In a recent conversation about Makoto Hagino’s A Tropical Fish Years for Snow, the participants referred to the primary relationship as “implied.” I suggested that it be  “considering.” ^_^

In A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow, Volume 3, we learn some key facts, despite the glacier-slow pace. Koyuki is, has always been, help up as a gold standard of behavior, which has alienated the other kids around her. When combined with her tendency to overthink and hesitate to the point of inaction, Koyuki’s paralysis begins to make perfect sense to both us, and to Konatsu. The result is that Konatsu, already hesitant, curbs her own energetic approach to friendship…which is the opposite of what Koyuki needs.

Because of the ultra-slow pace of the main relationship, we’re free to marvel at the small touches, the idea of a school having an “aquarium” club, and the idea of a show for the school festival in which fish swim through hoops. I mean, how cool and ultra-local is that? Hagino’s art is personal, focusing on people over place.

Don’t expect to hit the accelerator anytime soon on this series. I have Volume 6 here in Japanese on the to-read pile, and based on the cover, am hoping the story progresses. ^_^

But if you’re content with the pace and quiet drama of this gently emotional series,  A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow can be a respite from a harsh world.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 7
Characters – 8
Service – 1 on principle only, there really isn’t any
Yuri – 4

Overall – 7