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Otherside Picnic Light Novel #1-2
Otherside Picnic: Omnibus 1
Contains the complete volumes 1-2!
Sorawo Kamikoshi's first encounter with Toriko Nishina was on the Otherside, after seeing something otherwordly and nearly dying. Ever since that day, Sorawo's life as an exhausted university student changed forever. In the Otherside, a place where internet urban legends become real, dangerous beings like the Kunekune and Hasshaku-sama appear—despite only being spoken of in ghost stories on the internet. Toriko and Sorawo set foot into this abnormal world for research, for profit—and to find a missing person that is near and dear to someone's heart. A tale of two girls' bizarre exploration and survival, brought to you by an up-and-coming Sci-fi author!
Sorawo Kamikoshi's first encounter with Toriko Nishina was on the Otherside, after seeing something otherwordly and nearly dying. Ever since that day, Sorawo's life as an exhausted university student changed forever. In the Otherside, a place where internet urban legends become real, dangerous beings like the Kunekune and Hasshaku-sama appear—despite only being spoken of in ghost stories on the internet. Toriko and Sorawo set foot into this abnormal world for research, for profit—and to find a missing person that is near and dear to someone's heart. A tale of two girls' bizarre exploration and survival, brought to you by an up-and-coming Sci-fi author!
480 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
18 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 11, 2023
This light novel covers the same story as the manga volumes that were out when I read that version. I chose to read this wanting to be able to follow the story further with the next 2 volumes.
I probably could have skipped this recap, as there isn’t much difference except that we get a smidge more of Sorawo’s as-yet-unnamed gay panic over Toriko. The dialogue/internal monologue is a tad clunkier than in the manga, but the horror writing is really visceral and good - as effective as the creepy drawings in the manga, but in a different way.
I probably could have skipped this recap, as there isn’t much difference except that we get a smidge more of Sorawo’s as-yet-unnamed gay panic over Toriko. The dialogue/internal monologue is a tad clunkier than in the manga, but the horror writing is really visceral and good - as effective as the creepy drawings in the manga, but in a different way.
November 6, 2021
Otherside Picnic is hard to describe. On the surface, it's about a pair of college students who team up to explore a world adjacent to our own for various reasons. But underneath that, it's also a story about jealousy, infatuation, and abusive relationships.
Sorawo is a loner; having been raised in a very dysfunctional family, she doesn't really know how to go about making friends or really interacting with most people. So, when she finds her way into the Otherside, a place seemingly devoid of any other human beings, she sees it as a kind of refuge--that is, until she crosses paths with Toriko while over there, and discovers that this world of hers isn't as private as she thought. Or as safe.
Toriko is in the Otherside because she's searching for the person who introduced her to this parallel world in the first place. The two bond over their shared familiarity with the Otherside, as well as the fact that Sorawo is attracted to Toriko, but doesn't know how to express it. This is where the main abusive (or at least, unhealthy) relationship develops--Toriko only has eyes for Satsuki, the person who she followed into the Otherside, but she uses Sorawo's growing fondness to rope her into joining in the search. Even when it puts the both of them into increasingly dangerous situations. Sorawo is keenly jealous of Toriko's tunnel vision toward Satsuki, but she can't bring herself to cut ties with the closest thing to a friend and romantic interest she has--even to the extent that she spurns other potential friendships that might've developed if she wasn't so obsessed with Toriko. And in the midst of this, there's strong evidence accumulating that Satsuki, if she's even still alive, probably isn't the wonderful person Toriko thinks she is...
There's a lot going on here, on an interpersonal level, but it's told against the backdrop of a world inhabited by Lovecraftian entities that can only try to communicate with humans through fear, because our brains process fear differently from other living things. (i.e. We sometimes actively seek out scary situations, whereas everything else avoids them--this is an oversimplification of a fascinating approach to completely alien intelligences and they way they might try to communicate with us.) There is a lot of really weird stuff that happens in the Otherside (and that bleeds into the real world on occasion), so if you're just here for the crazy supernatural elements, you'll find a lot to like, too. Some of it can feel a bit "monster of the week"-ish, so I hope there's a bit more cohesion later on. Given how the last chapter here played out, there is at least an overarching plot developing, so I have high hopes for future volumes.
