This was really cute! I always love a royalty story and I flew through this one.
Izumi is a Japanese American high school senior who finds out unexpectedly that her unknown father is the Crown Prince of Japan. Most of the book takes place in Japan, where Izumi tries to fit in with the Imperial family, while making lots of (expected) mistakes that the tabloids run with. Izumi had an “Asian Girl Gang” of friends from home that are awesome side characters. There’s also a forbidden love story which is completely adorable.
Highly recommend!

Tokyo Ever After is a book that is equal parts heartwarming and irritating. While reading, my rating for this book jumped from a solid 4 stars to 2 stars back up to 3.5 stars and back down again to 3 stars. I hated 90% of the humor in this book - it felt forced and, honestly, extremely cringy and more like an adult's idea of teen humor than actual teen humor - and I was often frustrated by the pacing and the romance (even after suffering through it so many times, it looks like insta-love contemporaries still aren't my thing). I also found many of the characters annoying, one-dimensional, or both, and feel like none of them were particularly touched upon. On top of it all, to put it simply (though I wish I enjoyed this more), this is going to be one of those books I'll review and never really talk about ever again, as I just wasn't very attached to any of the characters or anything that happened.

With that being said, I definitely didn't hate this book as much as it sounds like I do; it did have several redeeming points which kept it from a lower rating. First of all, I obviously loved the cultural aspects of this book, since Japan has always been a really interesting place to me. Second of all, I hate to say it, but I LOVE books with drama. It doesn't matter how much there is or how bad it is, I'll secretly enjoy it every time even if I find it annoying, and this book definitely offered a lot of it. Third of all, I really loved how the protagonist, Izumi, was able to come to terms with her cultural identity. I really sympathized with her (the Asian-American struggle is universal) and was able to relate to how she felt as if she wasn't American enough in America or Japanese enough in Japan, and the way she was able to grow as a person and feel more comfortable with her identity as an American-born Japanese princess (while still being an extremely realistic and relatable character) was incredibly gratifying to read. Though I was definitely annoyed with her at times (IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE UPSET AT PEOPLE CALLING YOU OUT THEN MAYBE ACTUALLY DO SOME RESEARCH INSTEAD OF WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY FOR YOUR WHOLE FLIGHT PLEASE I'M BEGGING), I felt like her character development was the highlight of this book. Additionally, while her romance with Akio felt just a little rushed for me, I did like how he supported her and was never toxic (something I think is always nice to have in YA), and enjoyed their banter. Finally, this book was extremely easy to get through and rarely dragged.

Overall, this was a very quick and easy read. Sadly, I was frustrated by some aspects and I just don't think any part of it will really stick with me after a few weeks. I do, however, appreciate how fun it was and how it looked into cultural identity, and I think it has the potential to become a favorite for many others.

*spoilers*

I got so sucked into this book it was hard to get anything done. It was super tropey but all the tropes I love. Surprise princess, enemies to lovers, awkward protagonist, group of close friends and a few more. It was very fun and dreamy and the slow burn romance was great to read.

Izumi was adorable and I loved how feminist and progressive she and her mom are. The friend group was silly and supportive. Akio is the perfect brooding but sensitive love interest. Yoshi was awful and conniving but in a totally realistic way.

I did have some issues though. It drove me crazy that a prince heard he has a daughter and just happily accepted it. No screening or paternity test or anything. He just took her word for it and flew her out to become princess, no questions asked. The instant acceptance by everyone was just too unbelievable.
It also bugged me that they focus so much on protocol, being recognized and security detail throughout the book, yet Izumi and her dad were both able to sneak past their guards, go through the airport, fly on a plane and get to their destination without anyone noticing they are missing or who they are.
Last, I thought it was pretty far fetched that when her mom and dad reunited they were straight to lovey doves. I would be pretty pissed if someone was hiding the fact that I had a daughter for years and years.

Overall, I had a couple things that bugged me but I really enjoyed reading it and hope to see more books like this!

Tokyo Ever After is described as the Princess Diaries meets Crazy Rich Asians, and I think that is an apt comparison. Izumi Tanaka is just your normal teenage girl, who happens to find out that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. When she reaches out to get to know her father, her world, as she knows, gets turned upside down.

