This was such an enjoyable graphic novel about a couple that moves to Japan to start fresh. This was written in such a real, relatable way that chronicled the realities of moving to a new place with a different culture. I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into Julia and Marc’s experiences though the beautifully illustrated scenes. Overall, a great one to pick up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Humanoids Inc for the advanced copy.

If you, like me, have daydreamed about uprooting your life and moving to Japan for a while: This is the book for you.

An illustrator and civil engineer trying music composition for the first time, decide it's now or never. They pool their savings and play a wild card by moving to Japan. Follow their journey as foreigners in Japan, having to give up on things and relearn others to enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

I’m in love with the author’s artistic style and comedic timing. I truly laughed at several of these stories because how authentic the experience of a foreigner in Japan felt. The author made the perfect choice of stories and situations for the reader to get the general differences between west and east cultures. So much so, that even though I am not Spanish like she is (I'm dominican), the parallels/differences she pointed out between Spain and Japan felt so true to me too.

The fact that it’s snippets of the characters lives and not a single big story made it so much more bingable too (I read the whole thing in one sitting). I’m 100% looking for everything this author has ever done to read it and will be following what she does next!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really simple, beautiful book depicting the struggles of immersing yourself into another country and culture (or even just moving in general), and still growing as a person in the process. The art style is also quite unique and pretty.

Younger me would be absolutely shocked to hear that I no longer have the time to read full blurbs or the back cover matter of books anymore, but such are the perils of having so much to read, and so little time to do it in! Present day me was thus quite surprised to get several pages into this book and realize that the protagonists are both foreigners who come to Japan to live for an extended period of time, and aren't a Japanese woman and her foreign boyfriend, as many of these biographies tend to be. Perhaps that is just my confirmation bias tho, as an Asian woman and reader who is often exposed to same.

But that worked out okay because this book was even better than I expected! I was thinking that this would be the portrayal of a Japanese woman's struggle to integrate her foreign boyfriend into her local community and culture, so was admittedly a little wary of what this actually is: the tale of two Spanish citizens with no ties to Japan besides their ambitions, moving to Tokyo to see if they can make a go of life there. Marc has just lost his job as a civil engineer and Julia is still struggling to get her career as an illustrator to take off. In their early 30s and with no dependents, what better time to pool their savings and severance pay to try to live for a while in Japan? If they happen to get jobs while they're at it, then even better, as Marc figures he can finally pursue his lifelong dream of composing music whereas Julia can basically work from anywhere with Internet.

The couple prepare for their trip by taking language lessons in advance of enrolling in a Japanese language school while staying in Tokyo. But nothing really prepares them for actually living in a country where they know so little of the language and customs. Fortunately, Julia and Marc are ready to learn, as Ms Cejas herself beautifully and hilariously details in this autobiographical graphic novel.

Each chapter of this book is a small but powerful vignette of their stay in Japan, detailing how they learned to adjust to not only an entirely different culture but also to the forced proximity of living in a much smaller space that they'd previously been used to -- excellent practice for the pandemic that would eventually tear through the world, as Ms Cejas wryly notes. Illustrated primarily in shades of red and blue, the art took me a little while to get used to, particularly when figuring out who was who, but flowed smoothly once the narration actually takes us to Japan.

The title vignette is likely the most powerful, as Ms Cejas masterfully transmits the hold that Hanami, or the traditional viewing of the cherry blossoms that bloom for such a short window once a year, has on those who experience it. I also really enjoyed her take on the local yokai, and would definitely read a whole book of hers on the subject.

But where this book really succeeded for me was in the respectful and loving way that Marc and Julia especially treat their time in Japan. They devote themselves to learning how to fit in, whether it be via something as rudimentary as language classes or something as seemingly menial as sorting out the garbage. Sure Marc thinks that the Japanese are overdoing it with the refusal to jaywalk, but they both concede that the adherence to community values likely informs why, on a micro level, no one feels a need to lock up their bikes or, on a macro level, take bribes in order to do their government jobs. Julia and Marc never stoop to making themselves feel more secure or superior by making fun of the locals: they always strive to learn what they don't know and honor their host country. I had worried, initially, that this wouldn't do that, but I should have had better faith in the publisher. Humanoids' Life Drawn imprint puts out some of the best slice-of-life graphic novels I've ever read, and I couldn't recommend them or this title more highly. Hanami is a wonderful reminder of how easy it is for people from all over the world to get along, so long as we set aside our egos and truly strive to understand each other.

Hanami: You, Me, & 200 Sq Ft In Japan by Julia Cejas was published August 6 2024 and is available from all good booksellers, including <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15382/9781643376653">Bookshop!</a>

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

With a series of comics, it is possible to travel right away to Japan along with the authors, seeing the cultural aspects of the country and the challenges immigrants face. It is a true homage to Japan and the Japanese culture. The art is very cute, the coloring absolutely gorgeous and it gives the “slice of life” aspect of manga that I love. The comics address simple daily occurrences with humor and wit, with pages full of color, complex backgrounds and beautiful images. I loved it!

