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Josee, the Tiger and the Fish #1-2
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
College student Tsuneo loves the ocean and the creatures it harbors, and he dreams of studying abroad in faraway waters. All he needs is enough funds to go, so when a girl in a wheelchair suddenly barrels into his life, he readily agrees to work part-time as her caretaker. Getting close to the prickly Josee is easier said than done, but before he can give up, an impromptu trip to the beach shows them both that sometimes, they must take that first plunge to see the wonders that await. The hit animated film based on the striking story by Seiko Tanabe has been beautifully illustrated by Nao Emoto and collected in this single omnibus edition!
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2020
About the author
Seiko Tanabe
95 books14 followersSeiko TANABE (田辺 聖子) was a Japanese writer and translator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
September 27, 2022
I’m not crying… this is just salt water from the ocean. 😭
Absolutely beautiful tale & fully worth the wait! 💕 The manga follows Josee, a young girl bound to a wheel chair since birth and Tsuneo a young man who desires to follow his dreams of scuba diving. The two collide, quite literally, and become an undeniably adorable duo. The story does an amazing job at balancing the delicacies of life between the emotional fears and trauma to the realism of disabilities both born and gained (it showcases the fear of never being able to walk again, and additionally showcases that just because you have a disability doesn't mean that disability is all that defines you). Honestly, I loved this manga whole heartedly, and only wish I could consume more.
CW: Depression, car accident, hospitals, rehabilitation.
Absolutely beautiful tale & fully worth the wait! 💕 The manga follows Josee, a young girl bound to a wheel chair since birth and Tsuneo a young man who desires to follow his dreams of scuba diving. The two collide, quite literally, and become an undeniably adorable duo. The story does an amazing job at balancing the delicacies of life between the emotional fears and trauma to the realism of disabilities both born and gained (it showcases the fear of never being able to walk again, and additionally showcases that just because you have a disability doesn't mean that disability is all that defines you). Honestly, I loved this manga whole heartedly, and only wish I could consume more.
CW: Depression, car accident, hospitals, rehabilitation.
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March 11, 2023the art is absolutely beautiful and the romance had me giggling and kicking my feet, a success~
January 31, 2023
4.5✨
This was such a wonderful read. I loved Josee and Tsuneo. Their bond over the ocean and fish, as well as Josee's paintings and each others need to see the world in their own way, was so beautiful. Can't wait to watch the film.
Thank you to Yen Press for gifting me with a copy of this Manga.
This was such a wonderful read. I loved Josee and Tsuneo. Their bond over the ocean and fish, as well as Josee's paintings and each others need to see the world in their own way, was so beautiful. Can't wait to watch the film.
Thank you to Yen Press for gifting me with a copy of this Manga.
February 3, 2026
A sweet manga with gorgeous artwork. The story definitely got better in the second half, but throughout, this manga dealt very well with disability, autonomy, and the complexities of caregiver/cared-for relationships. Much of the more fantastical gestures are understated, which I think worked — this isn’t a story about a disabled person who has secret powers, but rather about a person whose separation from a supportive environment is disabling, and how, in light of that, we seek out spaces to grow to our full potential.
March 29, 2025
"Жозе, тигр і риби" - це історія про мрії, та боротьбу за них, історія про цілеспрямованість та про кохання. Але головне - це історія про повагу до мрій того, кого любиш.
Мені дуже сподобались і манґа, і екранізація. У історії багато важливих тем, але всі вони розкриті так, що мімімометр просто зашкалює)
Щиро рекомендую!
Куплю обидва томи українською і буду їх пропонувати своїм друзям, хай теж прочитають цю чудову манґу😁
Мені дуже сподобались і манґа, і екранізація. У історії багато важливих тем, але всі вони розкриті так, що мімімометр просто зашкалює)
Щиро рекомендую!
Куплю обидва томи українською і буду їх пропонувати своїм друзям, хай теж прочитають цю чудову манґу😁
November 2, 2022
Okay, this was lovely, especially the art, but the ending was way too abrupt.
December 31, 2023
Another rare library find. One would think I would be sick of shojō romances by now by how they always utilize the same three predictable tropes, but thankfully this book provided something above those tropes (which were definitely used here as well), turning my initial 3-star rating to a 5-star rating. This was majorly due to the story Josee writes and illustrates in the end. It made up for that entire girl-on-girl hate subplot which I have come to dread.
The manga does a great job of giving these full panel shots of the underwater scenery, which helped me make up my mind on watching the movie.