I loved this book. It's not often that we see Asian American representation in fiction, especially second generation. I grew up with mostly first generation immigrant stories, and while I could sort of relate to them, I really wanted to see just your normal typical teenager, who happened to be both Asian and American. I can relate to how Izumi never felt American enough and she didn't feel Japanese enough and all the microaggressions and racism she endured. I definitely understood the drive that she had to search for where she belonged.

Tokyo Ever After is funny, refreshing, romantic and charming. The cover art is absolutely gorgeous. Emiko Jean writes about Japan as such a character that it makes me yearn to go visit myself. Will we be seeing a new series like the Princess Diaries? Recommended for all young adult collections.

This book is basically What a Girl Wants (the 2003 Amanda Bynes movie) meets The Princess Diaries, but make it Japanese. And my early-2000s-Rom-Com-loving preteen self was LIVING for that.

Although this story was not written for me – at its core, Tokyo Ever After is about Izumi's struggle to reconcile her American and Japanese identities – I did relate on a very personal level to the feeling of being an outsider. As a foreigner in Japan myself, I've often felt just like Izumi. Like I'll never fully understand the customs, the culture, the rules. That, in the words of Izumi herself, "I'll never be good enough for Japan. I'll never belong there." Seeing how she came to realize that nobody gets to tell her if she's Japanese enough or too American was both comforting and empowering. And I'm sure it will be doubly so to any Japanese-American teenagers who might read it.

Plus, Izumi's New Year's resolution was to eat more things with sprinkles on them. If that doesn't automatically make you adore her, then I don't know what will.

I didn't end up loving Emiko Jean's Empress of All Seasons as much as I wanted to, but that definitely wasn't the case with Tokyo Ever After, and the main reason behind that was the drastic change in writing style. Switching from the fantasy to contemporary genres really augmented the author's unique voice and allowed for her personality to sparkle and shine in a way it didn't before. The writing made me laugh, then it made me laugh harder, and then it finally made me cry (from laughter). Some prime examples of Jean's quirky, fun, and endearingly sarcastic writing include:

- "Never trust a cat, they'll eat your face if you die. (I have no proof of this. Only a strong gut feeling.)"
- "The prime minister's new wife is the definition of a unicorn bathed in other unicorns and glitter."
- "I'd rather give a gorilla an enema."

Just like the best part of a cream-filled donut is the cream, the best part of Tokyo Ever After is Tokyo. I loved all the little details that made the story feel so undeniably, so unequivocally, so wholeheartedly like the Japan I know! For example, when Izumi's dad visits her house for the first time, he brings her Tokyo Banana as an omiyage gift! (This has actually happened to me before.)

And when Izumi visits a maternity ward, she describes it like this: "For each mom, there is a tiny, pinkish creature in what looks like a clear Tupperware bin on a rolling rack." As somebody who has given birth in Japan (twice), I can confirm the existence of said baby Tupperware.

Also, the moral conflict of giri vs ninjo (or duty vs. human emotion) is a very common theme in classic Japanese literature, and harkens back to famous bunraku plays such as The Love Suicides at Sonezaki. Seeing Akio and Izumi struggle with the same age-old conflict showed a a deep understanding of Japanese culture that goes beyond just sushi and sumo.

But most of all, I loved how Akio and Izumi wrote sickeningly-sweet waka poems to each other. In The Tale of Genji, which is arguably one of the most important literary works to come out of Japan, the exchange of beautifully written waka poems was the primary way in which love was fostered and a woman’s heart won. Waka poetry was the ultimate love language of the Heian Period, and it warmed my geeky, Japanese-history-loving heart that such a subtle nod to tradition was included in Tokyo Ever After.

My one complaint about this book would be the romance. Right from the start, Akio and Izumi's relationship is supercharged with enough spite and stink-eyes to give that old Grumpy Cat meme a run for its money. Then suddenly...it wasn't. In the space of two relatively short chapters, we go from willing-dark-forces-to-descend-upon-one-another levels of animosity to stealing slow dances and sharing secret looks full of longing. And although I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope as much as a good waffle, the transition here felt uncomfortably bumpy and awkwardly executed. Kind of like my high school Driver's Ed exam.

