PLOT: 4.5/5
CHARACTERS: 4.5/5
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
CLIMAX: 4/5
ENTERTAINMENT: 4.5/5
THEMES & GENRE: Japan, Contemporary Romance, Young Adult Romance
“I don’t have an American half and a Japanese half. I am a whole person. Nobody gets to tell me if I am Japanese enough or too American.”
Emiko Jean, Tokyo Ever After
In the mood for some cute teenage romance, I picked up Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean—again. Having read it three years ago, I was curious to see if it would still have the same magic the second time around. Well, despite knowing the story arc and every plot twist way in advance, I have to say that once again I was very happy with the book. Once again, the book swept me off my feet and left me wanting more.
Let’s talk about the storyline
Izumi Tanaka has never quite felt at home in America. As part of the all-Asian girl gang, AGG, she finds comfort in her friends, but blending in her mostly white Californian town? That’s another story.
Being Japanese American has always made her feel like she’s caught between two worlds—never quite an outsider but also never quite fitting in. She isn’t the straight-A student her mother wishes she were, nor is she the type to keep her room spotless. In fact, her room is a perpetual disaster zone, much like the chaos of her life.
Living in small town California with her single mom, Izumi has always had a lingering curiosity about her Japanese roots and the father she has never known. Determined to uncover the truth, she decides to delve into the mystery of her father. Only to stumble upon a situation straight out of a fairy tale – her father isn’t just anyone—he’s the crown prince of Japan. Which means she isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a princess. A member of the royal family.
In a quest to discover herself and her roots, Izumi travels to Japan—but fitting in won’t be easy. As she soon realizes, her new life comes with its own set of challenges.
There are cultural barriers to navigate, scheming cousins to outwit, and a relentless press eager for a scandal. And then there’s the undeniably handsome young bodyguard, who is both a distraction and a dilemma.
Izzy soon realizes she’s living in a perpetual identity crisis—too Japanese for America, too American for Japan, and honestly, just too confused for both.
With only a fortnight to grasp royal customs, traditions, and the weight of her newfound identity, Izumi must decide—does she truly belong in this world, or is she just a visitor in a palace of illusions?
My thoughts
The best thing about Tokyo Ever After? Just how ridiculously cute it is. From Izumi’s tight-knit Asian Girl Gang to her sweet bond with her mother, from their dorky neighbor next door to her stinky dog, Tamagotchi—everything oozes charm. There’s the still-smoldering love between her parents, her playful banter (and love-hate dynamic) with her bodyguard, the ever-annoying-but-loyal lady-in-waiting Mariko, and the breathtaking novelty of Kyoto’s landscapes. Almost every other thing in this book is adorable. And if it’s not cute, it’s heartwarming, sweet, or just plain delightful.
I absolutely love how the Crown Prince effortlessly bonds with Izumi—despite his nerves, their connection feels natural and heartwarming. And then there’s Izzy’s parents, whose love has endured decades of separation. Yet they continue to love each other in the most beautiful, unspoken ways (the prince even maintains an orchid garden in Hanako’s memory—how romantic is that?).
The relationship between Akiko and Izumi is another highlight. It has everything—sharp-witted banter, a love-hate dynamic, the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, and the kind of swoon-worthy romance every teenage girl dreams of.
To keep things from becoming too dreamy and sugar-coated, and to break the monotony that so much goodness ought to bring, the story introduces just the right amount of tension—courtesy of the twin sisters and another key character. Their presence adds a touch of drama, a few shades of grey that make all the vibrant colours shine brighter.
Finally, what I love most about this book is how deeply it immerses itself in Japanese culture. Seeped and rooted in Japanese tradition and cultural nuances, it offers everything that a YA romance should have and then some more. The contrast between American and Japanese lifestyles adds fresh perspectives, making it even more compelling. There’s so much to admire about Japanese customs, and by the time I turned the last page, I was ready to pack my bags and head straight to Japan—especially Kyoto! Needless to say—I absolutely loved every bit of it!
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Tokyo Ever After.
