Manga Review: Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet

Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet follows Fumi Ohno, a high school girl who suddenly finds herself without a home after her father’s debts catch up to them. To support herself, she becomes a live-in housekeeper for Akatsuki Kibikino, a grumpy and aloof novelist. At first, their relationship is all business — Fumi cooks, cleans, and keeps house while Akatsuki remains distant and curt, often addressing her only as “girl.”

In the early volumes (1–6), the story balances quiet slice-of-life moments with a budding romance. Fumi’s warmth and determination slowly break through Akatsuki’s cold exterior, and she begins to fall for him despite their age gap. Along the way, she makes new friends at school and develops confidence in herself, while Akatsuki shows brief glimpses of protectiveness and affection.

However, as the series moves into volumes 7–10, the romance becomes more complicated. Gorou, a kind and supportive childhood friend, emerges as an appealing alternative love interest. Tension builds as Fumi wrestles with her feelings, and Akatsuki struggles to express his own, showing flashes of emotion too little, too late.

This age-gap romance by Mika Yamamori had me hooked from volume 1. It has sweet pacing, great character moments, and that signature soft art style.

But as the story moved into volumes 9 and 10, I started to feel frustrated. Akatsuki, for all his charm, is so self-absorbed at times. He can’t even call Fumi by her name — just “girl,” like she’s his pet or something. Meanwhile, Gorou (his editor) treats her with genuine respect and warmth. Honestly, I caught myself hoping Fumi would choose him instead!

Sure, Akatsuki finally shows flashes of emotion later on, but is that enough to make up for how little love he actually gives her daily?

Poor Fumi, she deserves better. The plot is still solid, and the tension keeps you turning pages, but I’m not sure this relationship is as “romantic” as it’s meant to be.

My rating: 3 out of 5 ★★★☆☆

What do you think — is it “mam approved,” or are we all side-eyeing Akatsuki here? Should Fumi really end up with him? I don’t know about you, but I am secretly hoping she will end up with Gorou instead. Yeah Akatsuki is a hottie, but actions speak louder than words….

Have you read this manga series? What are your thoughts? Post it below!

And as always, see you later otakus!