Tokyo Dreaming
#2 of 14 in After Happily Ever After Series
on Goodreads (14,351)
What’s inside...
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. However, her parents’ engagement faces obstacles from the Imperial Household Council due to concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. Her bodyguard turned boyfriend also makes a shocking decision. Threatened by the possibility of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council, even if it means upping her princess game at a personal cost. Return to Tokyo for a royal wedding in Emiko Jean's 'Tokyo Dreaming', the sequel to the Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller 'Tokyo Ever After'.
Character compass
Izumi Tanaka
Hanako Tanaka
Akio Kobayashi
Crown Prince Makoto
Eriku Nakamura
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live in Tokyo, and how is it different from our hometown?
Which character did you resonate with the most, and why?
How do the characters' experiences in the book change their perspectives on family and friendship?
What lessons did you learn about embracing new cultures and traditions from the book?
If you could change one event in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the scene by discussing your child's current knowledge of Tokyo or any big city, which helps contextualize the story's setting.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the characters' decisions, promoting critical thinking.
Ask your child to compare their daily routine with the protagonist’s, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Discuss the cultural aspects introduced in the book, fostering an appreciation for diversity.
After reading, suggest creating a drawing or writing a short story inspired by their favorite part of the book, stimulating creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Tokyo Dreaming exposes young readers to Japanese culture through its rich storytelling, offering insights into traditions, language, and social norms.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in cultures around them, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the significance of family relationships and the support system it offers the characters, especially in facing personal and cultural challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value and nurture relationships with their family members, understanding the strength and support they can provide.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Change
Explanation: Characters in Tokyo Dreaming demonstrate resilience when dealing with unexpected life changes and new environments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new place or starting a new school, with a positive and resilient attitude.
Example Lesson: Pursuit of Personal Goals
Explanation: The protagonist's journey portrays the importance of following one's dreams and aspirations, despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to set personal goals and strive towards them, teaching them determination and the value of hard work.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make mistakes but use them as learning opportunities, which aids in their personal growth.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the understanding that mistakes are part of learning and personal development, encouraging them to tackle challenges fearlessly.