That said, the writing itself can be a bit...wooden at times. I'm not sure if that's due to something being lost in translation, but the actual prose can feel a little off. Still, the material being presented is interesting enough to make up for shortcomings in the presentation to some extent. If you like urban legends, the supernatural, and high-concept explorations of horror, you'll probably enjoy Otherside Picnic.
Sorawo is a loner; having been raised in a very dysfunctional family, she doesn't really know how to go about making friends or really interacting with most people. So, when she finds her way into the Otherside, a place seemingly devoid of any other human beings, she sees it as a kind of refuge--that is, until she crosses paths with Toriko while over there, and discovers that this world of hers isn't as private as she thought. Or as safe.
Toriko is in the Otherside because she's searching for the person who introduced her to this parallel world in the first place. The two bond over their shared familiarity with the Otherside, as well as the fact that Sorawo is attracted to Toriko, but doesn't know how to express it. This is where the main abusive (or at least, unhealthy) relationship develops--Toriko only has eyes for Satsuki, the person who she followed into the Otherside, but she uses Sorawo's growing fondness to rope her into joining in the search. Even when it puts the both of them into increasingly dangerous situations. Sorawo is keenly jealous of Toriko's tunnel vision toward Satsuki, but she can't bring herself to cut ties with the closest thing to a friend and romantic interest she has--even to the extent that she spurns other potential friendships that might've developed if she wasn't so obsessed with Toriko. And in the midst of this, there's strong evidence accumulating that Satsuki, if she's even still alive, probably isn't the wonderful person Toriko thinks she is...
There's a lot going on here, on an interpersonal level, but it's told against the backdrop of a world inhabited by Lovecraftian entities that can only try to communicate with humans through fear, because our brains process fear differently from other living things. (i.e. We sometimes actively seek out scary situations, whereas everything else avoids them--this is an oversimplification of a fascinating approach to completely alien intelligences and they way they might try to communicate with us.) There is a lot of really weird stuff that happens in the Otherside (and that bleeds into the real world on occasion), so if you're just here for the crazy supernatural elements, you'll find a lot to like, too. Some of it can feel a bit "monster of the week"-ish, so I hope there's a bit more cohesion later on. Given how the last chapter here played out, there is at least an overarching plot developing, so I have high hopes for future volumes.
That said, the writing itself can be a bit...wooden at times. I'm not sure if that's due to something being lost in translation, but the actual prose can feel a little off. Still, the material being presented is interesting enough to make up for shortcomings in the presentation to some extent. If you like urban legends, the supernatural, and high-concept explorations of horror, you'll probably enjoy Otherside Picnic.
April 29, 2023
I'm kind of torn between ratings on this one, it feels like a 4-star-rating, leaning heavily towards a 5-star? So 4,75, I suppose.
It was exciting, I got a good laugh (or well, chuckle) out of some parts of it, and the way the "monsters" are described is some of the most disgusting shit I've ever read. In other words, it was lovely.
I spent a long time reading through this, in other words, I took a lot of breaks, which may have caused me to forget what the suspense was all about at times. However, I did enjoy it, and I don't have much bad to say about it.
I've already picked up the rest of the series that's been released in English so far, so we'll see how it goes.
It was exciting, I got a good laugh (or well, chuckle) out of some parts of it, and the way the "monsters" are described is some of the most disgusting shit I've ever read. In other words, it was lovely.
I spent a long time reading through this, in other words, I took a lot of breaks, which may have caused me to forget what the suspense was all about at times. However, I did enjoy it, and I don't have much bad to say about it.
I've already picked up the rest of the series that's been released in English so far, so we'll see how it goes.