IN SHORT: I've been a fan of Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean since I saw the book's gorgeous cover. But now that I've actually read it, I'm a whole dang air conditioner.

I received an advanced reading copy through NetGalley.

First of all, this is possibly my favorite book cover I have seen in years. Now...

I loved that Izumi's story touched on points of growing up as one of the few Asians in a predominantly white community, without that having to be the entire focus of the novel. I also really loved the relationship between Izumi and her mother, as well as her tight-knit group of friends and how all of their relationships were portrayed.

I found Izumi to be a pretty relatable protagonist, and all of her cultural stumbles very endearing; however, I had some issues with the rate of her character development and to be honest I didn't realize until about halfway through the book that she was supposed to be a high school senior. It could've definitely been mentioned and I just overlooked it earlier in the book, but the way that she acted and thought made me think that she was closer to like 14-16 in age.

I liked the inclusion of the Tokyo Tattler excerpts, but I think it could've been a little stronger to show us the events addressed in those articles rather than just reading about them from a gossip rag.

The romance aspect of it was fine, not mind-blowing or revolutionary by any means, but also pretty on-par with your typical YA novel. Actually, the whole novel was neither mind-blowing or revolutionary, but it was a really fun light and fluffy read. It was a good YA book that addressed life outside of the US, which is few and far between. I'd definitely watch a Netflix adaption of it.

**Scheduled to post one month before release"
Release date: May 25, 2021

My Thoughts:

This is a Japanese Princess Diaries combined with What a Girl Wants. It has a secret father crown prince, dubbed by Izumi's friends as an Asian George Clooney, a Japanese teen (Izumi or Zoom Zoom as her mom calls her) in a small town in Oregon who has always felt not American enough, yet not knowing anything about Japanese culture, and of course an irritatingly handsome and aloof Imperial guard. In other words, this has everything a feel good romcom should have, including the ability to devour this in one sitting.

Like the Amanda Bynes character in What a Girl Wants, Izzy continues to be a bright light wherever she goes, despite her cultural faux pas. I think the American Japanese versus the Japan Japanese added to the Chrysanthemum crown culture just adds to the fun of reading this. I literally could not put it down.


From the Publishers:
Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in―it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi―or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”―and her mom against the world. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity…and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.

In a whirlwind, Izumi travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight.

Izumi soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself―back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairy tale, happily ever after?

I think this book may be better received by younger readers. I wanted to love it. The description sounds amazing. Unfortunately, by the end of the first couple of chapters I had enough of the penis references that were supposed to be funny but just felt over done and immature. Again -- it's probably a book that will be better enjoyed by teenage readers. They will probably get a kick out of the humor that I didn't find very funny.

he overall message of the book is endearing. I hope this book finds it's way into the hands of the people who will adore it - because there is an audience for this book, it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I've never read anything by this author, but the blurb sounded interesting. I liked Princess Diaries, and that's kind of what I was expecting.

I think many teens will enjoy this book. It has good messages of being okay with who you are and that you're fine just as you are.

Parts of the story seemed a bit unbelievable, even for a novel. Other things seemed a bit insulting to teens, making them seem apathetic. I am regularly around teens, and I don't find that to be the case. There is a bit of a fluff romance feel to this, which isn't really something I gravitate toward. It was just all right overall.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It has been so long since I have read a book in two days and I just couldnt put it down.

Izumi Tanaka, while having an awesome AGG (Asian Girl Gang) hasnt felt like she really fit in. She lives with her Mom in a mostly white, northern California town, Izzy wants to feel whole. But then she finds out who her father is, after previously not knowing - and her life is turned upside down!

Izumi's father is the Crown Prince of Japan and she travels to Japan to meet her father and learn more about the country she has always dreamed of. But it is hard being thrown into the spotlight, with mean cousins, the press and learning Japanese, everything that comes with being a princess. On top of that Izumi starts to fall for her guard and that is a big no-no.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It is funny, sweet, thought provoking and is a wonderful way to spend a weekend! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This story is The Princess Diaries with the right amount of Crazy, Rich Asians! If you love both series, this is the book for you.

First off, I want to say, there is a lack of asian representation and variety in books, so I was excited to read this story. I loved how this was about a Japanese princess finding her identity. Initially, my interest in the book was more towards Japan and it’s culture, rather than the romance aspect.

Izumi never felt like she fit in, being Japanese in her small, mostly White town in California. She was raised by her single mother and curious about the identity of her father... until one day, she discovered her father is the Crown Prince of Japan — which made her a princess.

Curious about her Japanese culture and lineage, she flew to Japan to meet her father for the first time. There she meets a handsome bodyguard, learn about tradition and culture, avoid manipulative cousins, and more. But soon, she finds it hard to identify and find a balance between her two worlds. Does she have what it takes to be a princess and prove she is “Japanese” enough?

I loved this book. It was a breath of fresh air—an easy, pleasurable read. I liked Izumi and her romance with Akio. I wish the author developed some of the characters and their relationships more. There is a lot of possibilities with this book and some left opened—but I believe the author is leaving it open for a sequel.

I hope the author gives us a book two!

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher Flatiron Books, and author Emiko Jean, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

That gorgeous cover swept me in. Then I fell headlong into TOYKO EVER AFTER, enthralled by the story aptly described as Princess Diaries meets American Royals meets Crazy Rich Asians. I was entranced by the topsy-turvy life of young Japanese-American teen Izumi Tanaka, who’s never felt American enough in Northern Cali. Then when she learns her unknown Dad is the Crown Prince of Japan, her life is tossed like a torn salad. As Izumi flies to Japan to meet him, she wonders, “Am I ENOUGH? Am I JAPANESE enough?”

Adjusting to her new life, Izumi has to learn a ton of customs, while dealing with a frenzied media, crazy cousins, and one intriguing body guard. What’s a girl to do? How about relying on her fab AGG (Asian Girl Gang)? Maybe opening her heart to that yummy guard. And perhaps, just perhaps, realizing she’s more than enough. Leaving me with one thought, “Sequel!”

4 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 25 May 2021
#TokyoEverAfter #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

**Disclaimer: I received a free electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

As promised in the synopsis, it definitely plays well with "The Princess Diaries" inspiration. It's an easy read that manages to capture a predictable, yet comfortable romance while introducing not only Izumi but to us, the readers, to the Japanese culture.

First off, I would like to mention that Izumi is a great character. I'm not Japanese, but I am an Asian American, so her reaction to the culture shock is relatable. All of her confusions, embarrassments, and mistakes, make sense. Perfection isn't expected, especially since Izumi's newfound royalty appeared rather abruptly, so all the hijinks were not surprising. It was amusing to witness Izumi stumbling around her new life. She's no perfect character, but she has a good head on her shoulders.

Secondly, despite how entertaining the princess life is, I found the pacing of how fast she was able to adjust to everything in such a short time a bit off. Also, the character development of the supporting characters was a bit weak. I wish we knew more about Yoshi, Mariko, Reina, the twins, and even Izumi's best friends. Then again, the story's main focus is on Izumi's family and romance, so this might not bother most people.

Overall, was the premise of the story original? Not at all, but that was to be expected from the beginning. Besides that, along with the predictable romance, this story may not seem all that special, but it's the clever way of incorporating the importance of family and culture. Despite the flaws that this book carries, it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying it.

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Major, major thank you to Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Tokyo Ever After prior to publication.

Growing up, I’ve always been drawn to princess and fairy tales, so it’s no surprise that my reading preferences reflect that. When I found out about Tokyo Ever After, with comparative titles to The Princess Diaries and Crazy Rich Asians, I instantly added it to my Most Anticipated Reads of 2021 list. Like many others, The Princess Diaries was fundamental in my childhood; a series that I found myself revisiting over and over again. In fact, I had just finished a buddy reread of The Princess Diaries prior to starting Tokyo Ever After, which put me in the perfect mood for diving into Tokyo Ever After.

In a year where most of us have been confined to our homes, our work, and the grocery store, I’ve noticed that I’ve read more books set internationally than ever. Tokyo Ever After is a delight in itself; the setting so lush and vivid that I felt like I was transported out of my bedroom, and into Tokyo and Kyoto. Emiko Jean’s imagery was so descriptive and stunning that I truly felt immersed. I could so easily picture myself there with Izumi, looking at cherry blossoms and eating some of the most decadent food.

Izumi’s journey to self-discovery, and her identity was one that really resonated with me. While I’m not Japanese, I know all too well the feeling of not being enough, and the fear of not living up to expectations. Izumi’s quest to figure out “What does Japanese American mean, what does it mean to be too Westernized, what does it mean to be Japanese?” really hit home. In addition to grappling with all that, Izumi also has the added pressure of being royalty and in the spotlight. My heart felt for Izumi - I can’t imagine having your life overturned like that one day, going from a regular high school student to finding out that you’re royalty the next.

One of my favorite things about Tokyo Ever After was the Asian Girl Gang (AGG for short), which consisted of Izumi’s friends back home. They clearly all knew and understood each other, and had always had each other’s best interests at heart. There’s a special bond that the few people of color, the few Asians, in a predominantly White area have, and I wish I’d gotten to see more of them and their dynamics. I also loved reading about Akio and the rest of the cast of characters -- The brooding bodyguard, cunning, and conniving cousins were a real treat!

Perhaps I am simply too Type A for my own good, but one of my biggest gripes with Tokyo Ever After was Izumi’s laid back personality. Simply put, if I was suddenly told that I was a princess and was visiting them for the first time, and was given a binder on my family’s history, my trip itinerary, and the customs and expectations, I wouldn’t put it off until the last minute, and I definitely wouldn’t be rewatching Downton Abbey over it. I also wouldn’t use being overdue as an excuse for my perpetual lateness. Given how nervous and desperate she was to make a good impression on her family, I was honestly quite shocked that she made no effort to do so. I also didn’t feel like the Imperial Family’s actions matched their descriptions. For how traditional and concerned with their image and reputation they seemed, they accepted Izumi into their lives and their monarchy awfully fast.

Tokyo Ever After left me wanting more. Although there was a big happily ever after moment that made my heart warm, I had so many unanswered questions -- What was going to happen next to Izumi? Where did this leave her and Akio? What about her parents? Her education? Her friends back home, the AGG? I really hope that there’ll be a sequel - I’d pick that up immediately.

Review will be posted on my blog (www.teatimelit.com) and on GR closer to publication date!

Well, wasn't this just a bucket of sunshine and lovely warm feelings in the middle of December. From start to finish this Japanese twist on The Princess Diaries and Crazy, Rich Asians had me absolutely captivated!

Living in small-town California, Izumi has never believed herself to be anything more than a completely normal Japanese-American girl. Dog who won't accept her love? Check. Single mom? Check. Great gang of girl friends? Check. A weird sense of not quite belonging? Check check. So imagine how she feels when her world is flipped completely on its head when she learns her mysterious father is none other than the crown prince of Japan. Suddenly she is trading in her quiet life of sneakers and sweats for the over-the-top, opulent one of a princess, and it's not as easy as anyone might hope.

Izumi was a great character! She is very light-hearted and snarky on the surface, but deep down she is grappling with some serious issues. Emiko Jean has written a very interesting thread throughout this book of Izumi trying to figure out where she belongs. Growing up in a town where confederate flags equal rainbow flags, she's already at a disadvantage with her Japanese heritage. When she arrives in Japan and sees people who look like her, it means the world to her, but even that can't last. Not when she doesn't feel Japanese. Sadly, her grandparents felt the need to Americanize themselves as much as possible when they immigrated, and Izumi understands that cultural loss immensely when she is with her Imperial family and cannot even speak the language.

Of course, part of her being so out of touch is what makes some of this book such a delight! As is expected with a story of a young woman suddenly trying to blend in with royalty, hijinks ensue. Clothing faux-pas, language slip-ups, protocol ignoring—Izumi's handlers and the media aren't fans, but all I see is an overwhelmed girl doing her damn best. After all, no one can learn an entire lifetime of Imperial etiquette in two weeks. Another fabulous facet of this book was Izumi's AGG. Asian Girl Gang. In her small town, her and three other Asian girls banded together to form a friendship that I wish I had growing up. All four of them are sister-tight, and the conversations between them are hilarious!

And of course, this wouldn't be a proper contemporary novel without the spark of romance. In this case, we're leaning into the bodyguard trope! Akio really was great. A very stoic but dedicated young man with the biggest heart under all that seriousness. Their romance tried to start as an enemies-to-lovers adventure, but I didn't think that was done too well. It never really struck me as dislike between them, especially while being in Izumi's head.

I would like to echo some comments made in other reviews that kept this from being a five star. The Japanese Imperial family is made out as a very image-aware, tradition-firm and above reproach type of monarchy. Knowing that, it was a little difficult for me to believe they would just accept Izumi as a princess and jump her to the top of the food chain. Not only because she knows nothing about being a princess, but that she was born out of wedlock and hidden away. Which leads me to Izumi herself. As I said, no one can learn an entire lifetime of etiquette in two weeks, let alone the few months this book covers. But Izumi didn't even try in the beginning. I was a little appalled that she would be so nervous to make a good impression when meeting her father, yet make no effort to take the opportunities that would help do just that. As someone who needed to be fully prepared for every unknown situation as a teen, it didn't sit right with me.

This was a really fun contemporary novel that feels very different from what I tend to pick up. It is terribly heart-warming and speaks so much to the importance of family and knowing where you belong.

The ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Izumi Tanaka has always struggled to feel as though she belongs, being Japanese-American in her mostly white, northern California town. It’s always been her and her mom against the world, until she finds out that her biological father is the Crown Prince of Japan, making Izumi a princess. Izumi decides to travel to Japan to meet her father, where she hopes to find the sense of belonging she craves. But between conniving family members, a relentless press, and a royal guard who either hates her or might be her soulmate, Izumi starts to wonder if she’ll ever find her happy ending.

The publisher is advertising this YA title as “CRAZY RICH ASIANS meets THE PRINCESS DIARIES,” and the comparison could not be more apt. In such a relentlessly difficult year and pandemic to get through (I hate to say it, but it doesn’t seem like the first half of 2021 is going to be a walk in the park), Emiko Jean’s TOKYO EVER AFTER is the perfect balm of pure fluff to satisfy all your escapism needs.

Sticking with this PRINCESS DIARIES comparison for a second, Izumi did remind me a lot of Mia. She’s not big on school, totally Type B, and just a very apparently good person. I think readers whose recent relatives have immigrated to America will find her relatable. The perspective of someone whose family has largely shed their homeland identity to adapt to the American identity is not something, to my knowledge, that is talked about a lot in YA books, but it's important. This is especially relevant for BIPOC readers who unjustly face otherism in our society. In Izumi’s case, this leads to the feeling that she is neither “American enough,” nor “Japanese enough.” Izumi’s journey to accepting herself, just the way she is, is a great one to have witnessed...and watch as this review is shamelessly devolved into begging for sequels, because there are so many exciting things happening in Izumi’s future that I want to witness!

Something everyone should learn about me now is that I am a total sucker for smitten male leads in romantic novels. Akio and Izumi spar from the beginning--and it is massively entertaining--but that tension gives way to something deeper and romantic. I could see their dynamic shape out in the future, how he could calm her down in stressful moments, be her rock, and she could encourage him to pursue his passions. Talk about goals.

I also really enjoyed getting to know the side characters. I specifically liked the development of Mia’s relationship with her father, and the relationship between her parents. Again, that is something I want to see more of! Seriously--sequel?!?!?

The author definitely went to great lengths to do research about Tokyo and Japan overall, and the way that Japan bloomed like a flower throughout the story just made me happy. I especially liked the scenes in Kyoto, specifically.

I was sad about a revelation that happens towards the end of the novel. It just made me sad. That’s all.

My only gripe with this book is that it ended way too fast. There were still a lot of loose ends at the close of Izumi’s journey, and I needed to know more! Again, I must ask--is it possible the author left room for a sequel? PLEASE!?! I would pick that up SO FAST--you have no idea!

Anyway, if you liked stories like THE PRINCESS DIARIES and CRAZY RICH ASIANS, I highly recommend picking up this book for some quality escapist material. And join in my outcry for a sequel.

I think there will be a lot of teenagers, probably American ones, who will really enjoy this novel. It’s the dream of finding out you’re somehow special and then when you don’t measure up, finding out that you’re actually fine just the way you are. Being celebrated for mediocrity in fact! Who doesn’t like that?

As a person living in Japan, there were some parts that just didn’t ring true. Izumi was in Japan for such a short time, so it’s really impossible that her language learning practice started with painting kanji. Hiragana first, katakana second, kanji a distant third. Dorayaki are made with anko, bean paste. They are delicious, but they aren’t made with Nutella. There was just something about the FEEL of it that felt like it’s written by someone who’s never been here.

As a reader, I had a hard time believing the start of the story. I know I need to suspend disbelief in a “turns out I’m a Princess” story, but the mom just turned around and let her go to Japan to see her ex-lover without even a conversation? Izumi flew all the way to Japan without even cracking the prep book sent to her? I don’t believe it for a second. Yes, she’s painted as a bit of a lazy, go with the flow teenager, but I think the complete lack of preparation for her visit is in contrast to her supposed extreme interest in meeting her father. I also think it’s a little insulting to teenagers. They’re not this... apathetic. I know. I teach them. These two things happen so early on in the story, by the way, that I don't think this qualifies as a spoiler. Finally, the secondary characters were all charming but felt like foils for Izumi rather than fully realized individuals.

But you know what? We have a ton of fluffy romance novels lacking in substances with white girls who discover their European royalty as the main character. Nothing wrong with a fluffy romance lacking in substance with an Asian girl discovering she’s Japanese royalty.

If I were in America, I would buy this book for my students because my quibbles with cultural accuracy are just that: quibbles. For my students in Japan though? Probably not.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crazy Rich Asians meets The Princess Diaries with a healthy mix of First Daughter and American Royals in this lovely new contemporary YA story about a girl whose search for her father leads her straight to the Imperial Palace of Japan. Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean needs to be on your TBR.
Izumi is a pretty normal girl–well as normal as you can be being Japanese American in the states and struggling to fit in as well as accept yourself and your culture. She’s got a good group of girl friends, a single mom who loves her, and a smelly little dog she adores, but she’s always wondered who her father was. When her friend discovers an inscription inside one of her mother’s flower books, they end up finding her father…but he’s not just another Harvard grad her mother had an affair with her senior year….he’s the Crown Prince of Japan.
Before Izumi can even process this, the Imperial Guard is at her house, she’s being offered a chance to go to Japan,and of course she jumps at the chance to learn more about where she comes from, but going from Mount Shasta to the Imperial Palace is a big jump.
Being a Princess is hard work, especially when there’s a demanding lady-in-waiting, scheming twin cousins, a hot bodyguard, and a father she doesn’t know at all. But soon Izumi finds herself falling in love with this new country–even as it demands more and more of her–and that’s not the only thing she’s falling for.
I LOVED this book. I recently read Heiress Apparently and it fell really flat for me, but this one soared like American Royals–well written, lots of humor and heart, a protagonist I was rooting for, and a good plot! It’s only a little predictable (aren’t all books these days?) and I loved the dynamic that her father brought to the story–especially the last 15%! Fingers crossed this book gets the hype it deserve–it’s so fun, such a good travel story mixed with female coming of age and family growth, and I really enjoyed it!
Tokyo Ever After is on sale everywhere May 25, 2021.

What a fun ride this book was! i loved traveling to Japan and have a bit of a remake of Princess Diaries.

On a personal note, I was unsettled that i am the same age as the parents but that is just personal.

This book was a lot of fun. I will be featuring this book in my blog in the following feature: Upcoming YA books to add to your TBR and a Book Feature/Review closer to publication date. I would be happy to interview. Emiko in my podcast.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean was exactly what I needed when I read it! A lighthearted, fun break from some recent heavier reads, Tokyo Ever After was the perfect modern Princess Diaries. As a Japanese American myself, I absolutely loved reading about Japanese American Izumi Tanaka, a teen who learns that she is the daughter of the Crown Prince of Japan. This book to me encapsulated so perfectly what it feels to be Japanese American -- sometimes feeling not quite American enough, but definitely not Japanese enough. The feelings and experiences she described of being in Japan were so similar to those that I had when I visited -- a place that I thought would feel like home, but wasn't quite.

Absolutely loved this one and recommend it, especially for those who watched Princess Diaries as a teenager like me, and would imagine long lost royal relatives bringing you into a life of luxury.

forthcoming review on https://www.instagram.com/bookedwithemma/