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Otherside Picnic Light Novel #2
Otherside Picnic, Vol. 2
Summer has arrived, and university students Sorawo Kamikoshi and Toriko Nishina’s connection deepens as they explore the alternate world known as the Otherside.
There's a rescue operation for the U.S. forces trapped at Kisaragi Station, a night at the Beach of the End on the other side of a resort in Okinawa, a karate-using kouhai who is under attack by ninja cats…
And will the mystery of Toriko's missing friend, Satsuki Uruma, finally unravel?
The unknown and bizarre clash with complex relationships in this popular survival series.
There's a rescue operation for the U.S. forces trapped at Kisaragi Station, a night at the Beach of the End on the other side of a resort in Okinawa, a karate-using kouhai who is under attack by ninja cats…
And will the mystery of Toriko's missing friend, Satsuki Uruma, finally unravel?
The unknown and bizarre clash with complex relationships in this popular survival series.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2017
42 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 4, 2021
Two words. NINJA. CATS.
I loved that file.
This series is really creepy, far more so than I expected.
I’m also surprised at how anti-social the narrator is allowed to be. Someone comes to her for help, she’s all rude and going nope, you’re inconvenient to my life, go away. I’m like, (whispers) can she do that? lol I need her confidence to say no to people so easily! ;)
I loved that file.
This series is really creepy, far more so than I expected.
I’m also surprised at how anti-social the narrator is allowed to be. Someone comes to her for help, she’s all rude and going nope, you’re inconvenient to my life, go away. I’m like, (whispers) can she do that? lol I need her confidence to say no to people so easily! ;)
January 1, 2021
Toriko and Sorawo continue their explorations of the other world, deepening their understanding of it, of one another, and the amount of danger they keep putting themselves in. They have their reasons, but...
The first Otherside Picnic nailed the modern day folklore/horror story vibe but was positively inert on the yuri aspects. I’m much more impressed with this volume, which continues the formula of the former while boosting the latter - it’s a much more complete package.
I like the anthology format of these - Toriko and Sorawo get involved in something, it connects to a bit of creepypasta (helpfully referenced at the back of the book for the curious), they get themselves in trouble and then get out. I like how bizarre some of these things are too - it’s positively Lovecraftian at times and I love the atmosphere the stories conjure up.
It’s different enough each time to stay fresh and the addition of the evolving character dynamics keeps it humming along. The only real sticking point is that these two keep putting themselves into crazy situations willingly (the last story mixes this up to good effect).
However, the book at least rationalizes this within their motivations. Toriko is obsessed with tracking down her former partner (and that term is still quite nebulous in its application there) while Sorawo is growing increasingly attached to Toriko and lets herself get dragged along.
What I love about that is the cruel irony that every passing encounter with Toriko’s ex-partner is witnessed or facilitated by Sorawo, and only Sorawo, the one person who unequivocally does not want her found. There are a lot of withheld secrets and bad ideas festering beneath the surface that are going to be a real mess when they come to light...
And that’s to say nothing of the fact that every bit of information we learn suggests that Toriko was way more into this previous partnership than the other woman. There is a part of me that can see these stories as a narrative extension of one of the most potentially toxic relationships I’ve seen in a light novel.
The stories themselves are pretty good and cover a wide range, from tying up loose ends from volume 1 to a beach date to a flurry of ninja cats (that is going to be an amazing episode of the anime) to a horrible trap our leads spring on themselves. Lots of variety within its template.
A very solid four stars. I like the evolving relationship between Toriko and Sorawo a lot. They’re both flawed in their own way - Toriko can’t let go of the past and Sorawo just can’t let go of Toriko.
Watching those two slowly come closer together was fun and a nice jump in quality - I’ll be reading the next volume much sooner than the gap between the first and second. There’s still a lot left to the plot and I’m invested in seeing where it goes.
The first Otherside Picnic nailed the modern day folklore/horror story vibe but was positively inert on the yuri aspects. I’m much more impressed with this volume, which continues the formula of the former while boosting the latter - it’s a much more complete package.
