvement over it. Overall, I thought Shimeji Simulation was a wonderful and intriguing read; never did it feel boring or a drag to get through.
The art in Shimeji Simulation is very simple, minimalistic and rarely overly detailed. Characters have round faces and simple bodies, very purposefully drawn to be 'cutesy' and winsome, juxtaposing the existential themes surrounding the characters and narrative. Despite the plain faces, the characters feel very expressive based on facial expression alone—simply put, I like it. It serves the series and themes really well.
4-koma style panelling fits the slice-of-life form of story-telling really well greatly contributing to the pace of each little story in every chapter. Speaking of, the pacing of each volume follows a pretty set structure; majority of it being Shimeji x Majime hangouts and other typical slice-of-life shenanagins, and then the last 2-3 chapters furthering the plot significantly. I liked this because it gave opportunity for most of the volume to explore the character's aproach to different situations and then the end allowed for new circumstamces to be set for the next volume.
As previously mentioned, I like the philosophical theme of the manga. I had zero idea or expectations coming into Shimeji Simulation and, as someone who had recently been watching a ton of content on the sort of themes present throughout the manga, I loved seeing those things mentioned. Absurdism, existentialism, nihilism, the whole lot of it. Or the times it mentions something more specific like "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" or "No Longer Human"—by no means are these books niché (far from it) but it was cool to be reading then have a "omg I know that thing" moment.
Character-wise, Shimeji Simulation has a very likeable cast. Shijima and Majime have a introvert/extrovert dynamic where Shijima is confident enough to not be completely dominated in their relationship but also reserved enough to where Majime takes the wheel when it comes to most social interaction outside of the hole-digging club. They're both fun characters to follow and pretty funny at times, out of the two, I'd say I definitely prefer Shijima over Majime—that's really more up to personal preference and affinity for the sort of stoic, cynical and blunt personality Shijima exhibits.
However, my favourite character is probably Yomikawa. I love her mellow, affable attitude and detached demeanor and her adortion of reading is really commendable. She serves as the intellectual, academic centre-piece here (more so for humanities, contrary to Shijima's sister which is more so smart in the STEM field) fitting her role as the 'eternal student'—maybe this has some sort of link to Japanese nostalgia for their highschool years but this isn't a character analysis.
A, not so, close second for my favourite is Ms Mogowa. Certainly for less concrete reasons than Yomikawa but, I like her character design, her role as the hole digging club captain and her attitude towards living/personality in general.
Whether intentional or not, I disliked the constant broadening of horizons the manga pulled again and again. The first volume set the story up for a few key themes: worth, apathy, fulfilment and 'the point of life/existing' or existentialism. While, sure, those themes are omnipresent all-throughout the manga, it irked me whenever a chapter would focus on something completely different with seemingly no correlation to the rest of the narrative.
There are a bunch of examples of characters bringing up something for just a few panels or pages; ontology, solipism (in relation to friendship), numerical & qualitative identity etc. etc.. Even non-philosphical things like circular reasoning and logical fallacies.
I think a strong book contains itself to its primary themes without straying away far into uncharted territory too often where it feels as though the book can't decide what it's "big point" is; in other words, a lack of narrative focus.
In Shimeji Simulation specifically Volume 4 was the lowest point for me, primarily because of the scope being broadened so far that I felt as though there was nothing of value in the pages. Nothing is a bit of hyperbole but it's how I felt in the moment. In retrospect, I can understand that these chapters (the ones after Shimeji's sister 'let's the cat out of the bag' so to speak) are supposed to enchance the surreal and absurdist nature of the atmosphere but, frankly speaking, I did not fully enjoy reading parts like chapter 35.
In short, Shimeji Simulation was a fun read. 9/10
Shimeji Simulation is a slice of life, philosphical escapade which predominantly follows two characters, Shijima Tsukishima, an archetypal pessimist and, Majime Yamashita, a slightly air-headed optimist. This sets the story up for an interesting look through the dichotomy between these two philosophies—which, for someone who really enjoys philosophically thought-provoking literature, I really appreciate this aspect of the manga. I was sort of familiar with Tsukumizu's previous manga, Girls' Last Tour, having read it sometime in mid-late 2024, and I can definitely say this was a big improvement over it. Overall, I thought Shimeji Simulation was a wonderful and intriguing read; never did it feel boring or a drag to get through.
The art in Shimeji Simulation is very simple, minimalistic and rarely overly detailed. Characters have round faces and simple bodies, very purposefully drawn to be 'cutesy' and winsome, juxtaposing the existential themes surrounding the characters and narrative. Despite the plain faces, the characters feel very expressive based on facial expression alone—simply put, I like it. It serves the series and themes really well.
4-koma style panelling fits the slice-of-life form of story-telling really well greatly contributing to the pace of each little story in every chapter. Speaking of, the pacing of each volume follows a pretty set structure; majority of it being Shimeji x Majime hangouts and other typical slice-of-life shenanagins, and then the last 2-3 chapters furthering the plot significantly. I liked this because it gave opportunity for most of the volume to explore the character's aproach to different situations and then the end allowed for new circumstamces to be set for the next volume.
As previously mentioned, I like the philosophical theme of the manga. I had zero idea or expectations coming into Shimeji Simulation and, as someone who had recently been watching a ton of content on the sort of themes present throughout the manga, I loved seeing those things mentioned. Absurdism, existentialism, nihilism, the whole lot of it. Or the times it mentions something more specific like "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" or "No Longer Human"—by no means are these books niché (far from it) but it was cool to be reading then have a "omg I know that thing" moment.
Character-wise, Shimeji Simulation has a very likeable cast. Shijima and Majime have a introvert/extrovert dynamic where Shijima is confident enough to not be completely dominated in their relationship but also reserved enough to where Majime takes the wheel when it comes to most social interaction outside of the hole-digging club. They're both fun characters to follow and pretty funny at times, out of the two, I'd say I definitely prefer Shijima over Majime—that's really more up to personal preference and affinity for the sort of stoic, cynical and blunt personality Shijima exhibits.
However, my favourite character is probably Yomikawa. I love her mellow, affable attitude and detached demeanor and her adortion of reading is really commendable. She serves as the intellectual, academic centre-piece here (more so for humanities, contrary to Shijima's sister which is more so smart in the STEM field) fitting her role as the 'eternal student'—maybe this has some sort of link to Japanese nostalgia for their highschool years but this isn't a character analysis.
A, not so, close second for my favourite is Ms Mogowa. Certainly for less concrete reasons than Yomikawa but, I like her character design, her role as the hole digging club captain and her attitude towards living/personality in general.
Whether intentional or not, I disliked the constant broadening of horizons the manga pulled again and again. The first volume set the story up for a few key themes: worth, apathy, fulfilment and 'the point of life/existing' or existentialism. While, sure, those themes are omnipresent all-throughout the manga, it irked me whenever a chapter would focus on something completely different with seemingly no correlation to the rest of the narrative.
There are a bunch of examples of characters bringing up something for just a few panels or pages; ontology, solipism (in relation to friendship), numerical & qualitative identity etc. etc.. Even non-philosphical things like circular reasoning and logical fallacies.
I think a strong book contains itself to its primary themes without straying away far into uncharted territory too often where it feels as though the book can't decide what it's "big point" is; in other words, a lack of narrative focus.
In Shimeji Simulation specifically Volume 4 was the lowest point for me, primarily because of the scope being broadened so far that I felt as though there was nothing of value in the pages. Nothing is a bit of hyperbole but it's how I felt in the moment. In retrospect, I can understand that these chapters (the ones after Shimeji's sister 'let's the cat out of the bag' so to speak) are supposed to enchance the surreal and absurdist nature of the atmosphere but, frankly speaking, I did not fully enjoy reading parts like chapter 35.
In short, Shimeji Simulation was a fun read. 9/10
October 28, 2024
# REVIEW
What on Earth...?
6/10
# NOTES
## Ch 1
???: ‘What are friends, anyway?’
SHIMEJI: ‘Friend this, friend that… shut up already.’
1. LMAO
???: ‘Could it be easier to make a lover than a friend?’
SHIMEJI: ‘Go ahead and make one then…’
???: ‘Okay! Then please go out with me!’
SHIMEJI: ‘Sure.’
???: ‘Huh?!’
2. OMG
3. Shijima + Majima—interesting
## Ch 2
MAJIMA: ‘Was I acting too hyper today?’
1. Aw :(
## Ch 3
SHIJIMA: ‘There should be an apathy club. A club where you neglect your responsibilities.’
1. Lol
???: ‘They suddenly pushed this hole digging club onto me. They made me the advisor of whatever this club even is.’
2. This poor teacher what T-T
TEACHER ADVISOR: ‘Everything pointless…’
SHIJIMA: ‘Ten points for apathy!’
MAJIMA: ‘This is the apathy club!’
3. LMAO WHAT. Fun is the point!! Socialisation is the point! Memories are the point XD
TEACHER ADVISOR: ‘Are you friends?’
MAJIMA: ‘We’re engaged.’
SHIJIMA: ‘We’re strangers.’
4. PFFTT YURI
## Ch 4
MS MOGAWA: ‘Well, I can’t drink on school grounds. … But there’s a hole in the fence here.’
MAJIMA: ‘There is.’
MS MOGAWA: ‘I’m outside the school bow so it’s A-OK.’
1. HELP
## Ch 6
1. Shijima can read people’s minds when they touch the mushrooms on her head :0
2. Nevermind, she can read his mind if she focuses
3. Mind reading that makes you hijack someone else’s dream! Whoa :0
## Ch 9
1. Random ghost fish
SIS: ‘I didn’t say you’re dumb.’
MAJIMA: ‘That’s up for the world to decide.’
SIS: ‘Don’t copy me.’
2. Pffttt
3. RANDOM PILLS
SIS: ‘I’ve finally made it this far!’
4. THEY TURNED 2D?!
5. WAIT WHAT POCKET DIMENSION?
## Ch 10
1. What the hell…
2. This feels Girls’ Last Tour, damn
3. RANDOM CRAB
SHIJIMA: ‘There’s no way anyone would come save me. I mean, I’m the only one here… It’s exactly like the closet.’