I loved this one. The way each memory was told in the form of a 1-2 page short story was brilliant. At the end of the book, the author also provided a list of famous Japanese artworks/manga that influenced her throughout the book. It was especially fun to go back and flip through to see how many I could find. The art itself was beautiful, and I thought the choice of colour was a refreshing change from your standard black and white graphic novel. This was a really fun and heartfelt read.

This is a wonderful book to be drawn into on a Sunday afternoon. The colours and narrative just took me away, and I really enjoyed joining the adventures of these main characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Humanoids Inc. for the e-book copy!

Hanami is the story of Julia and Marc as they move to Japan to get a fresh start on their careers and lives. This was a fun comedic read and I think it provides a different perspective on foreigners in Japan. I related to Julia and Marc who are both experiencing hardships in their careers and decided to take this leap in hopes of a better life and job. This is worth the read especially if you live in Japan or have visited there as you can relate to some of Julia's anecdotes.

The drawing style is very nice and the plot is fairly interesting but overall it didn't do much for me. I think like the storytelling could have been more developed.

A beautifully illustrated quick read!

I've never read an autobiographical graphic novel before, so it was a real treat getting to read one that is so beautiful (although I am quite partial to the color scheme). Hanami is about author, Julia Cejas' time spent living abroad with her husband in Japan. We are taken along with them from start to finish as they navigate every new milestone, no matter how awkward or whimsical.

One way I would describe this book is "no messages, just vibes." There is no agenda that the author is trying to promote, no lesson that we're supposed to learn. Instead, it's like we're reading someone's journal; the entries exist because things happened, but there isn't always a deeper meaning to it.

There are a few times when either the art got a little hard to decipher, or I feel like I'm missing out on something because I don't know enough about Japanese culture. But if you are Japanese, or a big fan of all things Japan, that shouldn't be an issue for you.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Life Drawn Books for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Hanami: You, Me, & 200 Sq Ft in Japan is out now.

This is a sweet, slower-paced graphic novel; readers looking for a slice-of-life story will enjoy this.

I didn't love it, mostly because it wasn't very unique or well organized. Another graphic novel by an out-of-work artist worried about selling their art? If you haven't already read half a dozen stories like that, then you might not find this as tired. The story feels a little herky-jerky, making really big leaps forward in time and jumping from experience to experience without transitions. The apartment isn't a major focus of the story, which only seemed weird to me because it's specifically mentioned in the subtitle.

The illustrations are 2-color pen and ink; I like the artistic style, but the illustrations could have done more the support the story-- there's no narration, only dialogue, and the illustrations could have helped with the transitions or pacing more.

eARC from NetGalley.

This is a good, light read perfect for anyone who has been curious about what Japan is like for a foreigner.

I love the use of colour in the book! The images were well drawn and the characters were so expressive. My personal favourite was the picture of them eating the pizza slice Attack on Titan style.

I don’t like the font that was used. A minor issue really, but it did distract me the whole time. The pages sometimes were already chaotic and that made it harder to read than necessary.

Thank you Humanoids Inc for letting me read this story!

"Hanami" by Julia Cejas is a book that surprised me a lot. I am not an expert when it comes to Japan, its customs, culture, language etc, but I know a bit here and there. It feels like this book is a good choice for people like me; having some chunks of knowledge helped me enjoying the story more and not knowing all about Japan kept me interested and definitely did not let me get bored. I feel like I learnt a lot!

The story covers adventures of a really nice couple who decides to try something new. I do not want to give you spoilers, check it for yourself! Their adventures are sometimes funny, sometimes filled with sadness or nostalgia. I was really invested! When it comes to visual aspects, Julia Cejas has an unique, interesting style. I admire it and consider it good. I would gladly see more of Julia's works.

I remember a lot from my read, it was a good experience and the graphic style engraved in my memory, Give it a try, it is worth reading! ♥

I post my reviews also on Goodreads and Instagram!

I hadn’t expected this to be a non-fiction comic book but honestly that was on me for not reading the synopsis past the first line or so.
I love reading comics like these because they really feel like you’re being spoken to by the author/artist. The art style was so expressive and fun I loved it and the different use of colour for the different chapters. It was interesting seeing a foreigners point of view from Spain whilst visiting or rather living in Japan.
I definitely learned a few things even though when I do plan to go, it won’t be to live or go to study there, but it’s still useful knowing these things in my opinion.

This graphic novel gives an insight into a year of the lives of a Spanish couple that decides to live in Japan for a year through a collection of drawn short stories. Julia Cejas has illustrated small and big struggles that one mag encounter when they're trying to adapt in a foreign country and different culture.
The stories that spoke to me the most were the ones where the Illustrator used humour to relay some of the communication challenges.

