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The Making of Us
After her cheating fiancé dumps her a few days before their wedding, Rose Millstone applies for an English teaching job in Japan, taking her as far away from the scandal as possible.
Urban Tokyo in the 1980s couldn’t be any more different from rural Nebraska, and there, an exciting new life begins. Still, Rose knows these adventures are temporary, and after two years, she starts making plans to go home.
But then, she’s assigned a new adult class to teach, having no idea how much this group of students will come to mean to her—in particular, Akira Kato, a young widower. Despite Rose’s growing feelings for Akira, there’s no denying the fact that his life is sticky—the super glue kind of sticky. Not only does he have two young daughters, but his dead wife’s mother lives with them! And a commitment to Akira would also mean a commitment to Japan. Rose isn’t sure if she’s prepared to do that, to stay in Japan forever. When a catastrophe occurs, however, Rose must decide what’s most important and what she really wants in life, especially when it comes to friends, family, and most of all, love.
Urban Tokyo in the 1980s couldn’t be any more different from rural Nebraska, and there, an exciting new life begins. Still, Rose knows these adventures are temporary, and after two years, she starts making plans to go home.
But then, she’s assigned a new adult class to teach, having no idea how much this group of students will come to mean to her—in particular, Akira Kato, a young widower. Despite Rose’s growing feelings for Akira, there’s no denying the fact that his life is sticky—the super glue kind of sticky. Not only does he have two young daughters, but his dead wife’s mother lives with them! And a commitment to Akira would also mean a commitment to Japan. Rose isn’t sure if she’s prepared to do that, to stay in Japan forever. When a catastrophe occurs, however, Rose must decide what’s most important and what she really wants in life, especially when it comes to friends, family, and most of all, love.
277 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2025
15 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
Diane Hawley Nagatomo
6 books62 followersDiane Hawley Nagatomo was born in the UK and lived in Nebraska, Spain, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and California before coming to Japan in 1979. She is a semi-retired professor from Ochanomizu University and has written extensively on issues concerning gender, culture, and education. When not teaching or writing, she and her Japanese husband of more than 40 years spend time with their six grandchildren. The Butterfly Café, published in July 2023, was her first work of fiction. Her second work of fiction was "Finding Naomi," and her third, "The Making of Us" will be published in September 2025.
Diane is also on Goodreads under the name of Diane Nagatomo. Check over there to see her bookshelves, reviews, and reading challenges.
Diane is also on Goodreads under the name of Diane Nagatomo. Check over there to see her bookshelves, reviews, and reading challenges.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 6, 2025
This is a book that I was drawn to and it kept me up late reading it. There were things that I loved about the book and things that I didn’t care for. This story is rich in Japanese culture. I thought it was very realistic for the time era of most of the book. It begins in Tokyo in 1985 and ends in 2015. The main character is Rose Millstone who grew up in a small community in Nebraska. Circumstances bought her to Tokyo where she worked at a College that taught English language . Rose enjoyed her life for the most part and she became attracted to a Japanese student in her language class. The book continues with Roses story and her life so far away from Nebraska.
This was my first time reading anything by this Author. The only thing I didn’t care for was that there was some bedroom scenes though not too graphic. Also there were two incidents with mild cussing. Would I read a book by this Author again? Yes I would because she held my attention and I couldn’t put the book down.
I recommend The Making of Us to readers of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. It can be read as a standalone. This book is scheduled for release on 9/4/25.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are solely my own.
#TheMakingofUs #NetGalley
This was my first time reading anything by this Author. The only thing I didn’t care for was that there was some bedroom scenes though not too graphic. Also there were two incidents with mild cussing. Would I read a book by this Author again? Yes I would because she held my attention and I couldn’t put the book down.
I recommend The Making of Us to readers of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. It can be read as a standalone. This book is scheduled for release on 9/4/25.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are solely my own.
#TheMakingofUs #NetGalley
May 19, 2025
4 Stars only for the bittersweet ending.
Me, loving Japan and still wishing to live there permanently, absolutely adored this book.
The 80's setting was amazing but I didn't note a lot of differences ( Japan being super advanced even then!! ). The characters were lovable and enjoyable. It felt like an escape.
I was hoping for the happily ever after ending but still, this book ended on a great note and I loved it.
Thank you so much for providing me the ARC.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Me, loving Japan and still wishing to live there permanently, absolutely adored this book.
The 80's setting was amazing but I didn't note a lot of differences ( Japan being super advanced even then!! ). The characters were lovable and enjoyable. It felt like an escape.
I was hoping for the happily ever after ending but still, this book ended on a great note and I loved it.
Thank you so much for providing me the ARC.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Updated June 2025, Original August 2024
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an early copy of her work. I had the honour of reading The Making of Us in its earliest form—before revisions reshaped everything from the title to several key scenes. Even then, it was clear this novel had something special. One year later, I was fortunate to receive an ARC from Black Rose Publishing and NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did. The final version is even stronger—finer-tuned, more emotionally layered, and beautifully written.
At its core, The Making of Us is a romance—but it’s also a tender, unflinching exploration of identity, belonging, and what it means to be human. Rose, the protagonist, is smart, sarcastic, and refreshingly real. As a foreigner living in Japan, she navigates daily life with sharp wit and quiet resilience. Her experiences—especially the subtle, often invisible challenges of cross-cultural living—will ring deeply true for anyone who has lived abroad.
The writing is graceful and emotionally resonant, full of moments that sneak up on you with quiet power. Diane Hawley Nagatomo’s voice continues to evolve, and this novel is, in my opinion, her strongest yet. The plot unfolds with the rhythm of real life—unexpected turns, emotional pivots, and hard-won truths. It’s a story about family, friendship, cultural friction, and unexpected love—woven with care and insight.
I devoured this book. I didn’t want to put it down, and once I finished, I wasn’t ready to let it go. It’s not just a story of romance—it’s a story of becoming, in all the messy, beautiful, ordinary ways that matter most.
Highly recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven, multicultural fiction with heart, humour, and emotional depth.
This is my honest review.
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an early copy of her work. I had the honour of reading The Making of Us in its earliest form—before revisions reshaped everything from the title to several key scenes. Even then, it was clear this novel had something special. One year later, I was fortunate to receive an ARC from Black Rose Publishing and NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did. The final version is even stronger—finer-tuned, more emotionally layered, and beautifully written.
At its core, The Making of Us is a romance—but it’s also a tender, unflinching exploration of identity, belonging, and what it means to be human. Rose, the protagonist, is smart, sarcastic, and refreshingly real. As a foreigner living in Japan, she navigates daily life with sharp wit and quiet resilience. Her experiences—especially the subtle, often invisible challenges of cross-cultural living—will ring deeply true for anyone who has lived abroad.
The writing is graceful and emotionally resonant, full of moments that sneak up on you with quiet power. Diane Hawley Nagatomo’s voice continues to evolve, and this novel is, in my opinion, her strongest yet. The plot unfolds with the rhythm of real life—unexpected turns, emotional pivots, and hard-won truths. It’s a story about family, friendship, cultural friction, and unexpected love—woven with care and insight.
I devoured this book. I didn’t want to put it down, and once I finished, I wasn’t ready to let it go. It’s not just a story of romance—it’s a story of becoming, in all the messy, beautiful, ordinary ways that matter most.
Highly recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven, multicultural fiction with heart, humour, and emotional depth.
This is my honest review.
May 8, 2025
A Warm, Witty, and Wonderfully Observed Portrait of Life in 1980s Japan.
Author Diane Nagatomo draws from deep cultural insight to deliver an emotionally rich narrative about connection, displacement, and the quiet resilience of women living abroad.
The Making of Us is a beautifully written, deeply human novel that explores what it means to create a life far from home. Set in 1985 Tokyo, it follows Rose Millstone, an American English teacher navigating work, friendship, culture shock, and belonging in a place that is both welcoming and resistant.
Rose is smart, sarcastic, and emotionally real — the kind of character you instantly root for. Through her eyes, the novel brings Japan to life not through clichés or exoticism, but through everyday moments: awkward language exchanges, office politics, cultural misunderstandings, and late-night heart-to-hearts with fellow expats.
The humor is sharp but never cruel. The emotion is subtle but powerful. And the relationships — especially Rose’s connection with a widowed Japanese man and his family — are layered, touching, and refreshingly unpredictable.
The story invites us to reflect on the meaning of home, the compromises we make for love or survival, and how identity is shaped by both place and choice. With characters as vivid as the streets of Tokyo they walk through, Nagatomo keeps readers emotionally invested until the very last page.
This isn’t just a book about Japan — it’s a book about the human experience of adapting, grieving, growing, and choosing how to live meaningfully between worlds.
Author Diane Nagatomo draws from deep cultural insight to deliver an emotionally rich narrative about connection, displacement, and the quiet resilience of women living abroad.
The Making of Us is a beautifully written, deeply human novel that explores what it means to create a life far from home. Set in 1985 Tokyo, it follows Rose Millstone, an American English teacher navigating work, friendship, culture shock, and belonging in a place that is both welcoming and resistant.
Rose is smart, sarcastic, and emotionally real — the kind of character you instantly root for. Through her eyes, the novel brings Japan to life not through clichés or exoticism, but through everyday moments: awkward language exchanges, office politics, cultural misunderstandings, and late-night heart-to-hearts with fellow expats.
The humor is sharp but never cruel. The emotion is subtle but powerful. And the relationships — especially Rose’s connection with a widowed Japanese man and his family — are layered, touching, and refreshingly unpredictable.
The story invites us to reflect on the meaning of home, the compromises we make for love or survival, and how identity is shaped by both place and choice. With characters as vivid as the streets of Tokyo they walk through, Nagatomo keeps readers emotionally invested until the very last page.
This isn’t just a book about Japan — it’s a book about the human experience of adapting, grieving, growing, and choosing how to live meaningfully between worlds.
May 22, 2025
Nagatomo's many fans will be delighted, as I am, with this latest offering, a warm and tender story about love in Japan that leaps over seemingly insurmountable obstacles and crosses cultures. A+
June 10, 2025
Japan has been the hot holiday destination for a couple of years. If you’re bound for Japan then grab a copy of Diane Nagatomo’s The Making of Us. The Making of Us is the story of Rose – an American who has fled mid-west USA and finds herself the stranger in a strange land--Japan. She works, as many English-speakers do, in an English conversation college (in Tokyo). She enjoys her students, her colleagues, but her love life sucks. But not for long, Rose falls in love but she has to choose -- USA or Japan?
Oh, all of this takes place in the 1980s. If you’ve negotiated an online romance (or watched 90 Day Fiancé) then you’ll understand that these decisions are hard. The author doesn’t belabour the point, but *I* kept thinking how isolating Japan must have been 40 years ago. Without the internet you’d be virtually cut off from family and friends—also no instant translation, probably limited access to world news. Imagine being stared at all the time. I couldn’t resist doing a quick Google and found this sales pitch from Den Fujita (businessman who introduced McDonalds)
"The reason Japanese people are so short and have yellow skins is because they have eaten nothing but fish and rice for two thousand years... if we eat McDonald's hamburgers and potatoes for a thousand years we will become taller, our skin become white, and our hair blonde."
Yes, it certainly was a different world.
My favourite cultural stuff: funeral—fascinating stuff about how to dress etc; the role of working women and housewives - positives and negatives; mothers-in-law – whatever happened to mother-in-law jokes? If you’re a child of the 1980s, then the pop culture references to tv shows, songs, and technology (Sony Walkman anyone) should amuse you—well, they amused me! And there is a glossary at the back which was really helpful - could help you if you’re in Japan. So the book is part historical, part romance and part educational.
I also appreciate that while romance is front and centre – there is no explicit sex and no swearing. I hope there’s going to be an audiobook—if there is then download and listen on the plane over.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me an advance copy - this is a voluntary review.
Oh, all of this takes place in the 1980s. If you’ve negotiated an online romance (or watched 90 Day Fiancé) then you’ll understand that these decisions are hard. The author doesn’t belabour the point, but *I* kept thinking how isolating Japan must have been 40 years ago. Without the internet you’d be virtually cut off from family and friends—also no instant translation, probably limited access to world news. Imagine being stared at all the time. I couldn’t resist doing a quick Google and found this sales pitch from Den Fujita (businessman who introduced McDonalds)
"The reason Japanese people are so short and have yellow skins is because they have eaten nothing but fish and rice for two thousand years... if we eat McDonald's hamburgers and potatoes for a thousand years we will become taller, our skin become white, and our hair blonde."
Yes, it certainly was a different world.
My favourite cultural stuff: funeral—fascinating stuff about how to dress etc; the role of working women and housewives - positives and negatives; mothers-in-law – whatever happened to mother-in-law jokes? If you’re a child of the 1980s, then the pop culture references to tv shows, songs, and technology (Sony Walkman anyone) should amuse you—well, they amused me! And there is a glossary at the back which was really helpful - could help you if you’re in Japan. So the book is part historical, part romance and part educational.
I also appreciate that while romance is front and centre – there is no explicit sex and no swearing. I hope there’s going to be an audiobook—if there is then download and listen on the plane over.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me an advance copy - this is a voluntary review.
August 7, 2025
Some stories stay in your mind percolating, making a movie in your brain. This was such a story for me. I have little experience with other cultures, especially Japanese and I loved the glimpse into another culture.
An engaging story of a woman fleeing her cheating husband-to-be on her wedding day. Rose ends up in Japan all the way from Nebraska. Speaking English to Japanese students, Rose is a teacher at the English Conversation College or FECC. She works with a diverse group of teachers, including her gay best friend Michael. Their banter drew me into the story, and how they trade bakery treats for vhs copies of American shows Michael’s mom sends from Boston. The various characters described made for a captivating tale.
The story begins in 1985, almost 3 years after Rose’s arrival, she had only planned on staying a year. She acquires a new adult class and bonds with them and they coalesce into a tight knit group. Rose clicks with one group member in particular, Akira, a widower with two children.
Being a foreigner American in Japan is described well, the different culture is explained and I liked the use of the Japanese words with meaning given in context. The characters list preface is also helpful, as well as the glossary of Japanese terms at the end. The story unfolds as the group becomes close knit and the romance develops with Akira.
There are a couple of plot twists that I won’t spoil. The last 3 chapters, set 30 years later, are startling but well done. I liked how the past and present and future were entwined in the telling.
Possible triggers are a gay character, past abortion mentioned, sexual harassment, cancer, and nationality bias.
Highly Recommended.
I received a review copy from the author after being chosen from Library Thing.
An engaging story of a woman fleeing her cheating husband-to-be on her wedding day. Rose ends up in Japan all the way from Nebraska. Speaking English to Japanese students, Rose is a teacher at the English Conversation College or FECC. She works with a diverse group of teachers, including her gay best friend Michael. Their banter drew me into the story, and how they trade bakery treats for vhs copies of American shows Michael’s mom sends from Boston. The various characters described made for a captivating tale.
The story begins in 1985, almost 3 years after Rose’s arrival, she had only planned on staying a year. She acquires a new adult class and bonds with them and they coalesce into a tight knit group. Rose clicks with one group member in particular, Akira, a widower with two children.
Being a foreigner American in Japan is described well, the different culture is explained and I liked the use of the Japanese words with meaning given in context. The characters list preface is also helpful, as well as the glossary of Japanese terms at the end. The story unfolds as the group becomes close knit and the romance develops with Akira.
There are a couple of plot twists that I won’t spoil. The last 3 chapters, set 30 years later, are startling but well done. I liked how the past and present and future were entwined in the telling.
Possible triggers are a gay character, past abortion mentioned, sexual harassment, cancer, and nationality bias.
Highly Recommended.
I received a review copy from the author after being chosen from Library Thing.
July 12, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Diane Hawley Nagatomo's latest novel, The Making of Us. It's a well-told story with a great twist towards the end, which I won't spoil by divulging here.
The book's main character, Rose, is sympathetic and intelligent. The background of the story is 1980s Tokyo, where Rose is working as a language teacher. The novel takes us through many of the cultural challenges that can confront anyone living overseas for the first time and especially someone, like Rose, arriving in the bright lights of Tokyo from a town in Nebraska with "one neon sign." The misunderstandings that occur between her and her Japanese friends and students are handled with sensitivity and tactful understanding.
As with her earlier novels, Hawley Nagatomo's storytelling is fluent and fast-moving. She keeps you turning the pages. But above all, this is a beguiling and tender portrait of life forty years ago in one of the great cities of the world. If you are looking for a delightful story along with a glimpse into 20th-century Japanese culture, this is the book for you.
The version I read was a free copy for review.
The book's main character, Rose, is sympathetic and intelligent. The background of the story is 1980s Tokyo, where Rose is working as a language teacher. The novel takes us through many of the cultural challenges that can confront anyone living overseas for the first time and especially someone, like Rose, arriving in the bright lights of Tokyo from a town in Nebraska with "one neon sign." The misunderstandings that occur between her and her Japanese friends and students are handled with sensitivity and tactful understanding.
As with her earlier novels, Hawley Nagatomo's storytelling is fluent and fast-moving. She keeps you turning the pages. But above all, this is a beguiling and tender portrait of life forty years ago in one of the great cities of the world. If you are looking for a delightful story along with a glimpse into 20th-century Japanese culture, this is the book for you.
The version I read was a free copy for review.
June 12, 2025
The Making of Us is a heartfelt and thought-provoking romance set in 1980s Japan, where love crosses cultural boundaries and defies societal expectations. Diane Hawley Nagatomo weaves a tender story between Rose and Akita—two characters from very different backgrounds—whose connection feels genuine, raw, and deeply emotional.
The setting is richly atmospheric, filled with Japanese language, names, and locations that immerse you completely in the world. It’s not just a love story—it touches on heavy but important themes like race, gender roles, and the difficulties of finding belonging in a culture not your own.
I especially adored the relationship between Rose and Akita. Their dynamic felt natural, and watching them grow together was both heartwarming and inspiring.
My only disappointment was the ending. A major time jump introduces a twist that left me with more questions than answers. It felt rushed compared to the beautifully paced first three-quarters of the book.
Still, this was a moving and memorable read, and I’d recommend it to fans of cross-cultural romances and historical fiction with substance.
The setting is richly atmospheric, filled with Japanese language, names, and locations that immerse you completely in the world. It’s not just a love story—it touches on heavy but important themes like race, gender roles, and the difficulties of finding belonging in a culture not your own.
I especially adored the relationship between Rose and Akita. Their dynamic felt natural, and watching them grow together was both heartwarming and inspiring.
My only disappointment was the ending. A major time jump introduces a twist that left me with more questions than answers. It felt rushed compared to the beautifully paced first three-quarters of the book.
Still, this was a moving and memorable read, and I’d recommend it to fans of cross-cultural romances and historical fiction with substance.
June 14, 2025
Diane Hawley Nagatomo has hit her stride with this book! I have read all three novels by the author, and this is by far her best work yet. It hooked me into the story from the very first chapter, as it is set in 1985 Japan. I have firsthand experience as an American living in Japan from 1980 onward, and I can say with confidence that it is true to the era, and in the small details of the workplace hierarchy, daily life, and the overall experiences that the heroine, Rose, encounters. For anyone curious about what Tokyo was like 40 years ago for a foreign resident, I highly recommend this story. For any long-time foreign resident of Japan, it will evoke nostalgia and long-forgotten memories of days gone by. This book does not disappoint! I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy before printing, and this is an unbiased review.
I received a free copy before printing, and this is an unbiased review.
June 14, 2025
A romance story set in 1980s Tokyo where Rose meets Akira whist teaching English. They gently fall in love whilst navigating their pasts, their relatives and their future fears.
I've docked this a star due to the ending - we get to the moment of happily ever after then there's a really rushed coda changing everything. I'd remove everything beyond chapter 41 and, if that's where you'd like to take the story, give it its own novel rather than leaving things on this jarring note.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've docked this a star due to the ending - we get to the moment of happily ever after then there's a really rushed coda changing everything. I'd remove everything beyond chapter 41 and, if that's where you'd like to take the story, give it its own novel rather than leaving things on this jarring note.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 13, 2025
A very engaging and moving story -- making it a quick read. Being familar with Tokyo, I thought the parts about Tokyo in the 1980s were interesting and rang true. But I also thought the themes of "second chances" and "taking opportunity as it comes" were universal and very well developed in the story. I felt like I really came to know all the characters by the end of the book and wished there was more to the story.
May 8, 2025
I couldn't put this book down! Having spent a good portion of my career in Asia, I recognize Nagatomo's protagonist and her "stranger in a strange land" experiences. Rose's journey from escaping a failed Midwestern engagement to starting romance anew in Japan is beautifully told, and so deftly paced that the book is impossible to set aside. While a traditional conclusion would have made this novel a 5-star best-seller, Nagatomo's roller-coaster ending isn't completely revealed until the last page. Make this novel your must-read of the year!
August 3, 2025
“The Making of Us” spans two critical divides: geographic/social (Japan and the US, rural vs urban) and time (the 1980s vs the present). It tells the story of an American English teacher in Japan in the 1980s. Although it especially resonates with foreigners who actually have experience living and working in Japan in the 80s, it also deals with broader themes such as human loneliness, single parenthood, coping with loss and grief, and intercultural/interracial relationships. As such, like most good novels, it locates itself in a specific time and place, but in that context radiates a universal humanity that a wider audience can relate to. Towards the end of the book, which jumps back and forth in time, readers of a certain age can almost get a sense of their own time passing. For those who have read Nagatomo’s previous novels, it’s also fun to watch her growing maturity as a writer. Definitely recommendable.
August 9, 2025
The Making of Us was a story that continued to draw me in the more I read it. It’s a beautiful novel about love, taking chances, and leaning into the unknown. I enjoyed this cast of characters, especially the friends Rose has in her corner. And the setting! I felt like I was in Japan with Rose and Akira. It was a cool experience as a reader to learn so much about Japanese culture from this novel. I look forward to reading more books by this author!
November 18, 2025
1980s Tokyo just as I remember!
Realistic and amusing portrayal of teaching English in Japan which evolves into a beautiful love story where the heroine is strong and adeptly manages the balance of work and societal contribution and family ties.
Realistic and amusing portrayal of teaching English in Japan which evolves into a beautiful love story where the heroine is strong and adeptly manages the balance of work and societal contribution and family ties.
June 17, 2025
This is a warm and heartfelt story about a young woman’s life in Tokyo back in the 1980s, when things were a bit different from what young people arriving today in Japan might experience. Stumbling through her first Eikaiwa job and all the excitement of life in her first big city, heroine Rose finds herself attracted to a Japanese man. When love comes, they’re faced with challenges that small-town-girl-from-Nebraska Rose never imagined she’d encounter. Natto! Squat toilets! Nosy neighbors!
Hawley provides memorable, funny details about those struggles, drawing on her own experiences as a wife of a Japanese man through the decades while also having a teaching career at a major university. Her descriptions are spot on, I too experienced many of them when arriving in Tokyo: Hunting for flush toilets in the Ginza department stores, traveling across town to bookstores that sold used English books, and saving up to buy shoes that fit big feet are just some of the challenges that Western women faced back then. In some ways it was fun to read all those memories, though other things make me cringe. I’m glad that we don’t have to deal with many of those inconveniences anymore. The Internet certainly has changed our life here. Still, it certainly was fun exploring those 80s love hotels!
Hawley provides memorable, funny details about those struggles, drawing on her own experiences as a wife of a Japanese man through the decades while also having a teaching career at a major university. Her descriptions are spot on, I too experienced many of them when arriving in Tokyo: Hunting for flush toilets in the Ginza department stores, traveling across town to bookstores that sold used English books, and saving up to buy shoes that fit big feet are just some of the challenges that Western women faced back then. In some ways it was fun to read all those memories, though other things make me cringe. I’m glad that we don’t have to deal with many of those inconveniences anymore. The Internet certainly has changed our life here. Still, it certainly was fun exploring those 80s love hotels!
June 19, 2025
Set against the textured backdrop of 1980s Tokyo, the novel interweaves a heartfelt romance with nuanced depictions of Japanese and American perspectives, family traditions, and the complexities of cross-cultural and intergenerational communication. As the protagonist embarks on a poignant journey that bridges cultures, the story ultimately becomes a moving exploration of personal growth and resilience in the face of cultural challenges and personal loss.
June 11, 2025
Even before I reached the end of the book and read the author's bio, I suspected that it was probably based on her life.
A young woman from small town Nebraska, flees a broken engagement and finds herself in Japan, teaching English to a variety of Japanese people from high school students to housewives to businessmen. Set in the early 80s before sushi and other Japanese foods had planted a flag in the U.S., we actually skip the fish out of water part of her story and instead pick up in the middle of the work day, when she learns that she will be teaching a new group on Friday evenings, the Super Six.
Rose meets the mixed group that includes a couple, a housewife longing to work outside of the home, and a handsome man who is looking to refresh his English skills for work, having previously learned the language as an exchange student in California.
It quickly becomes clear that Rose and Akira are attracted to each other and the book becomes more about overcoming his family situation - widower with two very young daughters living with his mother-in-law - and Rose having to decide if she wants to live in Japan for the rest of her life. She has interest from a prestigious University offering her a teaching position which rapidly leads to an offer of a tenured position which means her visa issues would be handled but Japan is so far away from everything she knows in Nebraska.
Honestly, the few glimpses we get of her life back home, makes clear to the reader long before it's clear to Rose, that she will stay in Japan. A former elementary school teacher, Rose rapidly wins over Akira's daughters who already admit to forgetting what their mother sounded like. Her willingness to keep trying, and her obvious love for Akira eventually wins over, both his mother and his mother-in-law who understands that her dead daughter can't be Akira's last love.
Then the book takes a weird jump forward where now the daughters are adults, one married one engaged and then a man named Julian comes downstairs and kisses Rose. Yeah, not the way we thought this was going to end up. It was very jarring. We spent so much time watching Rose and Akira fall in love, and Rose jump through hoops, to never get to actually see them enjoy their new family feels like robbery.
3.5 stars
A young woman from small town Nebraska, flees a broken engagement and finds herself in Japan, teaching English to a variety of Japanese people from high school students to housewives to businessmen. Set in the early 80s before sushi and other Japanese foods had planted a flag in the U.S., we actually skip the fish out of water part of her story and instead pick up in the middle of the work day, when she learns that she will be teaching a new group on Friday evenings, the Super Six.
Rose meets the mixed group that includes a couple, a housewife longing to work outside of the home, and a handsome man who is looking to refresh his English skills for work, having previously learned the language as an exchange student in California.
It quickly becomes clear that Rose and Akira are attracted to each other and the book becomes more about overcoming his family situation - widower with two very young daughters living with his mother-in-law - and Rose having to decide if she wants to live in Japan for the rest of her life. She has interest from a prestigious University offering her a teaching position which rapidly leads to an offer of a tenured position which means her visa issues would be handled but Japan is so far away from everything she knows in Nebraska.
Honestly, the few glimpses we get of her life back home, makes clear to the reader long before it's clear to Rose, that she will stay in Japan. A former elementary school teacher, Rose rapidly wins over Akira's daughters who already admit to forgetting what their mother sounded like. Her willingness to keep trying, and her obvious love for Akira eventually wins over, both his mother and his mother-in-law who understands that her dead daughter can't be Akira's last love.
Then the book takes a weird jump forward where now the daughters are adults, one married one engaged and then a man named Julian comes downstairs and kisses Rose. Yeah, not the way we thought this was going to end up. It was very jarring. We spent so much time watching Rose and Akira fall in love, and Rose jump through hoops, to never get to actually see them enjoy their new family feels like robbery.
3.5 stars
September 1, 2025
The Making of Us by Diane Hawley Nagatomo is the story of two people from different cultures who meet under normal circumstances, but are drawn to one another because, whether they both know it or not, they each need a human connection. Rose Millstone, an American from Nebraska living in Tokyo in 1985, teaches English to native Japanese people enrolled in her class. She must learn to adapt to their culture as she builds a circle of friends and students and begins a relationship with Akira Kato. He’s a widowed Japanese businessman with two young daughters enrolled in her class. Their path to happiness is not an easy one, with some bumps along the way. Themes like cross-cultural relationships, redefining family, gender roles, grief, and personal growth are explored. For them to be together, they must overcome family expectations, language barriers, and societal norms, among other obstacles, all of which prompt each of them to question whether it’s worth it.
The cover of The Making of Us by Diane Hawley Nagatomo is what initially intrigued me about this book. It made me want to know the story of the couple whose silhouette appeared on it. After reading about them, one thing is clear: Love is love. As I read, I found myself pulled into Rose and Akira’s world. Their challenges, in some respects, became mine. For example, I wanted to talk to his kids about how he needed someone besides them to lean on and have some companionship. I think I was hooked from the minute he commented on her name being beautiful, which I believe even surprised him to an extent. Their relationship was honest and moved at a pace that could be seen as slow, but I think it was just right. If you enjoy stories that convincingly show how a couple’s lives become intertwined, then this tale is for you. It’s the kind of novel that will linger with you after you’ve finished the last page, and those are the best kind of books. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The cover of The Making of Us by Diane Hawley Nagatomo is what initially intrigued me about this book. It made me want to know the story of the couple whose silhouette appeared on it. After reading about them, one thing is clear: Love is love. As I read, I found myself pulled into Rose and Akira’s world. Their challenges, in some respects, became mine. For example, I wanted to talk to his kids about how he needed someone besides them to lean on and have some companionship. I think I was hooked from the minute he commented on her name being beautiful, which I believe even surprised him to an extent. Their relationship was honest and moved at a pace that could be seen as slow, but I think it was just right. If you enjoy stories that convincingly show how a couple’s lives become intertwined, then this tale is for you. It’s the kind of novel that will linger with you after you’ve finished the last page, and those are the best kind of books. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
The highlights of “The Making of Us” are not so much the plot but all the little details of relationships, of cultural differences, of shattering experiences and deeply fulfilling experiences. The story, which I stayed up all night to read, carries us away into another world, one which we are not likely to experience but one that we understand more clearly through the weaving paths of this story.
This engrossing tale shows how hearts and friendships cross boundaries and how the challenges of our lives can lead us to the right places when we approach them with humility, empathy, and a desire to understand.
Relationships cause us to grow and this story shows how much so in so many nuanced ways. The key character, Rose, is an astute observer. In many ways, the myriad of interesting characters around her drive the story while she cautiously seeks to understand her feelings and make decisions. The story is fascinating.
I have enjoyed the author’s previous books and this one is her best yet in terms of what I feel I am walking away with, which is feeling I have a new understanding of the motivations and prejudices different people carry, and nationality or culture is not the basis of all of it. This is a very personal story that hits on various difficult topics as well as fun explorations. What always matters to me in a story is character growth and reader growth and this book is strong in both.
This engrossing tale shows how hearts and friendships cross boundaries and how the challenges of our lives can lead us to the right places when we approach them with humility, empathy, and a desire to understand.
Relationships cause us to grow and this story shows how much so in so many nuanced ways. The key character, Rose, is an astute observer. In many ways, the myriad of interesting characters around her drive the story while she cautiously seeks to understand her feelings and make decisions. The story is fascinating.
I have enjoyed the author’s previous books and this one is her best yet in terms of what I feel I am walking away with, which is feeling I have a new understanding of the motivations and prejudices different people carry, and nationality or culture is not the basis of all of it. This is a very personal story that hits on various difficult topics as well as fun explorations. What always matters to me in a story is character growth and reader growth and this book is strong in both.
May 30, 2025
Diane Nagatomo’s wonderful new novel resonates with those who consider themselves ‘old Japan hands’: that is non-Japanese who have made the country their long-term home. It is especially pertinent for those of us who moved to Japan to teach English, including the familiar stereotypes of the ruthless language school owner desperate to make as much money from his staff as feasible, the innocent foreign teacher who expects better treatment and, is any case, overwhelmed by the strangeness of Japan, as well as the students, ranging from touchingly eager to indifferent, and so on.
