Review: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

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Author: Emiko Jean
Edition: audiobook
Narrator: Ali Ahn
Publisher: Flatiron Books (May 18, 2021)
Genre: YA, Contemporary

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Synopsis

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 Izzy 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, Izzy 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.

Izzy 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 fairytale, happily ever after?

My review of Tokyo Ever After

Tokyo Ever After is a comforting and nuanced story about a girl finding out she’s a princess, connecting with her heritage and falling in love in unexpected ways. If you’re looking for a book that feels like a hug to make you cry and laugh, this is it! Plus, there’s a sequel coming out in 2022, what’s not to love?!

Soft and Warm, Like a Hug

Let me preface this review with how much I truly loved Tokyo Ever After. I had read some raving reviews and was pretty sure I was going to enjoy it but wow, I am in love. It’s so funny and cute in the best of ways! I love The Princess Diaries and this ticked all the boxes and then some more! It’s a fresh take on the “girl finds out she’s a princess” trope that I’m sure many readers will love as much as I did.

Now, it takes a lot for me to root for a fictional romance but the dynamic between Izumi and Akio was just so fun! We love a soft and respectful man in this house. Ultimately, what I loved most is that Tokyo Ever After is firmly Izumi’s story. Yes, she gets her princess fairytale romance, but she also gets to learn to love herself, too.

I really, really enjoyed the writing, it flowed nicely and felt very visual. I could totally imagine all the settings and am now in desperate need of a movie adaptation (someone make it happen, I am begging you)! Additionally, I felt that Emiko Jean balanced the fluff with the substance very well! Overall, the book was comforting and I loved all of the characters, but I was still at the edge of my seat through some of the more stressful situations. Seriously, Izumi and Akio need to be protected at all costs. They are my children and I will fight for them.

Tokyo Ever After also extra points from me for some fun pop culture references that really made me laugh!

Fitting In and Finding Home

I’m not a diaspora teen like Izumi, but I still related to the feeling of never quite belonging and never quite being good enough. Home and identity are such central themes of this book and Emiko Jean writes about them beautifully. Seriously, I think everyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in, weren’t enough or had to bend themselves into roles that didn’t fit is going to absolutely love this book. We may not be secret royals, but all of us have our fair share of struggles and insecurities and watching Izumi grow and learn was both comforting and inspirational.

Speaking of Izumi, she was such a wonderful character! She’s funny and headstrong and yet so vulnerable and soft. Someone give this girl a hug and a cookie. Even though there is a happy end for the main romance, I appreciated that Izumi got to have a happy end of her own, too. I love that in the end, Izumi got to fall in love and feel at home with Japan, but also with herself and her identity.

Overall…

Tokyo Ever After was truly delightful. It’s fluffy and cute but packs a punch with important lessons on connecting to your heritage and finding your unique place in the world.

This book is for you if…

…you liked The Princess Diaries but want something even better and more diverse
…you are looking for a soft and comforting story that doesn’t skimp on the substance