November 19, 2022
shucks accidentally did my review on the kindle edition, I don't have a kindle! I read the physical paperback and it smelled good and the font was lovely. volumes 1 and 2 were good starts, I liked how it was going, and how Sorawo and Toriko's dynamic solidified. there are so many scenes of them eating together that it makes me wonder how they don't gain weight! must be all the walking lol
June 13, 2021
I felt a little 'meh' about this series when I first picked it up but decided to give it a shot, and I'm really glad I did. First of all, this is a throw back to I guess you could say more 'traditional' isekai. Not getting sucked into a video game or another world entirely, but stumbling into the mysterious and supernatural world that lies just next to ours. And on top of that Sorawo and Toriko can pass back and forth between the worlds, they aren't stuck. I this reads as a fun adventure romp, but then you're suddenly reminded of the terrible, lurking mystery of the other world.
I also like that Sorawo, as a character, isn't completely likable. She displays a bit of jealousy and selfishness, and it makes you want to grab her by the shoulders and shake her saying 'you're being an a jerk!'. I also like that while Sorawo, and it's hinted at with Toriko, have 'tragic' back stories, it isn't a central, or even much of a key part of the plot so far. Even when Sorawo's past is revealed to Kozakura, she acknowledges it, offers a bit of comfort to Sorawo, and it isn't touched on in depth again.
The other thing I like about the series is the relationship between Sorawo and Toriko. Sorawo is obviously in love, but appears to be completely ignorant of her own feelings. I get the sense, though, from the book that Sorawo is aware of her own feelings on an unconscious level, but is pointedly ignoring them. As for Toriko, she appears to be oblivious to Sorawo's feelings (not that Sorawo is going out of her way to make it obvious, though it is obvious to the reader), I have a sneaking suspicion that Toriko is aware of Sorawo's feelings, but is playing dumb on purpose. I can wait to see the evolution of this obvious relationship that both parties refuse to acknowledge.
It's also cool how Miyazawa included 'citations' at the end of each book, noting where on the internet he found the ghost/horror stories that helped to inspire the other world. Obviously it's all in Japanese which I, unfortunately, cannot read, and I don't trust google translate to make any sense. Especially since a lot of the names of the creatures/monsters are 'play on words', which I know google with mess up.
I also like that Sorawo, as a character, isn't completely likable. She displays a bit of jealousy and selfishness, and it makes you want to grab her by the shoulders and shake her saying 'you're being an a jerk!'. I also like that while Sorawo, and it's hinted at with Toriko, have 'tragic' back stories, it isn't a central, or even much of a key part of the plot so far. Even when Sorawo's past is revealed to Kozakura, she acknowledges it, offers a bit of comfort to Sorawo, and it isn't touched on in depth again.
The other thing I like about the series is the relationship between Sorawo and Toriko. Sorawo is obviously in love, but appears to be completely ignorant of her own feelings. I get the sense, though, from the book that Sorawo is aware of her own feelings on an unconscious level, but is pointedly ignoring them. As for Toriko, she appears to be oblivious to Sorawo's feelings (not that Sorawo is going out of her way to make it obvious, though it is obvious to the reader), I have a sneaking suspicion that Toriko is aware of Sorawo's feelings, but is playing dumb on purpose. I can wait to see the evolution of this obvious relationship that both parties refuse to acknowledge.
It's also cool how Miyazawa included 'citations' at the end of each book, noting where on the internet he found the ghost/horror stories that helped to inspire the other world. Obviously it's all in Japanese which I, unfortunately, cannot read, and I don't trust google translate to make any sense. Especially since a lot of the names of the creatures/monsters are 'play on words', which I know google with mess up.
September 6, 2021
I'm conflicted about this...