The story by itself is not thaaat original, and doesn't really go into how disability affects Josee in day-to-day life in real depth, but one thing it captures really well are two of its central concepts: the dangers of being too dependent on other people, and learning to rely on your internal strength that surpasses any external calamities that may befall. I really liked the way that was portrayed, and the story flowed really well despite its kind-of stretched out dramatic moments.
The manga does a great job of giving these full panel shots of the underwater scenery, which helped me make up my mind on watching the movie.
The story by itself is not thaaat original, and doesn't really go into how disability affects Josee in day-to-day life in real depth, but one thing it captures really well are two of its central concepts: the dangers of being too dependent on other people, and learning to rely on your internal strength that surpasses any external calamities that may befall. I really liked the way that was portrayed, and the story flowed really well despite its kind-of stretched out dramatic moments.
March 21, 2024
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/BDcyOiyzgkY
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt, and emotional story! Wow!
I think it really shows the impact that people can have on us. The way our entire lives can completely change and cause us to look at the world around us differently. Josee is a huge example of this as she was not a lovable character in the beginning. She was mean, rude, and didn't seem to have anything nice to say to anyone except her Grandma. With how the story is told, I can see WHY she would act that way, but I don't think it made her actions justifiable.
However, seeing her change was one of the most satisfying parts of reading this story. I appreciated how there wasn't an overly romantic storyline because I was deeply invested in seeing Josee's heart awaken and respond to the dreams she buried in her heart. How she was able to "see" the world and be able to have priceless experiences that forever changed her life thanks to "the caretaker." Seeing her steadily grow more confident and, even at times, revert back to old behaviors, had me turning pages faster than I expected because I wanted to see her continue to move forward.
Tsuneo was an interesting character and admired how he put up with everything Josee threw at him at the beginning. And unlike Josee, I really liked his character the whole way through! (I was not the biggest fan of our female lead when I first started reading…) I'm unsure of what I should say about him because his story took a turn halfway through, but loved how he was able to see people rally behind him and support him when HE was the one who supported so many other people.
I'm still surprised at how compelling this story is! I don't think I was prepared to be as emotionally touched as I was and how fast I would fly through in reading this when I had the chance to read. The art completely pulls you in and expresses the characters' emotions so wonderfully! Next time I read this story, I want to be more intentional in admiring the art because combined with the storytelling, this story simply gripped my heart. Deeply thankful I read it because I was very moved by these characters' journeys!
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt, and emotional story! Wow!
I think it really shows the impact that people can have on us. The way our entire lives can completely change and cause us to look at the world around us differently. Josee is a huge example of this as she was not a lovable character in the beginning. She was mean, rude, and didn't seem to have anything nice to say to anyone except her Grandma. With how the story is told, I can see WHY she would act that way, but I don't think it made her actions justifiable.
However, seeing her change was one of the most satisfying parts of reading this story. I appreciated how there wasn't an overly romantic storyline because I was deeply invested in seeing Josee's heart awaken and respond to the dreams she buried in her heart. How she was able to "see" the world and be able to have priceless experiences that forever changed her life thanks to "the caretaker." Seeing her steadily grow more confident and, even at times, revert back to old behaviors, had me turning pages faster than I expected because I wanted to see her continue to move forward.
Tsuneo was an interesting character and admired how he put up with everything Josee threw at him at the beginning. And unlike Josee, I really liked his character the whole way through! (I was not the biggest fan of our female lead when I first started reading…) I'm unsure of what I should say about him because his story took a turn halfway through, but loved how he was able to see people rally behind him and support him when HE was the one who supported so many other people.
I'm still surprised at how compelling this story is! I don't think I was prepared to be as emotionally touched as I was and how fast I would fly through in reading this when I had the chance to read. The art completely pulls you in and expresses the characters' emotions so wonderfully! Next time I read this story, I want to be more intentional in admiring the art because combined with the storytelling, this story simply gripped my heart. Deeply thankful I read it because I was very moved by these characters' journeys!
February 5, 2023
Beautiful art and beautiful story.
There's some jealousy between two girls that wasn't necessary to the story, especially since it doesn't get resolved. Josee is mean at first but a lot of the story is her character development, so while she was unpleasant for a while, that provides great contrast for her growth by the end of the book.
There's some jealousy between two girls that wasn't necessary to the story, especially since it doesn't get resolved. Josee is mean at first but a lot of the story is her character development, so while she was unpleasant for a while, that provides great contrast for her growth by the end of the book.
August 25, 2023
Tsuneo dreams about studying the ocean in Mexico, and he works all the time so he can save enough money to go. He takes a part-time job helping Josee, a girl in a wheelchair. However, he finds the job more difficult than he had imagined. She is angry and grumpy and mean. Tsuneo tries to be patient with her, and when they discover their shared love for the beauties of the ocean, they begin to connect.
This was such a sweet and wonderful story! I really loved the characters of Tsuneo and Josee. They are both complex and emotional and highly intelligent. They are each struggling with their own inner troubles, but they find courage and inspiration.
The art work is really beautiful and delicate. I loved the scenes where Tsuneo goes diving in the ocean and photographs rare fish.
The writing is very thoughtful and introspective. It brings a lot of depth and meaning to the story.
This was such a delight from start to finish!
This was such a sweet and wonderful story! I really loved the characters of Tsuneo and Josee. They are both complex and emotional and highly intelligent. They are each struggling with their own inner troubles, but they find courage and inspiration.
The art work is really beautiful and delicate. I loved the scenes where Tsuneo goes diving in the ocean and photographs rare fish.
The writing is very thoughtful and introspective. It brings a lot of depth and meaning to the story.
This was such a delight from start to finish!
April 22, 2025
The literal best standalone manga in the world. So sweet and wholesome. The art is amazing. It is so detailed and GORGEOUS! I enjoyed the anime and had to buy the manga. So glad I did for $14. So amazing. I recommend this so much. 6 stars
August 23, 2024
stop this rn im going to cry
August 5, 2026
Very cute!
July 21, 2025
4.5
I couldn’t have read this at a better time in my life.
I couldn’t have read this at a better time in my life.
November 3, 2024
It was so beautiful, pure perfection.
February 13, 2023
Món ăn tinh thần tuyệt vời cho ngày lễ Valentine sắp tới (14/02/2023).
Điểm đắt giá của tập 1 là việc Kumiko (Josee) bước khỏi vùng an toàn và dám đối mặt với nỗi sợ hiện diện nhiều nơi tại thế giới bên ngoài với sự hỗ trợ của Tsuneo.
Điểm đắt giá của tập 2 là việc Josee chỉ ra cho Tsuneo biết một sự thật rằng dù Tsuneo mất đi "đôi cánh" ("đôi cánh" ở đây là gì thì mình không ghi vì là spoiler, đọc manga để biết thêm nha) bên ngoài, miễn là anh biết sử dụng "đôi cánh" trong trái tim thì anh sẽ ổn. Mình thích chi tiết này vì mình đã từng nghe câu nói rằng: sự tự tin mạnh mẽ nhất không đến từ những gì ta làm được, có được, đạt được,... ở bên ngoài mà nó đến từ những phẩm chất quý giá ở bên trong, đến từ việc ta thành công vượt qua cái tôi yếu đuối, cũ kỹ, trì trệ. Sự tự tin ở vế sau mang tính bền vững và khó lay chuyển hơn.
Ở tập 1, anh là người hỗ trợ cô; ở tập 2, cô lại trở thành người nâng đỡ anh. Do đó hai người đến bên nhau thật hợp lý và quá hạnh phúc ❤️
P/s: thực tế thì Josee đóng vai trò là mắt xích quan trọng vì cô chỉ ra được sự thật cho Tsuneo. Bên cạnh đó Tsuneo còn được giúp đỡ nhiều từ bạn bè và cộng đồng. Như vậy, chi tiết Tsuneo vươn mình khỏi nghịch cảnh thực sự không chỉ cho thấy khía cạnh tình cảm đôi lứa mà còn có tình bạn và tình người.
13/02/2023.
Điểm đắt giá của tập 1 là việc Kumiko (Josee) bước khỏi vùng an toàn và dám đối mặt với nỗi sợ hiện diện nhiều nơi tại thế giới bên ngoài với sự hỗ trợ của Tsuneo.
Điểm đắt giá của tập 2 là việc Josee chỉ ra cho Tsuneo biết một sự thật rằng dù Tsuneo mất đi "đôi cánh" ("đôi cánh" ở đây là gì thì mình không ghi vì là spoiler, đọc manga để biết thêm nha) bên ngoài, miễn là anh biết sử dụng "đôi cánh" trong trái tim thì anh sẽ ổn. Mình thích chi tiết này vì mình đã từng nghe câu nói rằng: sự tự tin mạnh mẽ nhất không đến từ những gì ta làm được, có được, đạt được,... ở bên ngoài mà nó đến từ những phẩm chất quý giá ở bên trong, đến từ việc ta thành công vượt qua cái tôi yếu đuối, cũ kỹ, trì trệ. Sự tự tin ở vế sau mang tính bền vững và khó lay chuyển hơn.
