#ILoveTokyo# — A beautifully illustrated bilingual picture book capturing the magic of Tokyo✨ We are almost there! We inspected the final cover proofs today, and they look absolutely incredible! This is Japanese printing technology at its finest 🇯🇵 Pre-order your copy today and get two complimentary limited-edition stickers 🎁

Want to Truly Experience Japan? Pause the TikTok Antics. As a naturalized Japanese citizen, a graduate of a Japanese university, and a regular commentator on Japanese television, I have waited decades for the world to discover Japan. Seeing it on everyone’s bucket list today is incredible! But to be honest, I find myself irritated when I see tourists eating, drinking, and chatting loudly on public transportation. When I lived in New York City and Vienna, I loved street performances—even during peak rush hour. But here in Tokyo, seeing people dance and pull stunts at Shibuya Scramble makes me miss the days when Japan was still anonymous. Most tourists come to Japan to experience Japan and the Japanese way of life. Right? If so, I urge you to embrace the quiet of a Japanese train ride, and simply be present when you step into a pedestrian crossing. Please pause the urge to perform in the streets until you get back home. You will enjoy Japan so much more when the locals enjoy having you here. image generated by AI

#ILoveTokyo# And I know so many of you do, too. Thirty years ago, as our family prepared to leave New York City for Tokyo, my daughter was given a beautiful picture book about the city she was reluctantly leaving behind. It was a comforting token, and immediately, I wished I had a similar book about Tokyo to show her the magic, wonder, and vibrant adventure that awaited her on the other side of the world. There was none. And to this day, there is none. For years, I pitched the concept to major publishing companies. Time and time again, the answer was the same: "The illustrations are too detailed." "It's too expensive to produce for a children's book." They wanted simpler drawings. They wanted shortcuts. But I refused to compromise on creating a book that children would refuse to put down—a keepsake they would cherish and revisit for years. I tried crowdfunding for the project, but I fell short of the target. Yet, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. Thanks to a wonderful introduction, I connected with Ryoko Yomiuri Publishing Company—a team that truly understood my vision and appreciated the rich, detailed artistry I refused to give up on. Together, we are finally bringing this 30-year dream into children's hands! #ILoveTokyo# will officially go on sale on November 18th!