First off, this is an Omnibus with Volume 1 and 2. Of those two, in my opinion, the first volume is the best and by a lot. It's great at setting the characters, their motivations, how the Other World seems to work and it is actually scary. It handles the mix of slice of life with horror really well. It is also clear what other series influenced this Light Novel. The most obvious is "Roadside Picnic", which also inspired the "Stalker" game series. But there's also hints of "Metro", "Annihilation", "Stalker" and tons of creepy pasta and urban legends. That is actually what I liked the most, as I couldn't help but smile whenever I noticed a reference/something I already knew, like "Kisaragi Station" or "The Zone".
However, the second Volume.. .was not as good. First chapter is great, as it continues the "Kisaragi Station" story. The other chapters.. I didn't particularly like. That's thanks to two things. 1) Suddenly, the characters start to act in extremely stupid ways and 2) The author really makes Sorawa as unlikable as possible. Now, from the start Sorawo is not a likable character, she has flaws, is really selfish and rude, which I didn't mind, flawed characters are the best, as they are realistic, but this is pushed too far for my liking in the 2nd Volume, as there are moments on which she legitimately comes off as straight up human garbage. The author also, for some reason, starts to make them drink and get drunk every time they eat. This would be fine if it was as a form of cope mechanism, but it is never hinted as such by the author, they just drink and get drunk, because. There's even a line about how they were wasted before evening..
So, yeah. First Volume, great, loved it. Second Volume, there's a shift in tone, one of the chapters is really bizarre, in a way I didn't like, characters start acting in dumb ways and the constant mention about how much they drink plus Sorawo becoming really, really unlikable made it not that much of a fun read for me.
First off, this is an Omnibus with Volume 1 and 2. Of those two, in my opinion, the first volume is the best and by a lot. It's great at setting the characters, their motivations, how the Other World seems to work and it is actually scary. It handles the mix of slice of life with horror really well. It is also clear what other series influenced this Light Novel. The most obvious is "Roadside Picnic", which also inspired the "Stalker" game series. But there's also hints of "Metro", "Annihilation", "Stalker" and tons of creepy pasta and urban legends. That is actually what I liked the most, as I couldn't help but smile whenever I noticed a reference/something I already knew, like "Kisaragi Station" or "The Zone".
However, the second Volume.. .was not as good. First chapter is great, as it continues the "Kisaragi Station" story. The other chapters.. I didn't particularly like. That's thanks to two things. 1) Suddenly, the characters start to act in extremely stupid ways and 2) The author really makes Sorawa as unlikable as possible. Now, from the start Sorawo is not a likable character, she has flaws, is really selfish and rude, which I didn't mind, flawed characters are the best, as they are realistic, but this is pushed too far for my liking in the 2nd Volume, as there are moments on which she legitimately comes off as straight up human garbage. The author also, for some reason, starts to make them drink and get drunk every time they eat. This would be fine if it was as a form of cope mechanism, but it is never hinted as such by the author, they just drink and get drunk, because. There's even a line about how they were wasted before evening..
So, yeah. First Volume, great, loved it. Second Volume, there's a shift in tone, one of the chapters is really bizarre, in a way I didn't like, characters start acting in dumb ways and the constant mention about how much they drink plus Sorawo becoming really, really unlikable made it not that much of a fun read for me.
January 23, 2022
Sapphic lovecraftian horror based on urban legends - as someone who is a lesbian and frequents r/nosleep and also really likes Japanese urban legends this was a luxury meal for me.
I really love the horror elements, they were described so well and instill some super sweet dread in me.
However, the characters... I cannot stand Sorawo (She reminds me of myself in middle school, so antisocial...) and so far the other characters have been cardboard cutouts. I will definitely stick with this because I'm super into it, but I hope the characters receive some upgrades to being rounded and not so flat.
Also I could really tell what the target audience is - the translation feels very stilted and stiff at some points and I can tell it's because it was held too close to the original Japanese text to be natural in English. This is not a bad thing, but sometime I found myself thinking 'Ah, so this is shat it said in Japanese here.' Because it just did not work very well in English. This happens so often for the target demographic that WANTS it as close as possible to the original and chooses that over natural sounding localization - as I said, not a bad thing.