I like the anthology format of these - Toriko and Sorawo get involved in something, it connects to a bit of creepypasta (helpfully referenced at the back of the book for the curious), they get themselves in trouble and then get out. I like how bizarre some of these things are too - it’s positively Lovecraftian at times and I love the atmosphere the stories conjure up.
It’s different enough each time to stay fresh and the addition of the evolving character dynamics keeps it humming along. The only real sticking point is that these two keep putting themselves into crazy situations willingly (the last story mixes this up to good effect).
However, the book at least rationalizes this within their motivations. Toriko is obsessed with tracking down her former partner (and that term is still quite nebulous in its application there) while Sorawo is growing increasingly attached to Toriko and lets herself get dragged along.
What I love about that is the cruel irony that every passing encounter with Toriko’s ex-partner is witnessed or facilitated by Sorawo, and only Sorawo, the one person who unequivocally does not want her found. There are a lot of withheld secrets and bad ideas festering beneath the surface that are going to be a real mess when they come to light...
And that’s to say nothing of the fact that every bit of information we learn suggests that Toriko was way more into this previous partnership than the other woman. There is a part of me that can see these stories as a narrative extension of one of the most potentially toxic relationships I’ve seen in a light novel.
The stories themselves are pretty good and cover a wide range, from tying up loose ends from volume 1 to a beach date to a flurry of ninja cats (that is going to be an amazing episode of the anime) to a horrible trap our leads spring on themselves. Lots of variety within its template.
A very solid four stars. I like the evolving relationship between Toriko and Sorawo a lot. They’re both flawed in their own way - Toriko can’t let go of the past and Sorawo just can’t let go of Toriko.
Watching those two slowly come closer together was fun and a nice jump in quality - I’ll be reading the next volume much sooner than the gap between the first and second. There’s still a lot left to the plot and I’m invested in seeing where it goes.
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October 5, 2023rtc
Read
September 19, 2022A worthy continuation of the first book in the series! Like the first book, I found some of the writing surrounding the monsters to be lacking; sometimes the explanations behind the creatures is vague or hard to understand, though that may be an issue with the translation. Likewise, the creatures seem pretty easy to get rid of, and the method of doing so (Sorawo looks at it with her Evil Eye, and Toriko either shoots it or grabs it with her Magic Hand) is getting a little repetitive. Hopefully the author shakes things up on that front in volume three.
All that said, it IS still creepy as heck. And what's more, the real draw for me here is the characters, and they continue to develop wonderfully. Sorawo is falling deeper and deeper into love with Toriko, while Toriko keeps saying troubling things about what Sorawo will do if/when Toriko is gone. This, plus the things Sorawo keeps hiding from Toriko, all feel like they're building towards something dramatic and tragic, but I have faith that these two idiots will come out the other side of it okay. I hope.
As far as illustrations go, there are barely any this time around, only two or three, as I recall. They're quite good, though, a significant cut above what you usually see in light novels. Illustrator shirakaba is rocking a real Stephen Gammell vibe, while still infusing the illustrations with their own style. They're gorgeous (and make me wish for an anime).
Anyway, flaws aside, I like this series a lot. Volume three now, please!
All that said, it IS still creepy as heck. And what's more, the real draw for me here is the characters, and they continue to develop wonderfully. Sorawo is falling deeper and deeper into love with Toriko, while Toriko keeps saying troubling things about what Sorawo will do if/when Toriko is gone. This, plus the things Sorawo keeps hiding from Toriko, all feel like they're building towards something dramatic and tragic, but I have faith that these two idiots will come out the other side of it okay. I hope.
As far as illustrations go, there are barely any this time around, only two or three, as I recall. They're quite good, though, a significant cut above what you usually see in light novels. Illustrator shirakaba is rocking a real Stephen Gammell vibe, while still infusing the illustrations with their own style. They're gorgeous (and make me wish for an anime).
