Emiko Jean

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club YA Pick! A hilarious and heartfelt novel perfect for fans of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and The Princess Diaries Izumi Tanaka has lived an uneventful seventeen years in her small town, keenly aware of all the ways in which her family is different from most of her classmates’. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity . . . and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Soon she’s traveling overseas to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she's only 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?

Tokyo Ever After

Phoebe

... the prime minister's new wife is the definition of a unicorn bathed in other unicorns and glitter.

Akio clasps his hands behind his back, clears his throat, and speaks Japanese. No way to tell if his translation is verbatim, though Akio strikes me as honest. You know, the I'd-die-for-my-principles type. Side note: this has been the downfall of many great men.

I'll admit it. In my own life, I've never been the leading role. I just don't have that star power. Wasn't born with it. I've always been a sidekick. My singular purpose is to bolster heroes, stay in the background, and maybe, in one big on-screen moment, sacrifice my life for the greater good. So far it's served me well. If you don't fly too high, you don't have too far to fall. But now, somehow, I've been thrust into the limelight.

Who, me? Princess? Izumi Tanaka has lived an uneventful seventeen years in her small, mostly white, northern California town, keenly aware of all the ways in which her family is different from most of her classmates’. 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, can-burp-the-alphabet Izzy is literally a princess. Soon she’s traveling overseas to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she's only 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?

fc ♡

It’s the first time I see Akio smile. It’s part evil, part satisfied, as if he’s just won a bet with himself. “Radish.”

Kimmy Hobden

Lea Heming

Linara K.S

AMAZING stand-alone! i wish it were longer!!! i wish there had been a tad bit more dramatic. I just love how everything was laid out and the resolution is just- *chef's kiss* DAMN i never thought i'd actually love a contemporary read! i should start reading more of them. Also i adore Amiko Jean's writing style, it's direct and yet complex at the same time. I felt immersed and this story made me FEEL THINGS I SHOULD NEVER HAVE!!! please give me a brooding guard for my birthday i beg of you!!!

finished reading just to see if akio and izumi got their happy ending and am glad they did

Diana Gutierrez

A Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club YA Pick! The Princess Diaries meets Crazy Rich Asians in Emiko Jean’s Tokyo Ever After, a “refreshing, spot-on” (Booklist, starred review) story of an ordinary Japanese-American girl who discovers that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. 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? Look for the sequel to Tokyo Ever After in spring 2022!

A Novel

The Perfect Cheesy American-Japanese (Happily) Ever After

Izumi is the perfect cliché princess diaries made modern: authentic and, foremost, an enjoyable book to read when you feel like escaping into the dream of a teenager struggling to identify with who she is. 

I admire how Izumi's journey with her heritage evolves over time, allowing her to become more comfortable with not conforming to others' expectations

Nina May

The Perfect Cheesy American-Japanese (Happily) Ever After

Izumi is the perfect cliché princess diaries made modern: authentic and, foremost, an enjoyable book to read when you feel like escaping into the dream of a teenager struggling to identify with who she is. 

I admire how Izumi's journey with her heritage evolves over time, allowing her to become more comfortable with not conforming to others' expectations

Our lover boy, Akio, is the sweetest. <3

This was a cute read. It started off quick but towards the middle of the book it kind of dragged a bit. The ending was fun though so I’m glad I stuck it through. I can see some of the comparisons to The Princess Diaries and I think the concept was unique and saw a lot of different reviews about it. So I’m glad I read it. 

Priscilla Stanfield

Ena Kalkan

Despite it taking me forever and a day to finally pick this book up - I absolutely inhaled it upon starting the first page. Such a nice, lovely refreshing read. Absolutely just what I needed to get me out of the reading slump I'd fallen into. I was fortunate enough to be gifted the book as an ARC and really wish I was able to rate it much earlier. The writer does such a phenomenal job unfolding the royal family drama as it slowly builds. There is a (very much hinted at) plot twist at the very end and it does feel somewhat rushed but doesn't take away from the story whatsoever. Lastly, the royal member/bodyguard trope romance is everything you could definitely wish for. The secret poems to each other? Such a beautiful touch. :')

4.5/5.

maryam

ahhhhhhh honestly i don’t know what to rate this because some parts were 4 stars while some were so strongly a 3 and others were even a 5…..the pacing was really weird but i loved the characters. i liked (?) izumi but i feel like her characterization wasn’t completely consistent. the book has a lot of holes, and a lot of really large inconsistencies (izumi feeling regal and like she belongs to the royal family when she meets her grandparents but then two chapters later saying that she actually doesn’t belong because of the way the romance blows up). also the way she’s only there for a few weeks but she drastically changes—from dressing up in sweatpants to meet her royal family for the first time (???) to speaking to the empress with no hesitation. i think others pointed out that her knowledge of certain things was kind of unrealistic given the amount of time she was exposed to things. the romance was very insta love and kind of too cheesy at times, but was also sweet at others. was disappointed a bit in akio’s development, i feel like he wasn’t done justice? i wanted more of her parents too, we didn’t get much of that. her friends as well, which i feel were used more as a plot device. really disappointed at the reveal of her closest confidant in japan and his reasoning for why he did what he did—it wasn’t convincing

i think despite its many problems and inconsistencies i really enjoyed reading the book because it’s been a while since i’ve read a YA novel that was actually good, where the main character is actually likeable, and the writing is also well done. i feel like if there was an extra round of editing done and fixed and tweaked some things, it would be a solid 5 stars. overall, i read this book feeling like i really enjoyed it, which i did, and it was refreshing, because i haven’t felt that way about a YA book in years

allison chen

honestly, this was corny asf... but i'm not pressed about it

The Princess Diaries meets Crazy Rich Asians in Emiko Jean’s Tokyo Ever After, an irresistible modern fairy tale about an ordinary Japanese-American girl who discovers her senior year of high school that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. 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 fairytale, happily ever after?

The Princess Diaries came straight to the ethic and love of Japan, her hometown and the endless love of missing father. No matter how long its way to reach the state and meet someone that you acknowledge to know since age; there will be an exact time to notice that.

This book's main focus right on the Izumi’s journey to meet her father and the love of herself; the way of she strives despite how struggle it is. Don’t you ever feel like you don’t belong anywhere? Like you’re two discordant halves living in one body? How the love of your family has guiding you home to find that perfect imperfection.

Elizabeth Wood

A fun YA novel - spin on Japanese princess diaries. I loved the Japanese culture tidbits and the characters. Pretty predictable though.

sisi

Teeeeeesha

Princess diaries meets Japanese culture. This book deals with identity, coming of age with new revelations, love and father and daughter relationships. Which actually kind of made me jealous. So good.

Kamu Pancholi

one of the besr-written romance novels I've read in a while!! it didn't have any annoying tropes that are usually prevalent in these types of books, and i love the main characters dearly. this depicted the teenage point of view without being cheesy or trite. love, love, love! 4.0 stars

The New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine YA Book Club Pick! Emiko Jean’s Tokyo Ever After is the “refreshing, spot-on” (Booklist, starred review) story of an ordinary Japanese-American girl who discovers that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. 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? Look for the sequel to Tokyo Ever After in spring 2022!

Victoria

Princess Diaries meets What A Girl Wants with a touch of First Daughter (yes, I'm a fan of these movies, lol).

This book made me laugh out loud a lot and taught me so much about the Japanese culture–which I appreciate. The romance isn't really the center of the story and this is more like a story of finding one's self. Absolutely adore.

Overall, a really great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Can't wait for the sequel that's set to be released this year!

Tokyo Ever After is a hilarious and heartfelt own voices YA that follows an American girl who discovers she's the Crown Princess of Japan.

Lyric Hooey

Absolutely endearing! I know I will read this again. It’s cute without being overly cheesy, funny without being raunchy, and romantic while also placing an overarching importance on family relationships and identity.

"yellow" by kina grannis
"kyoto" by phoebe bridgers

"The earth forgets but I will always remember Karaoke bars Pharmacies and cups of tea And plates of dorayaki."

4.5 🌟 not only is this book a cute grumpy bodyguard x princess romance, but also a good self-discovery journey for izumi. I enjoyed being in izumi's pov because her internal dialogue was hilarious and relatable! 

“so i do what i do best. i crack a joke. i deflect.”

“i should exercise more. but alas, i like cake more than i like running.”

OMG THE ROMANCE WAS LITERALLY THE CUTEST!! I liked that their relationship development where it wasn't insta love and more slight dislike -> friends -> lovers! I especially love that akio was a more reserved, stoic type of grumpy until he talks to izumi where he's more himself and smiles and cracks actual jokes!! like wow he's funny!!! omg akio is also poetic toooo!!! izumi and akio exchanging love poems to each other was so cute OMG IZUMI AND AKIO BEING A DANCING COUPLE IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE "“even though there is no music, we dance, swaying back and forth.”

“There isn’t a thing I don’t notice when it comes to you.”
"I’ll spend my lifetime being worthy of you." akio >>>>>

besides izumi and akio wholesome romance, there was also underlying tension between izumi's mom and her dad which I ATE UPP!! the tiniest mention and scenes about them i love!!
-izumi's mom crying over the mug mako gave her
-mako keeping a greenhouse and growing orchids , izumi's mom favorite flowers
-mako literally obsessed boy and just in love with izumi's mom like she literally talked about compost with worms and he still had heart eyes

like they are obviously smitten with each other THEY NEED THEIR OWN BOOK like single mom x prince!!! THEY WOULD SERVE

Olivia Mitchell

Princess diaries is my fave so I loved this. Can’t wait for book two to wrap up all the loose ends

This book was cute, funny, & light! Exactly what I was craving!

Andrea

Izumi ha sido un personaje maravilloso. Me ha encantado la forma en la que hablaba y se expresaba, muy yo.

3.5/5

To the book's credit, when I first started reading it, I was sure this would be a 4.5/5 and if that didn't tell you how much I was enjoying it; I don't know what will. Tokyo Ever After will forever have my heart for making me squeal at 4am and giving me the Japanese Princess Diaries I wanted. Yes, it's cliche and yes, it still executes them well. I really enjoyed the romance - there's just something about forbidden we-can't-be-together romances that hit different. Izumi's growth was so pleasant to read about and I am excited to follow the second book to see more conversations on the inherent patriarchy embedded in the imperial system dealings - also, highkey, I just want a book about Hanako x Makoto hashing over their Harvard romance to their reconciliation. The scenes in Kyoto were definitely my favorite - written with so much love and reverence, I could feel the peace emanating through the pages.

Moving onto things I didn't like which, more or less, ruined things for me. The pacing was off. The first half of the book moves at a slow pace, setting the characters and background well. However, the second half presses down on the accelerator hard with things that one would think would take a bit more resolving getting thrown out of the window in a chapter (Think Izumi's kiss which, when being a onetime event, just quickly followed into a succession of more? I didn't feel connected to it because of how many times the stakes were reiterated over the course of the book). Similarly, for the last plot twist, I feel like the author just created things from thin air, regressing the development of an entire character to fit a narrative when no such inkling was given before. Had she hinted at it early on in the book, as sure-fire signs that would strike the readers as odd but one that would be dismissed by Izumi, the reveal would have been more satisfying instead of feeling like it was created at the last minute to resolve said conflict.

l.h.

I ADORED THIS

sometimes there were aspects that felt a bit too unrealistic, but after reading so much heavy fantasy i didn't mind it at all. a culturally-rich, warm story, with positive family representation (i loved both her parents, which we all know is incredibly rare in fiction . . . ) as well as the most adorable romance.

Lauren Tabor

I feel horribly deceived by the cover of this book. I've been obsessed with this cover every time I see it and finally decided to dive in. This had potential to be a really cute book. I love a good royal/bodyguard romance, but this felt very rushed and didn't have a lot of depth in my opinion. I think every thing that our main character did "wrong" could have easily been avoided if she had some kind of royal liaison who gave her advise. She was new at being royal!! How was she supposed to know ANY proper etiquette, greetings, culture, etc.?! It felt ridiculous. The romance was just not it for me.

kayla le

** spoiler alert **
           OH MY GOD THAT WAS SO FUCKING GREAT!!:!3!!/&-! literally 9/10. the whole thing was so funny and i was so happy that i’m pretty sure most of my highlights are yellow. her whole identity crisis and experiences with racism are SO RELATABLE. she’s literally so cute 🥰 i love all of her friends AND HER PARENTSSS. i thought that the escalation of their relationship could’ve been developed more slowly 🤔 but i might just be biased because i enjoy/read a shit load of slowburn ☺️

-OH MY FUCKIGN GD THE SEQUEL COMES OUT IN TWO DAYS!?!??

marie

Myranda Barker

Overall, I really enjoy this story. I actually enjoyed it WAY more than I thought I would. The way that the main character was so beyond average, made her so unbelievably relatable. It made it almost realistic (almost).

As seen in my notes...I definitely felt that this book was a crossover between Crazy Rich Asians, The Princess Diaries, and a traditional Hallmark movie. While the book as cliche, and I could definitely predict the ending, it was just so good. Like, I didn't want to ever put the book down. 

Overall, it's just such a happy story. Definitely a feel-good reread in the future.


The characters:

Izumi ~ Like I said, so dang awkward. I love her. She is one of the most realistic, dorky, teenage high schooler I've ever read about. She's trying so hard to be the person her dad wants her to be. She doesn't fit in in America, but she also doesn't fit in in Japan. She isn't enough in either place. And I get that. Totally. I love her spunk. She doesn't let anyone change who she is. How very Mia Thermopolis of her. She is determined to be kind to others, despite her new princess status. I also love her character arc. While it felt a little rushed at the end, I still adored her.

Akio ~ We LOVE the dark and broody boys. The constant RBF and then all of a sudden, he sees hearts. He falls in love with how Izumi doesn't conform. And I just love it. He would give up anything for her. Literally ANYTHING. It's almost like an enemies to lovers. Almost. But it's also friends to lovers. It's everything I never knew I needed.

Noora ~ She deserved her own spot in this review because she's the best friend everyone needs. 'Nuff said.


The plot:
Overall, like I said, I love the plot. It goes from Crazy Rich Asians, to The Princess Diaries, to a Hallmark love story. It the perfect combo.

Tokyo Ever After

Reviews

Highlights