Ở tập 1, anh là người hỗ trợ cô; ở tập 2, cô lại trở thành người nâng đỡ anh. Do đó hai người đến bên nhau thật hợp lý và quá hạnh phúc ❤️
P/s: thực tế thì Josee đóng vai trò là mắt xích quan trọng vì cô chỉ ra được sự thật cho Tsuneo. Bên cạnh đó Tsuneo còn được giúp đỡ nhiều từ bạn bè và cộng đồng. Như vậy, chi tiết Tsuneo vươn mình khỏi nghịch cảnh thực sự không chỉ cho thấy khía cạnh tình cảm đôi lứa mà còn có tình bạn và tình người.
13/02/2023.
March 31, 2023
I was so hoping to like this more than I do. There are some beautiful moments sprinkled throughout and the illustrations are beautiful, but I was not a fan of the tropes the romance was built on, and I was especially disappointed with Josee and the pacing of her character growth. I especially disliked the catalyst that led to the realization of her feelings toward Tsuneo. There was also a pointless jealousy subplot that added nothing to the nature of Josee and Tsuneo's relationship. It was cute, but I was expecting something a little more mature due to the premise. Maybe the film might make it easier to connect to the story and characters...
October 19, 2022
There are extremely good points to this book, especially the art. The romance doesn't really work for me, since it's so built around tropes that I don't care for and seems to require one of the characters giving up his dreams to work. There's also a rival plot thread doesn't really amount to anything and feels totally unnecessary. Even with all of that, there are some really beautiful moments, and Josee has at least some character growth that doesn't entirely revolve around a boy.
January 12, 2023
i’m gonna cry
i love this manga and the film
it brings back memories 🥹
i love this manga and the film
it brings back memories 🥹
March 23, 2025
Describe this book in one word: Gorgeous.
December 9, 2025
4.3⭐️
I haven’t read manga in a while, so when I saw this one with such a cute cover I had to get it.
Then I looked up the title online and realized it was an anime that I was avoiding because it looked sad lmao
However, it wasn’t sad in a tragic way, but instead in a happy and touching way. The art style is so gorgeous and I loved Tsueno and ‘Josee’ so much, they’re so cute and their dynamic is so entertaining.
I’ve been wanting to get back into manga because I miss it so much and this was such a good read to motivate me to get back into it.
I haven’t read manga in a while, so when I saw this one with such a cute cover I had to get it.
Then I looked up the title online and realized it was an anime that I was avoiding because it looked sad lmao
However, it wasn’t sad in a tragic way, but instead in a happy and touching way. The art style is so gorgeous and I loved Tsueno and ‘Josee’ so much, they’re so cute and their dynamic is so entertaining.
I’ve been wanting to get back into manga because I miss it so much and this was such a good read to motivate me to get back into it.
January 14, 2024
A beautiful experience, emotional, compelling and stunning. I loved the overall theme and feeling this manga presented, many times it made me tear up.
This manga had a lot of complicated situations as well, some I wound up being a tad bit confused but in the end it all worked out! The story was quite fast paced but slowed down as it progressed.
I enjoyed the ending message and I feel like everything came in full circle, the book was overall satisfying and complex.
This manga had a lot of complicated situations as well, some I wound up being a tad bit confused but in the end it all worked out! The story was quite fast paced but slowed down as it progressed.
I enjoyed the ending message and I feel like everything came in full circle, the book was overall satisfying and complex.
August 10, 2026
Pretty book. Pretty story. Generally, not interested in romance plots so this wasn't exactly my type. But it did remind me of a gender bent, modern version of The Secret Garden (specifically the movie).
April 23, 2023
Such an emotional and wholesome manga. It makes you want to chase your most impossible dreams.
A story of a fish and a tiger. Absolutely in love.
A story of a fish and a tiger. Absolutely in love.
August 16, 2023
Que vive Mexico hijo putas
September 28, 2023
Teenage me would have eaten this up.
March 22, 2024
Very fast read and extremely cute
April 9, 2024
Very cute story. The art is stunning and the Manga isn't very diologue heavy so there is just a lot of amazing panels. 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews