Peach Girl
Peach Girl (Japanese: ピーチガール, Hepburn: Pīchi Gāru) is a Japanese shōjo manga series by Miwa Ueda. A high school drama centered on character Momo Adachi, her love life, friendships and rivalries, it was published in Japan by Kodansha in Bessatsu Friend from 1998 to 2003 and collected in 18 volumes. The series was adapted as a Taiwanese drama in 2002 and a Japanese animated television series in 2005. A manga sequel set 10 years after the original manga, titled Peach Girl Next, began its serialization on Be Love on August 12, 2016.[2] It ended with a total of eight volumes, the last of which was released in January 2020.[3][4] On mid-March 2016, the live-action film adaptation was announced.[5] The film was released in Japan on May 20, 2017.[6]
| Peach Girl | |
 Cover of the first volume | |
| ピーチガール (Pīchi Gāru) | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Romantic comedy-drama |
| Manga | |
| Written by | Miwa Ueda |
| Published by | Kodansha |
| English publisher | |
| Magazine | Bessatsu Friend |
| English magazine | Smile[1] |
| Demographic | Shōjo |
| Original run | 1997 – 2003 |
| Volumes | 18 |
| Anime television series | |
| Directed by | Hiroshi Ishiodori |
| Written by | Hiroko Tokita |
| Music by | Masanori Takumi |
| Studio | Studio Comet |
| Licensed by | |
| Original network | TV Tokyo |
| Original run | January 8, 2005 – June 25, 2005 |
| Episodes | 25 |
| Manga | |
| Peach Girl: Sae's Story | |
| Written by | Miwa Ueda |
| Published by | Kodansha |
| English publisher | |
| Magazine | Bessatsu Friend |
| Demographic | Shōjo |
| Original run | 2004 – 2006 |
| Volumes | 3 |
| Manga | |
| Peach Girl Next | |
| Written by | Miwa Ueda |
| Published by | Kodansha |
| English publisher | |
| Magazine | Be Love |
| Demographic | Shōjo |
| Original run | August 12, 2016 – December 28, 2019 |
| Volumes | 8 |
| Live-action film | |
| Directed by | Koji Shintoku |
| Written by | Junpei Yamaoka |
| Released | May 20, 2017 |
The North American version of the manga is published in two parts by Tokyopop: Peach Girl, covering the first eight volumes of the Japanese release; and Peach Girl: Change of Heart, comprising the final ten books. The animated TV series is distributed by Funimation Entertainment in North America.
Plot
Momo Adachi is a former member of the high school swim team. She tans easily and her hair is bleached out; unfortunately, she is stereotyped by her ignorant classmates and is forced to endure rumors about being an "easy girl" who has had many sexual relationships. Her only friend is Sae, who is actually responsible for spreading the nasty gossip due to her jealousy of Momo. Momo is in love with Toji, a taciturn baseball player, but the scheming Sae also has her sights set on the boy. Momo's life is further complicated with the introduction of Kairi Okayasu, a wise-cracking playboy who is determined to make her his. He reveals to Momo that she had saved him from drowning the summer before high school started.
Things become even more complicated when Sae, in an attempt to make Momo miserable, spreads rumors about Momo and Kairi making out. The rumor about the kiss between the two is true, but it was Kairi who initiated it while Momo remained stunned by the interaction. When Toji is hospitalized, Sae convinces Toji to break up with Momo. Thanks to Kairi, he finds out about all the lies and rumors Sae has made up. Toji saves Momo from being bullied (thanks to Sae's lies again) and tells the truth about him and Momo, resulting in the students apologizing to Momo and hating Sae. Toji and Momo get back together, but Sae later tries to complicate their relationship again by threatening to discredit Momo with her newly acquired access to the mass media. Though Toji is initially defiant, he reluctantly breaks up with Momo to protect her. Momo is heartbroken at first, particularly due to not knowing that it is part of Sae's schemes. However, she eventually begins dating Kairi, whom she had previously considered annoying, and soon begins to fall in love with him. When it is revealed to Momo why Toji broke up with her, Momo is left to choose between Toji and Kairi. More problems arise and the love triangle intensifies.
In "Sae's Story", Sae is left back a year, for she was always skipping classes. She is too stubborn so she goes to Momo's and Kairi's university every day. Toji goes to a good university by himself. Sae then meets one of her childhood sweethearts, Kanji (or Monkey Boy), who left for Malaysia when they were young, and promised to marry Sae when he was back. In love with Sae, Kanji follows her around, trying to win her over. He takes care of Sae's dog, Sora, when her parents would no longer let her keep it. The dog walks with a little limp; one day when Sora tried to follow Sae, she threw a rock at its paw and injured it. Sae starts modeling and pretends she goes to college with Momo, when she is really still in high school. She meets Honda and works for CC as a model. She meets a guy named Takuma, and he later turns her down. Sae meets another guy named Shinji but realizes he never really liked her. All these ups and downs make Sae realize that Momo, Kairi, and Kanji are the only people who care for her.
Characters
- Momo Adachi (安達 もも, Adachi Momo)
- Voiced by: Saeko Chiba (Japanese); Kate Oxley (English)
- Played by: Mizuki Yamamoto (Live Action 2017)
- The main character. Her given name means 'peach' in Japanese. She has tanned skin and light hair (derived from her constant swimming in chlorinated pools while on the swim team), mistakenly giving others the impression that she is a "beach bunny", lover of the Ganguro style, or sexually promiscuous. On the contrary, Momo is a shy, insecure girl. She has loved Toji for many years, although later on she finds herself falling in love with Kairi. When she found out Toji disliked girls with tan skin, she started to avoid swimming pools and wore a lot of sunblock to get her skin to its original color (presumed to be fair). Later on, Momo finds out that Toji never said he disliked girls with tan skin. Her friend (Ryoko) from junior high had made that up because she had liked him too. She is often confused later on when she likes both Toji and Kairi at the same time, causing several disputes between the two boys.
- Sae Kashiwagi (柏木 さえ, Kashiwagi Sae)
- Voiced by: Megumi Nasu (Japanese); Cherami Leigh (English)
- Played by: Mei Nagano (Live Action 2017)
- The main antagonist who does everything to ruin Momo's life. Sae's fair features such as her pale skin and dark hair serve as a contrast for Momo; her "innocent" appearance belies her scheming, mischievous, trouble making nature. She is the one who spreads malicious gossip about Momo; something Momo knows, but has trouble dealing with, as people are more apt to believe in Sae than the 'airheaded ganguro girl' to the point that Toji believed Sae over Momo (who was currently his girlfriend). She often uses the gossip to make people dislike Momo, as a result of her own jealousy and insecurity. She spreads rumors that she is dating Toji, and that Momo is trying to steal him from her when it is actually the other way around. She really is mean and doesn't care for Momo and isn't her "real" friend. All she wants is popularity in school, to humiliate Momo, and to get Toji all for herself. She will stop at nothing to complete this task. Later, she dates a male model named Jigoro and in the end exploits him to help break up Toji and Momo, the nastiest scheme she has ever plotted. She begins to repent after she falls in love with Ryo and understands the hurtful feeling that she caused Momo, when Ryo seemingly gets her pregnant (it later turns out to be a medical condition that simulates pregnancy) and subsequently abandons her.
- Kairi Okayasu (岡安 浬, Okayasu Kairi)
- Voiced by: Kenichi Suzumura (Japanese); Orion Pitts (English)
- Played by: Kei Inoo (Live Action 2017)
- A popular and carefree classmate of Momo's. Sae goes after him after Momo lies that she likes him to protect her and Toji's relationship, but he is the only boy to see straight through Sae for what she really is. He has the reputation of being a playboy, something he is not exactly proud of. He thought that Momo was the one who once gave him CPR when he had nearly drowned at the beach when they were younger; only to later find out he had been saved by the local male lifeguard. His interest in her is renewed when Sae spreads rumors about them being a couple; he adds to this by claiming he has kissed Momo. When Momo is upset by his rumor, he tries to make the rumor true by kissing her unexpectedly in the beginning of the series.
- After the two start dating, his insecurities about relationships are revealed to stem from his unrequited love for Misao, the school nurse and Kairi's former tutor. However, after he confesses and is shot down by her, he actually feels relieved and confident to pursue his relationship with Momo. He begins fighting over her with Toji and in the end they get back together.
The English-language manga uses the non standard romanization "Kiley Okayasu". Other groups, such as FUNimation, Kodansha, and non-English language publishers, use "Kairi".[7]
- Kazuya "Toji" Tojigamori (東寺ヶ森 一矢, Tōjigamori Kazuya, とーじ Tōji)
- Voiced by: Hidenobu Kiuchi (Japanese); Robert McCollum (English)
- Played by: Mackenyu (Live Action 2017)
A boy who has been Momo's crush since junior high school although she never then confessed to him due to a friend saying he "doesn't like girls with tan skin". He overhears Momo confess her love for him to Kairi and then eventually dates Momo but Sae wants him for herself. He has a good heart, but tends to be hard headed and oblivious to what is in front of him, believing what Sae says over what Momo says, much to the frustration of Momo. Sae later blackmails Toji into dating her using pictures of Momo and Jigoro in a hotel bed together. He then breaks up with Momo. After this Momo starts dating Kairi.