I really love the horror elements, they were described so well and instill some super sweet dread in me.
However, the characters... I cannot stand Sorawo (She reminds me of myself in middle school, so antisocial...) and so far the other characters have been cardboard cutouts. I will definitely stick with this because I'm super into it, but I hope the characters receive some upgrades to being rounded and not so flat.
Also I could really tell what the target audience is - the translation feels very stilted and stiff at some points and I can tell it's because it was held too close to the original Japanese text to be natural in English. This is not a bad thing, but sometime I found myself thinking 'Ah, so this is shat it said in Japanese here.' Because it just did not work very well in English. This happens so often for the target demographic that WANTS it as close as possible to the original and chooses that over natural sounding localization - as I said, not a bad thing.
March 20, 2023
A super cool story. Initially, I did wish I had gone with the manga version of "Otherside Picnic" instead of this novel format, but golly it grew on me!
I can't recommend these two volumes for the writing alone, but I think the story is incredibly interesting and I did like getting this more fleshed out version. If you're on the fence about which one to buy, know that the writing isn't my favourite but I personally warmed up to it enough to keep with this format, though it still isn't something I'd enthusiastically recommend. When deciding which format to pick, check out previews if you're able, because I *do* recommend reading at least some version of "Otherside Picnic"!
I can't recommend these two volumes for the writing alone, but I think the story is incredibly interesting and I did like getting this more fleshed out version. If you're on the fence about which one to buy, know that the writing isn't my favourite but I personally warmed up to it enough to keep with this format, though it still isn't something I'd enthusiastically recommend. When deciding which format to pick, check out previews if you're able, because I *do* recommend reading at least some version of "Otherside Picnic"!
January 16, 2026
One of my favorite books. The main character Sorawo is an Anthropology student studying online ghost stories, which is convenient when she finds herself in a parallel world she calls the "Otherside" where internet stories become real phenomena. I like how the author has citations and explanations of how these online threads are integrated into his story. While the story is called a light novel, I would define it instead as a set of novellas. Each novella is titled as a "file" and it details Sorawo and her exploration partner Toriko's interaction with a specific ghost story that comes to life on the Otherside. Omnibus 1 includes Volume 1 (4 files) and Volume 2 (4 files) of Otherside Picnic.
January 26, 2025
finally making it here after watching and loving the anime is a trip and a half. seeing that first little bit outside of what the anime adapted is a treat, especially with the wrinkle it adds to what is already incredibly compelling worldbuilding and characterization. sorawo and toriko are adorably dysfunctional, kozakura's hilarious, and satsuki is an incredibly intriguing figure for them to be following in the footsteps of. i just hope sorawo eventually realizes just how down bad she is but even if it takes her a while i'm here for the ride
January 8, 2021
The book goes from casual slice of life to horror story constantly. I liked it a lot, and the episodic way in which it is written is a great format for this type of story.
However, some of the behaviours the 2 MCs exhibit don’t make much sense sometimes. I expect it to be part of the mystery and overarching story. If it isn’t then it’s just crazy...
Recommend it though, a fun read
However, some of the behaviours the 2 MCs exhibit don’t make much sense sometimes. I expect it to be part of the mystery and overarching story. If it isn’t then it’s just crazy...
Recommend it though, a fun read
June 28, 2022
It is a bit of a slow burn, but the conflagration was worth it. I enjoyed the Urban Legends aspects of it a fair bit. Creating a place where they come from and how they can slip into our world (or vice versa). I can't call it one of my favorites so I shan't be rushing off to buy the next book. However, I wouldn't mind reading some more at some point. It's worth a look.
February 19, 2023
i already read the manga, and then watched the anime, but for some reason this series has wormed its way into my brain and become a new special interest. reading the light novel has been rewarding, even knowing almost every plot beat before it happens, thanks to the extra depth in descriptions and internal dialogue compared to its (pretty damn faithful!) adaptations
January 24, 2025
A solid 3 and a half stars for me. The most interesting part of this book was the exposure to modern day folklore. I wish the characters had a better reason to explore the Otherside other than because it is something to do. For all the faults I found with the characterization, the intrigue of the plot kept me hooked.