Anyway, flaws aside, I like this series a lot. Volume three now, please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2023
I can't with the cheesy dialogue but I love the copypasta and internet lore scary story influences in this other world that are specifically designed to horrify, confuse, and infiltrate human minds. And just having two college girls kicking ass and taking names in the midst of it is awesome too.
January 18, 2026
Love the cool MCs and trope subversion
I read the first volume of this series a while back. At the time, I found it difficult to immerse myself in the story. A lot of the descriptions felt vague, and I had a hard time picturing things. (What does a wiggle-waggle look like?) More recently, I watched the anime version of this story, and it made a HUGE difference. It was way easier to follow along with what was happening when I had a visual representation of the monsters and other weird phenomena. I subsequently became much more invested in the story.
The premise is incredibly cool. Two college-age women, Sorawo and Toriko, explore another dimension, filled with monsters and other dangers, with only themselves (and their trusty weapons) to rely on. Feelings slowly begin to bud between the two of them as they face life-or-death challenges together. In addition to all this is the mystery of the disappearance of Toriko’s long-time friend and mentor, Satsuki. There are hints that their relationship may have been more than that of simple friends, so her disappearance is a significant setback in anything happening between Toriko and Sorawo.
I love how this book subverts the trope of women needing a “big, strong man” to save them. Instead, two young women rescue a battalion of soldiers using their own strengths. It is so refreshing, I absolutely love it! I also appreciated the way Toriko and Sorawo were so practical and down-to-earth about everything. No fanfare, no painting themselves as heroes, just the recognition of the soldiers’ need and a practical plan for getting them to safety.
The beginning of this volume is very similar to the anime. However, the final chapter is not covered in the anime at all and has a lot of important plot development, so I would recommend reading at least the final chapter of this volume if you want to pick up where the anime left off. Also, I haven’t read any of the manga, but it might be helpful if you have difficulties visualizing the story as I did.
I am so curious about what happened to Satsuki. We’ve gotten a lot of little hints, but I get the feeling this case will take a while to crack. I’m also hoping for more progression in Toriko and Sorawo’s relationship, though I’m also prepared for the gradual pace that is often present in light novels. I’ve already got the next volume lined up and am ready for more.
I read the first volume of this series a while back. At the time, I found it difficult to immerse myself in the story. A lot of the descriptions felt vague, and I had a hard time picturing things. (What does a wiggle-waggle look like?) More recently, I watched the anime version of this story, and it made a HUGE difference. It was way easier to follow along with what was happening when I had a visual representation of the monsters and other weird phenomena. I subsequently became much more invested in the story.
The premise is incredibly cool. Two college-age women, Sorawo and Toriko, explore another dimension, filled with monsters and other dangers, with only themselves (and their trusty weapons) to rely on. Feelings slowly begin to bud between the two of them as they face life-or-death challenges together. In addition to all this is the mystery of the disappearance of Toriko’s long-time friend and mentor, Satsuki. There are hints that their relationship may have been more than that of simple friends, so her disappearance is a significant setback in anything happening between Toriko and Sorawo.
I love how this book subverts the trope of women needing a “big, strong man” to save them. Instead, two young women rescue a battalion of soldiers using their own strengths. It is so refreshing, I absolutely love it! I also appreciated the way Toriko and Sorawo were so practical and down-to-earth about everything. No fanfare, no painting themselves as heroes, just the recognition of the soldiers’ need and a practical plan for getting them to safety.
The beginning of this volume is very similar to the anime. However, the final chapter is not covered in the anime at all and has a lot of important plot development, so I would recommend reading at least the final chapter of this volume if you want to pick up where the anime left off. Also, I haven’t read any of the manga, but it might be helpful if you have difficulties visualizing the story as I did.
I am so curious about what happened to Satsuki. We’ve gotten a lot of little hints, but I get the feeling this case will take a while to crack. I’m also hoping for more progression in Toriko and Sorawo’s relationship, though I’m also prepared for the gradual pace that is often present in light novels. I’ve already got the next volume lined up and am ready for more.
March 26, 2025
Read this second book of Iori Miyazawa's Otherside Picnic Light Novel Series for Reddit Fantasy's 2024 Bingo Square Eldritch Creatures. This qualifies for hard mode as it is not related to the Cthulhu mythos. Actually enjoyed it so much I ended up watching the anime.
File 5: The Operation to Rescue the US Forces at Kisaragi Station
Better prepared, our ladies return to the Otherside for Palehorse Battalion. Given the gravity of the situation I wasn't expecting witty repartee?
Toriko to US Forces “Sorry for the wait. We’re here to rescue you.”
Lieutenant to Major Ray Barker “The Girls have come to save us, Major.”
Actually seriously enjoyed this, as what kind of otaku doesn't like it when other different kinds of Otaku end up showing off and sharing their grown ass militarytoys guns and vehicles??
File 6: Resort Night At The Beach Of The End
The obligatory fanservice Beach Episode, except this time there's a whole ass building visible from the beach. Not to mention more different strange creatures. Read okay, but the anime really did the whole bikini clad girls with guns on the beach justice.
File 7: Attack Of The Ninja Cats
Yes I know my little fur balls have already got me manipulated to the point I might be their butler but these aren't the same kind of cats. This is one urban legend I should be terrified of because I would lose in that fight having zero Karate skills, but then there is this urge to go awww, how cute.
File 8: Little Bird In A Box
Sorawo “We’re just going to leave this over there this time. We’ll be right back.”
Kozakura “That line’s a death flag if I ever heard one.”
This scary story wasn't adapted in the anime, but we do get to visit the organization that funds Kozakura, there's loads of banter and some pretty deep character development between the ladies.
So, we already know the premise and mythology are great, there's reference material at the end of this with the source of the urban legends and Sorawo and Toriko chit chatting about the original ghost stories. Was pleasantly surprised at how much better the dialogue flowed in the second book, with the interactions being done on a more humorous and also a more profound level, as if the author and/or translator (it's a different translator than the person who did Volume 1) was becoming more skilled at depicting each character's growth, and expanding the lore of the series.
File 5: The Operation to Rescue the US Forces at Kisaragi Station
Better prepared, our ladies return to the Otherside for Palehorse Battalion. Given the gravity of the situation I wasn't expecting witty repartee?
Toriko to US Forces “Sorry for the wait. We’re here to rescue you.”
Lieutenant to Major Ray Barker “The Girls have come to save us, Major.”
Actually seriously enjoyed this, as what kind of otaku doesn't like it when other different kinds of Otaku end up showing off and sharing their grown ass military
File 6: Resort Night At The Beach Of The End
The obligatory fanservice Beach Episode, except this time there's a whole ass building visible from the beach. Not to mention more different strange creatures. Read okay, but the anime really did the whole bikini clad girls with guns on the beach justice.
File 7: Attack Of The Ninja Cats
Yes I know my little fur balls have already got me manipulated to the point I might be their butler but these aren't the same kind of cats. This is one urban legend I should be terrified of because I would lose in that fight having zero Karate skills, but then there is this urge to go awww, how cute.
File 8: Little Bird In A Box
Sorawo “We’re just going to leave this over there this time. We’ll be right back.”
Kozakura “That line’s a death flag if I ever heard one.”
This scary story wasn't adapted in the anime, but we do get to visit the organization that funds Kozakura, there's loads of banter and some pretty deep character development between the ladies.
So, we already know the premise and mythology are great, there's reference material at the end of this with the source of the urban legends and Sorawo and Toriko chit chatting about the original ghost stories. Was pleasantly surprised at how much better the dialogue flowed in the second book, with the interactions being done on a more humorous and also a more profound level, as if the author and/or translator (it's a different translator than the person who did Volume 1) was becoming more skilled at depicting each character's growth, and expanding the lore of the series.
December 16, 2020
Fine follow-up to the first volume with plenty of sufficiently creepy happenings. The first two chapters gave a lot that was promised in the first volume and a solid final chapter that set up more to come. An issue I'm facing is that it feels that the MCs are not treating the Otherside with proper deference. Their reasoning for still adventuring despite the brushes with death are somewhat easy to understand (Toriko's obsession with finding her mentor, Sorawo clinging to her new friend with the secondary goal of making money selling Otherside artifacts). But when they are unexpectedly transported back to the Otherside there is a particularly head scratching set of decisions that I find a bit inconsistent to the danger level they are in.
Also, if one is invested in the MCs' budding relationship one would find this volume frustrating. There were numerous Toriko/Sorawo moments of them getting along fantastically that are only told through single paragraph long recollections long after the fact. They did not need be be described in several pages but if the author is going to throw readers a bone there should be some meat on it.
Also, if one is invested in the MCs' budding relationship one would find this volume frustrating. There were numerous Toriko/Sorawo moments of them getting along fantastically that are only told through single paragraph long recollections long after the fact. They did not need be be described in several pages but if the author is going to throw readers a bone there should be some meat on it.
February 2, 2022
I really like the previous volume but it feels like the writing suffered a bit for volume two.
Maybe I was super agitated by something else when reading it but Sorawo as a character annoyed me a bit. In File 7, she doubted the existence of the ninja cats and she refused to even look into it despite all the ridiculous stuff she had faced before. We as the reader obviously know this has something to do with the Otherside, but she refused to even look into it, this isn't volume one and she's not new to this anymore. When a bunch of cats suddenly following you in a very suspicious manner maybe it's worth it to make sure it has nothing to do with Otherside first? Instead of saying dumb things like "Oh, how weird these cats are totally being weird and that's the second time I've seen it. Oh well!" So for the next dozens of pages I was just rolling my eyes wishing they'd just get on with it. When the reader is one step ahead of the plot you've got some problems.
The author also really like using cliff hanger at the end of each chapter, there was a big reveal in one of them and on the next chapter it wasn't mentioned at all until much, much later. I thought that was pretty annoying.
Maybe I was super agitated by something else when reading it but Sorawo as a character annoyed me a bit. In File 7, she doubted the existence of the ninja cats and she refused to even look into it despite all the ridiculous stuff she had faced before. We as the reader obviously know this has something to do with the Otherside, but she refused to even look into it, this isn't volume one and she's not new to this anymore. When a bunch of cats suddenly following you in a very suspicious manner maybe it's worth it to make sure it has nothing to do with Otherside first? Instead of saying dumb things like "Oh, how weird these cats are totally being weird and that's the second time I've seen it. Oh well!" So for the next dozens of pages I was just rolling my eyes wishing they'd just get on with it. When the reader is one step ahead of the plot you've got some problems.
The author also really like using cliff hanger at the end of each chapter, there was a big reveal in one of them and on the next chapter it wasn't mentioned at all until much, much later. I thought that was pretty annoying.
January 5, 2026
Siento que las frikis recomiendan esta saga por falta de alternativas...
El primer libro me gustó lo sufienciente para continuar pero estos 6 primeros capítulos han sido insufribles. Los diálogos son paja, tienes tropecientos recordatorios, la caracterítica más destacada de uno de los pjs principales es que es una adulta que parece una niña (¿he dicho ya que es muy pequeñita, que parece una menor, una infante quizás?) y espérate, que nada más librarte de las descripciones sobre la adulta-niña te tienes que comer alabanzas a la falange israelí sin ninguna reacción por parte de las protas... ¿¿¿Y en un libro de creepypastas japoneses???.
También es que tengo quejas arrastradas desde el primer libro y esto ya fue la gota que colmó el vaso.
El primer libro me gustó lo sufienciente para continuar pero estos 6 primeros capítulos han sido insufribles. Los diálogos son paja, tienes tropecientos recordatorios, la caracterítica más destacada de uno de los pjs principales es que es una adulta que parece una niña (¿he dicho ya que es muy pequeñita, que parece una menor, una infante quizás?) y espérate, que nada más librarte de las descripciones sobre la adulta-niña te tienes que comer alabanzas a la falange israelí sin ninguna reacción por parte de las protas... ¿¿¿Y en un libro de creepypastas japoneses???.
También es que tengo quejas arrastradas desde el primer libro y esto ya fue la gota que colmó el vaso.
March 26, 2021
This was a fantastic follow up to the first book. While the formula is of ending up in the Otherside and getting out again is familiar at this point, that doesn't make the threats feel any less serious or scary.
Sorawo especially takes the danger seriously. Toriko may be a bit more upbeat but she ultimately understands the danger as well even as she focuses on finding her tutor. Here we see the conclusion of the arc involving the U.S. forces trapped in the Otherside and learn more about what effect that reality can have on humans unfortunate enough to encounter it. The mystery of Satsuki also continues to deepen making me question who she is and what she was after before she disappeared. And even more so now that she's "gone."
The horror and mystery in this novel was better then ever and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Sorawo especially takes the danger seriously. Toriko may be a bit more upbeat but she ultimately understands the danger as well even as she focuses on finding her tutor. Here we see the conclusion of the arc involving the U.S. forces trapped in the Otherside and learn more about what effect that reality can have on humans unfortunate enough to encounter it. The mystery of Satsuki also continues to deepen making me question who she is and what she was after before she disappeared. And even more so now that she's "gone."
The horror and mystery in this novel was better then ever and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
October 4, 2023
A wonderful follow up to the first volume I enjoyed it just as much. The characters continue to stand out and I can't remember the last time I saw character growth this great. In addition the characters feel real and have so much depth. I am only getting more invested in them and their relationship as well.
The story also continues to be just as interesting and doesn't feel repetitive.
The story also continues to be just as interesting and doesn't feel repetitive.
March 27, 2023
Amazing
September 27, 2024
Toriko, I know what you are.
January 26, 2025
more yuri should be about monster hunting imo. especially when the horror is this good
November 21, 2025
ninja cats.
January 8, 2026
I don't really like Sorawo-san in this second book, I'm sorry 😂
But I love all the details about the 'otherside' though.
But I love all the details about the 'otherside' though.
August 6, 2022
This second volume is as good as the first volume of the series and even better. It was often scarier (particularly the Beach of the End and the Kotoribako), and I feel we got more character development out of Sorawo, Toriko and Kozakura. Also : Ninja Cats !
Sorawo has obviously fallen in love with Toriko at that point but has not realized it yet (and won't for several more volumes as I recall), and Toriko has noticed that Sorawo tends to follow her lead without question, even when she does something stupid, and is not happy about it. And Kozakura is legitimately scared that these two idiots will run out of luck and get themselves killed or worse at some point.
We also learn more about Toriko's missing friend Satsuki Uruma, and she feels super shady : She was either a manipulative psychopath, or maybe she was never human but one of the Otherside monsters pretending to be a person. But she knew a lot more about the Otherside that she let on, and selfishly got her friends Toriko, Akari, and Kozakura involved in it despite knowing how dangerous it was. It increasingly seems that looking for Satsuki is another really bad idea from Toriko that Sorawo is following despite knowing it is a really bad idea.
Sorawo has obviously fallen in love with Toriko at that point but has not realized it yet (and won't for several more volumes as I recall), and Toriko has noticed that Sorawo tends to follow her lead without question, even when she does something stupid, and is not happy about it. And Kozakura is legitimately scared that these two idiots will run out of luck and get themselves killed or worse at some point.
We also learn more about Toriko's missing friend Satsuki Uruma, and she feels super shady : She was either a manipulative psychopath, or maybe she was never human but one of the Otherside monsters pretending to be a person. But she knew a lot more about the Otherside that she let on, and selfishly got her friends Toriko, Akari, and Kozakura involved in it despite knowing how dangerous it was. It increasingly seems that looking for Satsuki is another really bad idea from Toriko that Sorawo is following despite knowing it is a really bad idea.
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