The Tokyopop manga renders his family name as "Toujikamori".
- Misao Aki (安芸 操)
- Voiced by: Mami Kingetsu (Japanese); Colleen Clinkenbeard (English)
- Played by: Yuika Motokariya (Live Action 2017)
The school nurse and a big sister figure for Momo. Misao was once Kairi's tutor and crush, and an old flame of Ryo's. Although she dated and broke up with him, she still loves him.
- Ryo Okayasu (岡安 涼, Okayasu Ryō)
- Voiced by: Sho Hayami (Japanese); Charles Baker (English)
- Played by: Kensei Mikami (Live Action 2017)
- Kairi's older brother who works in the video game industry. He serves as a male counterpart to Sae, only he is significantly more dangerous. Ryo is in love with Misao, and dated her briefly, but Misao broke up with him because of his cold and manipulating attitude which is revealed when he smacks Sae after hurting Misao.
- Sae meets him and quickly falls for him because of their obvious similarities, though Ryo barely takes the relationship seriously and treats Sae poorly. When Sae tells him she is pregnant with his child he gives her money. Ryo is quite touched by Sae when she tells him she wants to make a family with him that will love him. After they find out Sae had a false pregnancy, the two split. However, Ryo stills feels happy about what Sae told him, and seems to be interested in having kids.
- Goro Ooji (大路 吾郎, Ōji Gorō)
- Voiced by: Junichi Suwabe (Japanese); Viktor Walker (English)
- Played by: Daisuke Kikuta (Live Action 2017)
- He is called Jigoro (ジゴロー, Jigorō) and is a male model who is smitten with Sae and unaware of her true personality. She uses him in her schemes against Momo.
- Morika
- Voiced by: Miho Yamada (Japanese); Kira Vincent-Davis (English)
- A young woman who once dated both Okayasu brothers, Morika has a grudge against Ryo and tries to use Kairi against him. Morika hires some thugs to beat up Ryo as revenge for using her.
Media
Manga
Anime
| # | Episode Title | Airdate (Japan) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Love Hurricane! Love Hurricane! ラブ・ハリケーン！ | 8 January 2005 |
| 2 | The Trap Kiss! Trap Kiss! トラップ・キス！ | 15 January 2005 |
| 3 | How Far Will You Go, Super Sae? Koko Made Yaru!? Super Sae ここまでやる!? スーパーさえ | 22 January 2005 |
| 4 | The Catastrophe Kiyoku Tadashii Hakyou Sengen 清く正しい破局宣言 | 29 January 2005 |
| 5 | The Swim Meet From Hell Shakunetsu Dotou no Suiei Taikai 灼熱怒涛の水泳大会 | 5 February 2005 |
| 6 | Sudden Death At Love Gekitotsu! Koi no Sudden Death 激突！恋のサドンデス | 12 February 2005 |
| 7 | A Brief Love Sign Tsukanoma no Love Sign つかのまのＬＯＶＥサイン | 19 February 2005 |
| 8 | Fame Isn't Enough Black Girl ブラックガール | 26 February 2005 |
| 9 | The Destruction of Pure Love Junai Hakai Kousaku 純愛破壊工作 | 5 March 2005 |
| 10 | Peach Crisis Peach Crisis ピーチクライシス | 12 March 2005 |
| 11 | An Unbearable Breakup Setsuna Sugiru Wakare 切なすぎる別れ | 19 March 2005 |
| 12 | The Peach Flower, Blossomed? Momo no Hana, Saita? ももの花、咲いた？ | 26 March 2005 |
| 13 | Shock! An Ex-Girlfriend Barges In! Shougeki! Moto Kano Rannyuu!? 衝撃！元カノ乱入!? | 2 April 2005 |
| 14 | The Man Who Creates A Storm Arashi wo Yobu Otoko 嵐を呼ぶ男 | 9 April 2005 |
| 15 | Who Will It Be? Honmei wa Dare? 本命は誰？ | 16 April 2005 |
| 16 | When Love Hits Rock Bottom Don Soko no Koi no Yukue どん底の恋の行方 | 23 April 2005 |
| 17 | Direct Line to Pure Love! Junai Icchokusen! 純愛一直線！ | 30 April 2005 |
| 18 | A Summer Seduction Manatsu no Yuuwaku 真夏の誘惑 | 7 May 2005 |
| 19 | The Emotional Puzzle Kimochi no Puzzle キモチのパズル | 14 May 2005 |
| 20 | One Stormy Night Arashi no Ichiya 嵐の一夜 | 21 May 2005 |
| 21 | Continuous Love Storm Warnings! Koi no Sainen Chuuihou 恋の再燃注意報 | 28 May 2005 |
| 22 | Imaginary Love Affair Nounai Renai 脳内恋愛 | 4 June 2005 |
| 23 | Forced to Choose Tsukitsukerareta Sentaku 突きつけられた選択 | 11 June 2005 |
| 24 | The Truth About Goodbye Sayonara no Shinjitsu サヨナラの真実 | 18 June 2005 |
| 25 | Last Typhoon! Last Hurricane! ラスト・ハリケーン！ | 25 June 2005 |
Peach Girl: Sae's Story
Peach Girl: Sae's Story (裏 ピーチガール, Ura Peach Girl, lit. Reverse Peach Girl) is a sequel to Peach Girl, told from the point of view of Sae, the main antagonist of Peach Girl. It was published in Japan by Kodansha in Bessatsu Friend from 2004 to 2006 and collected in three tankōbon volumes. It is licensed in North America by Tokyopop.
TV drama
In November 2002, a 13-episode Taiwanese drama of Peach Girl was adapted titled (Chinese: 蜜桃女孩), starring Annie Wu, Vanness Wu of F4 and Kenji Wu. The setting was changed from high school to college. It was produced by Comic Ritz International Production (可米瑞智國際藝能有限公司) and Chai Zhi Ping (柴智屏) as producer and was broadcast in Taiwan on free-to-air Chinese Television System (CTS) (華視). The events of the drama stay true to the original story up until the forced break up between Xia Tao(Momo) and Dong Si(Toji) after which many events differ possibly due to the limited number of episodes.
- Cast
- Annie Wu as Xiao Tao (安達桃)
- Vanness Wu of F4 as Ah Li (岡安浬)
- Kenji Wu as Dong Si (東寺森一矢)
- Guan Ru as Sha Hui (柏木紗繪)
- Edward Ou as OD
- Vicky Chen (陳孝萱) as Misao Aki (安芸操)
- Music
- Opening theme song: "愛的就是你" (Love Is You) by Wang Leehom
- Insert song: "你不愛我愛誰?" (Who Do You Love If Not Me?) by Vanness Wu
- Ending theme song: "我依然相信你還愛我" (I Believe in Your Love) by Ginny Liu (劉虹嬅)
Film
A live action film of the same name directed by Koji Shintoki was released on 20 May 2017. It stars Mizuki Yamamoto as Momo Adachi and Kei Inoo as Kairi Okayasu. Other cast members are Mackenyu as Toji, Mei Nagano as Sae Kashiwagi, Yuika Motokariya as Misao Aki, Kensei Mikami as Ryo Okayasu, and Daisuke Kikuta as Jigoro. Its main theme song is "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen.[8]
Reception
The manga has sold over 13 million copies.[9] In 1999, Peach Girl won the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo.[10]
References
- "Welcome to the Smile Magazine website!" Smile. August 29, 2000. Retrieved on August 21, 2011.
- "Peach Girl Manga Gets Peach Girl Next Sequel Starting on August 12". Anime News Network. August 1, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- "Peach Girl NEXT Manga Ends in 8th Volume". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2019-08-10.
- "Peach Girl NEXT Manga Ends Serialization in December". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2020-08-12.
- "Peach Girl Manga Inspires Live-Action Film". Anime News Network. March 28, 2016.
- ピーチガール. eiga.com (in Japanese).
- Kodan club accessed 2007-07-11.
- "Japanese film "Peach Girl" has Been Released and it Features "Call Me Maybe"". May 28, 2017.
- Vincent, Brittany. ""Peach Girl" Is Getting A Sequel Called "Peach Girl NEXT"". Crunchyroll.
- Joel Hahn. "Kodansha Manga Awards". Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on 2007-08-16. Retrieved 2007-08-21.
External links
- TV Tokyo Peach Girl website (in Japanese)
- FUNimation Peach Girl website
- Peach Girl (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- Animerica review