**Hanami** by Julia Cejas is a delightful and endearing graphic memoir that captures the joys and trials of a creative millennial couple embarking on a transformative year in Japan. Through a series of charming vignettes, Julia, a comic artist, and Marc, a video game composer, document their adventures with a blend of humor, warmth, and insightful cultural commentary.

The book begins with the couple's decision to leave behind their familiar lives and relocate to Japan after Marc loses his job. Their journey is driven by a shared desire for adventure and the flexibility of their relatively unencumbered lives. What follows is a series of short, episodic tales that highlight the highs and lows of their new life, from navigating the intricacies of Japanese toilets to learning about local fire patrols.

Julia's artwork in *Hanami* is a visual treat, rich with influences from iconic mangaka such as Akira Toriyama and Rumiko Takahashi. The illustrations are not only a nod to these beloved artists but also a testament to Julia’s skill in capturing the essence of their experiences. The playful and expressive art style complements the light-hearted yet poignant narrative, making the book a feast for both manga enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

The memoir excels in its heartfelt portrayal of cultural immersion. Julia and Marc approach their new surroundings with a blend of curiosity and trepidation, and their reactions—whether to the wonders of Japanese cuisine or the challenges of adapting to local customs—are portrayed with honesty and humor. Their stories of adapting to life in a tiny apartment, interacting with locals, and experiencing the beauty and quirks of Japan offer readers a relatable and engaging perspective on the expatriate experience.

One of the book's strengths is its ability to balance humor with genuine reflection. The couple’s misadventures and cultural faux pas are recounted with a light-hearted touch, while also providing deeper insights into their personal growth and relationship. The journey is not just about exploring a new country but also about discovering more about themselves and each other.

**Hanami** is a refreshing and heartwarming read that celebrates the spirit of adventure and the beauty of cultural exchange. It is a testament to the ways in which travel can enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of the world. For anyone interested in manga, Japanese culture, or simply a good-natured travelogue, this graphic memoir offers a delightful and memorable experience. Julia and Marc's year in Japan, with all its ups and downs, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

Publishing date: 06.08.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Humanoids Inc for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

The book as a meal: I am shoving a slice of bread in my mouth while running to my bus stop
The book left me: Appreciating the simple trash collection system in my own country (don't worry, we are recycle things too)
Negatives:
Wish some of the "stories" lasted a little longer or that they didn't end so abruptly
Sometimes the text was a little hard to read
The art could be a little confusing or hard to process

Positives:
Pretty color scheme and cohesive art
Relatable situations

Features:
An insight into what it is like to live in Japan, a little bit of culture-shock and how to deal with it (not in a self-help way), relatable situations, not a one-lane story but more of a collection of stories, slice of life storytelling

Why did I choose this one?
My graphic novel era is back again from my teenage years, so I want to dive into as many genres as possible. This one is not marked as an autobiography but I would put that tag on it. The almost monochrome color scheme caught my eyes while browsing the books, so I was interested in the art too.

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Pick-up-able. The stories are short and quick to read, so this was a one-day read for me. I didn't swallow the book whole, but split it up into chunks for my day

What was the vibe and mood?
Although the seasons clearly changed throughout the book, I was in a spring mood the entire time. Probably because of the pinks in the art. I also felt like a student again, which was bittersweet.
This is a chill collection of stories that has lots of relatable situations a lot of people have found themselves in. Cue the awkward social ones ... I think this also gives a more realistic view of living in Japan as foreigners and not just the "dream" that so many people have.

Final ranking and star rating?
C tier, 3 stars. Nothing really wrong with it. I enjoyed myself reading it, but I didn't connect with the stories and situations as much as I would like. The art also confused me at times and the text could be a little hard to read, which stalled my reading. Some stories were not long enough (although I understand that isn't really possible if it is based off real life), or they ended a little abruptly. Just nitpicks really ...
I think this book is more aimed at poeple who have migrated to Japan or wish to do so in the future. I am neither of those. A miss for me, but a success for the target audience I believe

This was a beautiful way to tell a story about life in Japan.

Having taken a similar "why not just go live in Japan" adventure, it brought back alot of memories for me. The simple colours of the art style tell the story well, and the imagery made me feel very nostalgic, I particularly enjoyed the discussions of the complexity of everyday life, like the trauma of trying to figure out the garbage process. It brought back very vivid memories.

3.75 stars
🌕🌕🌕🌖

🎯 Target Audience
- Folks who are curious what it’s like to live in Japan as foreigners
- If you want to know small nice things about Japan, this book is for you

🧠 My thoughts
The graphic novel portrayed very well both the beauty and the struggles of the couple during the time they were in Japan. I liked the humour and the simplicity of the storytelling. The story especially touched me because it’s pretty relatable.

However, the artwork was pretty confusing. It was hard to read and it made the story incohesive for me.

Thanks NetGalley, Humanoids Inc publisher, and the authors for a great advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed this graphic novel. It tells the story of Marc and Julia as they travel to japan, navigating their day to day. I will say, the book itself took me a while to get into, but the art was beautiful and I enjoyed getting to see their story.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy!