Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean
Summary
When Japanese-American Izumi Tanaka learned her father was the Crown Prince of Japan, she became a princess overnight. Now, she’s overcome conniving cousins, salacious press, and an imperial scandal to finally find a place she belongs. She has a perfect bodyguard turned boyfriend. Her stinky dog, Tamagotchi, is living with her in Tokyo. Her parents have even rekindled their college romance and are engaged. A royal wedding is on the horizon! Izumi’s life is a Tokyo dream come true. Only. . .
Her parents’ engagement hits a brick wall. The Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the marriage citing concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. And on top of it all, her bodyguard turned boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship. At the threat of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council. Which means upping her newly acquired princess game.
But at what cost? Izumi will do anything to help her parents achieve their happily ever after, but what if playing the perfect princess means sacrificing her own? Will she find a way to forge her own path and follow her heart?
Book Setting: Tokyo, Japan
National Theater
Akasaka Imperial Residence
The University of Tokyo
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Household Agency
Mitsukoshi Ginza
Tapas Molecular Bar
Nagoro "Scarecrow" Village
Tokyo Disneyland
Florilège
Yoyogi Park
Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya
Ise Jingū
Tsukiyomi-no-miya Shrine
Azabu
NHK Hall
Roppongi Hills
Nara
Reviews
"A heartwarming and thrilling story about royal love."
—Time
"Fans of [Tokyo Ever After] will find much to enjoy in Princess Izumi's continued struggles to fit into the highly conformist society of Japanese royalty. . . . Readers will cheer as Izumi faces new challenges, supports her mother, and stays true to herself. Izumi's wry wit and clear-eyed view of both the charms and drawbacks of life in Japan balance the fairy-tale romance."
—Booklist
"A newly minted royal navigates her way between royal protocols and her own heart. . . . A solid sequel about a princess finding her voice.”
—Kirkus Reviews