A Japanese Love Story
by Renae Lucas-Hall
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Published: 2012
Publisher: self
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Japan
ebook
Rating: 4
First sentence(s):
On the last tempestuous Thursday in July, Takashi discovered the difference between the type of girl that a boy could like and the type of woman that a man could love.
A fascinating exploration of life in modern-day Japan, Tokyo Hearts is a poignant love story that will catapult you directly onto the fashionable streets of this nation’s capital and into the hearts of Takashi and Haruka.
Takashi is a young and popular university student who has fallen in love with his stylish and sophisticated friend Haruka. She is sweet and kind and adores shopping for high-end Japanese and Western brands.
Every week, they meet up in the heart of Tokyo, enjoying each other’s company, and for Takashi, life is perfect. But the path to true love is never easy. When Takashi discovers that Haruka is seeing her wealthy ex-boyfriend from Kyoto, his life begins to turn upside down.
This coming of age story traces the lives of Takashi and Haruka and their friends as they deal with young love and the ups and downs of growing up in Tokyo – truly one of the most stylish, energetic and exhilarating cities in the world.
My two-bits:
The dating culture is presented as well as the young adult scene in Japan. I found this to be a gentle romance with the rich vs. poor theme as a driving factor.
University student life and working young adult lives were also interesting to learn about.
* part of World Reads challenge - Japan (here)