June 25, 2022
This left me with more questions than answers.
More though out review to come.
I just hope Omnibus 2 arrives sometime next week. In the meantime, I can start on The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent Novel 1.
More though out review to come.
I just hope Omnibus 2 arrives sometime next week. In the meantime, I can start on The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent Novel 1.
April 15, 2023
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
June 5, 2023
This story was made in a lab for me specifically.
July 5, 2022
There's nothing wrong with it. I just don't think the cthulu-esque surrealness is from me.
March 26, 2025
Otherside Picnic Light Novel Volume 1 - 3½⭐
Good premise and world building. Prose was very average, not sure if it's the author or stuff was lost in translation.
Otherside Picnic Light Novel Volume 2 - 4⭐
Improvement over vol 1 in terms of the writing, dialogue and character development. Still not sure if it's the author has improved, or if we got a better translator (different one than vol 1.)
Good premise and world building. Prose was very average, not sure if it's the author or stuff was lost in translation.
Otherside Picnic Light Novel Volume 2 - 4⭐
Improvement over vol 1 in terms of the writing, dialogue and character development. Still not sure if it's the author has improved, or if we got a better translator (different one than vol 1.)
July 10, 2022
It is weird, how our mood can change the experience of reading.
I started the book in the train, because i hadn't to do anything and after that i didn't touch the book for a while. I picked the book up few days ago and continued and suddenly i just couldn't put the book out of my hand. Every free minute i had was spent with this book and my dog on the couch and now i can't wait till the next volume will be delivered because i just want to continue this book.
But why did i like that book that much? To be honest i can't really say, maybe it has another World without being Isekai.
The MC is very antisocial at the beginning and i can kind of relate to her different states.
The story involves "real" creepypastas and internet ghost stories that mix in some interesting stories. I kinda felt anything could happen and he uses some plot devices in a nice way.
The relationship between the MC and the second MC progresses slow and nicely, even though it's kinda cliche (the anti social and the overly social character trope) it really worked for me.
I didn't know any of the Stories, that were reused here so i don't know if it can spoil the fun of the book but to be honest i don't think so.
So for everyone who kinda like weird stories (to me it is not really horror but written horror doesn't really work on me) and creepypastas, this is the book for you i guess?
I started the book in the train, because i hadn't to do anything and after that i didn't touch the book for a while. I picked the book up few days ago and continued and suddenly i just couldn't put the book out of my hand. Every free minute i had was spent with this book and my dog on the couch and now i can't wait till the next volume will be delivered because i just want to continue this book.
But why did i like that book that much? To be honest i can't really say, maybe it has another World without being Isekai.
The MC is very antisocial at the beginning and i can kind of relate to her different states.
The story involves "real" creepypastas and internet ghost stories that mix in some interesting stories. I kinda felt anything could happen and he uses some plot devices in a nice way.
The relationship between the MC and the second MC progresses slow and nicely, even though it's kinda cliche (the anti social and the overly social character trope) it really worked for me.
I didn't know any of the Stories, that were reused here so i don't know if it can spoil the fun of the book but to be honest i don't think so.
So for everyone who kinda like weird stories (to me it is not really horror but written horror doesn't really work on me) and creepypastas, this is the book for you i guess?
dnf
December 22, 2023DNF….. for now. I’ll eventually finish it since I bought it as a “blind date with a book” purchase, and I try to at least finish books I’ve purchased myself. This one is… rough, to say the least. It has a really interesting premise and setting, but oh god I don’t know if anything can save this writing.
update 7/17/23: I sold it to Half Price Books; I am never picking this back up
update 7/17/23: I sold it to Half Price Books; I am never picking this back up
May 11, 2022
While I feel a bit at war with the tiny margins for this print, this is an intriguing read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews