Tokyo Love Story - by Fujita (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A funny and intimate travelogue of one woman's unexpected adventures in Japan.

French illustrator Julie Blanchin-Fujita arrived in Tokyo for what she thought would be a one-year stint, and ended up never leaving. In this graphic novel-style memoir she shares her love of Japan, while depicting personal experiences and stories from her life in Tokyo--from the exotic (sumo wrestlers, ramen, hot springs, tatami mats, bentos, Japanese trains, Mount Fuji, earthquakes) to the everyday (hanging out with friends, moving houses, falling in love).

Her voyage of discovery in the world's most exciting city will appeal to a broad range of readers--from those contemplating a trip to Tokyo and Japanophiles to fans of graphic novels and anyone who enjoys a good manga love story. Packed with keen cultural observations, this enchanting story is told in both English and Japanese--also making it a great language learning resource.

Review Quotes

"Fujita's wry illustrated diary renders life in Tokyo in featherlight lines and cheery watercolors...This loosely drawn sketchbook account provides a friendly introduction to Japanese language, culture, and daily life." --Publishers Weekly

"If you've ever wanted to visit Japan, this is a great way to armchair travel there and dream about the day you can go there and see it for yourself." --Books on the Square

"Originally written in French, this travel memoir has not lost any of its charm in its translation to English...Fujita oscillates between describing personal experiences and explaining the initially foreign Japanese customs. Both sections flow so well together, readers may not even notice her break from story to explanation...[Fujita] carries the story with her written wit and relatable humor." --Geeks Under Grace

"Throughout the book, the author's witty, colorful, antic illustrations bring Tokyo to life...There's something quite fine in the generosity of a comic artist, who's unafraid to let the joke be on her. The book's format consists of a bit of everything: classic comic-strip panels; maps; urban scenes; dialogue; portraits of friends and acquaintances; illustrated essays ("Japanese Foods I Love"); and richly-detailed aerial views of apartment blocks and whole neighborhoods...this book is comic, ingenious, rich in color and minutiae, charmingly loopy at times, and informative to boot. --Perceptive Travel

About the Author

Julie Blanchin Fujita grew up in the south of France, and studied art at university. She works on various projects as an illustrator and graphic designer, and has illustrated six other books in her native France. In 2009 she set off with only a rucksack on her back to have an adventure in Tokyo--an adventure that continues to this day.

Marie Velde is a freelance photographer and translator in Santa Monica, CA. She is the translator of Tokyo on Foot, My First Book of Chinese Calligraphy and other books.