Sake, Karaoke, and Love

About the Book

Beverly Sherwin has just graduated from college, and is on her way to Osaka to begin a year of teaching English at the privately-owned school Nichibei Cross-Cultural Communication, owned by the handsome Yukiaki “Aki” Yoneyama. At first, Beverly sets her sights upon one of the other teachers, a blond Australian man, but gradually, she finds herself becoming more and more fascinated by Mr. Yoneyama’s exotic good looks. One evening, during the cherry-blossom season in early spring, they have a little too much to drink and wind up going to one of Osaka’s numerous “love hotels.”

Beverly would be happy to continue their relationship in this vein, but Mr. Yoneyama panics and turns her away. Being of a progressive bent, he wants to avoid the traditional sexism of older Japanese male bosses, and avoid harassing or disregarding the capabilities of his female employees.

But he can’t forget the night he spent with Beverly, nor can she. However, they have a number of cultural differences to overcome, as well as avoiding the gossip and public scorn of the school’s other teachers and staff.

About the Author

Javanne Lee lived in Japan for more than a year at one point, and came away with an abiding love of modern Japanese lifestyle. She also appreciates the finer qualities of Japanese men. She now lives in the United States, but continues to study Japanese.