4. OH… OHHH
MAJIMA: ‘Shimeji-chan!’
5. She got bunny ears
What on Earth...?
6/10
# NOTES
## Ch 1
???: ‘What are friends, anyway?’
SHIMEJI: ‘Friend this, friend that… shut up already.’
1. LMAO
???: ‘Could it be easier to make a lover than a friend?’
SHIMEJI: ‘Go ahead and make one then…’
???: ‘Okay! Then please go out with me!’
SHIMEJI: ‘Sure.’
???: ‘Huh?!’
2. OMG
3. Shijima + Majima—interesting
## Ch 2
MAJIMA: ‘Was I acting too hyper today?’
1. Aw :(
## Ch 3
SHIJIMA: ‘There should be an apathy club. A club where you neglect your responsibilities.’
1. Lol
???: ‘They suddenly pushed this hole digging club onto me. They made me the advisor of whatever this club even is.’
2. This poor teacher what T-T
TEACHER ADVISOR: ‘Everything pointless…’
SHIJIMA: ‘Ten points for apathy!’
MAJIMA: ‘This is the apathy club!’
3. LMAO WHAT. Fun is the point!! Socialisation is the point! Memories are the point XD
TEACHER ADVISOR: ‘Are you friends?’
MAJIMA: ‘We’re engaged.’
SHIJIMA: ‘We’re strangers.’
4. PFFTT YURI
## Ch 4
MS MOGAWA: ‘Well, I can’t drink on school grounds. … But there’s a hole in the fence here.’
MAJIMA: ‘There is.’
MS MOGAWA: ‘I’m outside the school bow so it’s A-OK.’
1. HELP
## Ch 6
1. Shijima can read people’s minds when they touch the mushrooms on her head :0
2. Nevermind, she can read his mind if she focuses
3. Mind reading that makes you hijack someone else’s dream! Whoa :0
## Ch 9
1. Random ghost fish
SIS: ‘I didn’t say you’re dumb.’
MAJIMA: ‘That’s up for the world to decide.’
SIS: ‘Don’t copy me.’
2. Pffttt
3. RANDOM PILLS
SIS: ‘I’ve finally made it this far!’
4. THEY TURNED 2D?!
5. WAIT WHAT POCKET DIMENSION?
## Ch 10
1. What the hell…
2. This feels Girls’ Last Tour, damn
3. RANDOM CRAB
SHIJIMA: ‘There’s no way anyone would come save me. I mean, I’m the only one here… It’s exactly like the closet.’
4. OH… OHHH
MAJIMA: ‘Shimeji-chan!’
5. She got bunny ears
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 19, 2026decided to read this after an artist I follow on tumblr said it was her fav manga. she mentioned it was strange but I guess I wasnt prepared for just how strange! it's cute tho. I can relate to shimeji and think majime is super sweet and cute. I'm intrigued by sis.... #whatissheworkingon 🤔 fav part was prob the end, the drug halucination/dream was super cool and I love that shimeji and majime are officially friends now :> and yoshika is so silly
June 3, 2024
Rating manga on this site is weird, since you can only rate the individual books, but this is my rating for all of Shimeji Simulation, and I'll probably keep doing a single rating for all the manga
November 9, 2024
ugh so good in love with this author
Read
December 23, 2024I loved it. Comedic, existential and thought provoking.
February 14, 2025
this was so silly and strangely surreal most of the time but with a sprinkling of existential dread and ugh i love them
May 22, 2025
so so so cute and so so so trippy
June 18, 2025
c'est la meilleure chose que j'ai lu de ma vie
November 23, 2025
A super funny and weirdly relaxing sapphic fever dream
January 23, 2026
applies to all volumes
May 18, 2026
看第一集我覺得少女終末旅行比較好看，這系列改天想到再追了
June 15, 2026
I love Tsukumizu's work. The drawings and the story compliment each other perfectly.
August 7, 2026
Beautifully drawn and a fascinating exploration of the nature of reality and the meaning of existence.
November 3, 2025
>Reread<
A fantastic manga. It really does interesting things with the medium. Sometimes it is a little hard to follow when it switches between 4-koma and standard reading. But it uses it format in very interesting ways. With the art being great as well.
A story about the connections we form with each other. To what extend do we even exist without others? What is real, what does it mean for something to be real. Very good and thought provoking.
Also just very funny and very surrealist. They literally break the world multiple times. But in a kinda chill way.
"To our valued customers: Restaurant Heaven unfortunately had to close due to the end of monetary economics." 9.5/10
A fantastic manga. It really does interesting things with the medium. Sometimes it is a little hard to follow when it switches between 4-koma and standard reading. But it uses it format in very interesting ways. With the art being great as well.
A story about the connections we form with each other. To what extend do we even exist without others? What is real, what does it mean for something to be real. Very good and thought provoking.
Also just very funny and very surrealist. They literally break the world multiple times. But in a kinda chill way.
"To our valued customers: Restaurant Heaven unfortunately had to close due to the end of monetary economics." 9.5/10
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews