TOKYO DREAMING

A newly minted royal navigates her way between royal protocols and her own heart.

Soon after Japanese American Izumi and her mom reconnect with her father, the crown prince of Japan in Tokyo Ever After (2021), Izumi feels as uncertain as before. While her best friends at home in California prepare for college, Izumi debates taking a gap year, questioning whether she even wants to attend college. Her recently acquired title of princess brings even more pressure to attend the prestigious University of Tokyo like her father. When Izumi’s reunited parents announce their engagement, the family is informed that the marriage must be approved by the Imperial Household Council, and their prospects don’t look good; the tabloids have long been critical of Izumi’s and her mother’s manners and commoner status. On the cusp of having her family finally come together, Izumi decides to become the perfect princess to support their cause. This is not without its challenges, however, as her boyfriend and former bodyguard, Akio, breaks up with her to help her family avoid more scandal. Heartbroken Izumi finds unexpected allies while navigating her lingering feelings for Akio and embroiling her cute, officially approved tutor—a young man from a noble lineage—in a fake dating scheme. Themes of family relationships and incremental growth take precedence over romance in the evenly paced plot. The true appeal here is watching Izumi rise to royal expectations while reaffirming her personal values.

A solid sequel about a princess finding her voice.