Diary of a Tokyo Teen: A Japanese-American Girl Travels to the Land of Trendy Fashion, High-Tech Toilets and Maid Cafes

I have mentioned in other reviews how much I like the recent books on Japanese culture written from a personal point of view. Tuttle has a bunch of them out now, from food to walks through Tokyo to scenes from a tiny island town. So far, I have liked them all, and this one is no exception. If anything, this one may be a bit too specific a take. It's Japan seen through the eyes of a Japanese-American girl staying with her relatives. That's not a situation anyone can replicate, but I like to think the specific gives us insights into the universal. I teach Japanese in a Middle school in Oklahoma, and I like to keep a few books Luke this out for the kids to browse through or check out and take home. Several of the students have enjoyed this one, so for me it's worth the money right there. One important aspect of this book is that it's written from a girl's point of view. Too many of the "expat in Japan" books are written by men, and that fact alone can reinforce stereotypes. That has a snowball effect, and girls can lose interest in Japan as they learn about sexism in the country. A woman's reflection of her experience as a girl in Japan can add a little depth and nuance to an outsider's understanding. For example, when the author describes a cute boy on the subway, it reminds the reader that attraction is a two-way street, a point that maybe boys need to be reminded of more than girls do. Anyway, a book about Japan where the girl has agency is a welcome addition to my collection. In middle school, girls are just as interested in Japanese as boys. When I used to teach college, the ratio was about 3 to 1 boys. Books like this might help fight that attrition. Mainly it's just a fun look at Tokyo life as seen by a semi-outsider.

A very fun read. Very relatable. Funny. Light. Bright. Wise and entertaining. I hope you are working on your next book.

This is a fun book!! I am planning on moving to Japan soon, and this is a great book to get for a new perspective. It shows Japan from the view of an American teenage girl, which is really nice, because most books are written from the pov of someone older (and someone less focused on the fun part of Japan, the culture shock for a teen girl). It's not a guidebook, but it is a great read.

I really enjoyed this graphic memoir! It is chock full of personality, humorous anecdotes and wit. Whether you've been to Tokyo or not, you will be transported there with Christine's artwork. From a detailed deconstruction of a bowl of ramen to an apt commentary on Japanese fashion, I think she captures not only the city’s culture and charm, but what it's like to be a teen today. Christine's style is thoughtful, personal, and whimsical. I won't give away where her adventures take her, you just need to read it and go on the journey to Japan with her yourself! What an accomplishment for a first time author. I can't wait to see what she does next!

This was one of Christmas surprise gifts for my teen daughter and a big success! She loved it. She said this book was very good and funny and she related to the main character because she is also half Japanese. There are a lot of information about Tokyo and Kyoto including culture, fashion and etc. We would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Japan, who is planning to visit there, teens who love Harajuku or everyone!!

I bought for my 10 yr old granddaughter who is obsessed with anything Japan right now. She loved it.

Not only is this a well-written charming diary/travelogue, but a must read for first time trips to Tokyo. Diary of a Tokyo Teen is a joyful, insightful discovery adventure and perfect for holiday giving, I am sending copies to the Wilson School library in St. Louis, educator friends, and my granddaughter who is a freshman in college.

Christine Mari Inzer, a Japanese-American, shares stories about her travels from the summer before she turned 16 which she spent with her grandparents in Tokyo and Kyoto. This reads like a teen girl is talking about her summer with her friends. The way she talks and the things she shares would be the kinds of things a friend would bring up with other friends. Yes, you share the big locations you went to, but you also talk about food, the way people dressed, the time you were a little freaked out, and some of the weird stuff you can't get out of your head (like when you asked your dad why hotels would only charge by the hour). Along the way she is also dealing with not being 100% American and not being 100% Japanese as well as some anxiety issues. It's a very real graphic novel autobiography of a summer vacation. I was kind of hoping for something that would be ok for any grade, but this is decidedly aimed at teens. (See content notes below.) Notes on content: There are about seven mild to moderate swear words. She talks just like she's talking with friends she is super comfortable with. As for sexual content, she does mention a building she stumbled across that sold nothing but condoms (there's also a picture of it), and that she did ask her dad about the hotels that only charge by the hour. He tells her to just think about it, and then she draws herself with a very disturbed face so it isn't spelled out. She also has an awkward moment during a parade when a song is played with sexual innuendo in the lyrics and no one else notices. No violence.