Set in 1985 Tokyo, it is the story of Rose Millstone, struggling to recover from being ditched at the altar by her long-term boyfriend in Nebraska. Japan throws up sufficient challenges that she’s roused from the torpor of depression, achieving resilience and, eventually, romance in her new life. We ‘Japan hands’ who have found Japan particularly challenging but ultimately rewarding can especially relate to that theme, as it’s often a thread woven through our own lives.
Nagatomo’s characters are all engagingly believable, the dialogue is convincing, and the story is entrancing. She is a born storyteller.
Highly recommended!
Set in 1985 Tokyo, it is the story of Rose Millstone, struggling to recover from being ditched at the altar by her long-term boyfriend in Nebraska. Japan throws up sufficient challenges that she’s roused from the torpor of depression, achieving resilience and, eventually, romance in her new life. We ‘Japan hands’ who have found Japan particularly challenging but ultimately rewarding can especially relate to that theme, as it’s often a thread woven through our own lives.
Nagatomo’s characters are all engagingly believable, the dialogue is convincing, and the story is entrancing. She is a born storyteller.
Highly recommended!
May 9, 2025
The Making of Us is a charming and engaging read. After enjoying Finding Naomi, I was excited to jump into another of Diane Nagamato’s novels set in Tokyo—and this one was even better.
The story follows Rose, an English teacher from Nebraska, as she navigates life in Japan while working at a conversation school. Through her interactions with students and fellow teachers, we’re drawn into her world and gain insight into the lives and stories of those around her. As she learns about Japanese customs and culture, so do we. Nagamato weaves these details in so naturally that it never feels like a lesson—it’s simply part of the journey.
And there’s romance. A slow burning one that builds. Just when you think you know how things will unfold, the plot takes a surprising turn that keeps you guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. It even inspired me to learn a few Japanese words before my own travels!
I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Rose, an English teacher from Nebraska, as she navigates life in Japan while working at a conversation school. Through her interactions with students and fellow teachers, we’re drawn into her world and gain insight into the lives and stories of those around her. As she learns about Japanese customs and culture, so do we. Nagamato weaves these details in so naturally that it never feels like a lesson—it’s simply part of the journey.
And there’s romance. A slow burning one that builds. Just when you think you know how things will unfold, the plot takes a surprising turn that keeps you guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. It even inspired me to learn a few Japanese words before my own travels!
I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
The Making of Us is a warm, quietly compelling novel that captures the heart of expatriate life in 1980s Tokyo. Following the life of Rose, an American English teacher navigating cultural quirks and professional challenges, readers are drawn into a rich, detailed world where humor, resilience, and self-discovery unfold in everyday moments. Author Diane Nagatomo balances wit and insight in this story of identity, belonging, and personal defiance of societal expectations. With a believable cast of characters and a strong, authentic sense of time and place, The Making of Us feels so vivid and personal that it almost reads like a memoir. The story leans more into slice-of-life realism than traditional romance, and an unexpected ending adds a bittersweet layer of reflection that lingers after the last page—reminding us that life, like the best stories, doesn’t always follow a neat or expected path.
May 13, 2025
The Making of Us is a heart-warming story of how love grows and changes with us if we open our hearts and minds to its possibilities. Jilted and broken-hearted, Rose decides to get as far away as possible from Nebraska and her obnoxious ex-fiance by moving to Japan and becoming an English teacher. Little does she know, an unlikely student will change her life forever. His awkward family, complete with two mothers who are still mothering him, test Rose's understanding of love, family, and cultural differences. A surprising twist challenges Rose even further, yet what she learned by shifting her perspective and breaking down her self-imposed boundaries allows her to find love when she thought all was lost. The Making of Us is full of fun insights about Japan and wonderful characters who warm your heart. A must-read!
May 14, 2025
Diane Hawley Nagatomo's third novel is her best one yet! The pace may be a little slower this time around as she eschewed meladrama for more character development in this book. That said the few plot twists she does have are effective, leading to a very dramatic climax and conclusion.
Although came to Japan in the 1990s I could relate to Rose, the main character, the choices she must make, and the challenges she faces living in 1980s Japan and falling in love. The Making of Us is more than a romance; it is a story about love in all its many forms. Some of the most touching scenes are when Rose must decide how much she wants to become a part of a blended family overseas and her relationship with the children of her lover Akira, a devoted single father with his own struggles.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in love stories and Japan.
Although came to Japan in the 1990s I could relate to Rose, the main character, the choices she must make, and the challenges she faces living in 1980s Japan and falling in love. The Making of Us is more than a romance; it is a story about love in all its many forms. Some of the most touching scenes are when Rose must decide how much she wants to become a part of a blended family overseas and her relationship with the children of her lover Akira, a devoted single father with his own struggles.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in love stories and Japan.
July 26, 2025
The story is about a jilted young American woman who moves to Japan (to teach English), where she falls in love with a Japanese man. The book was easy to get into with likable characters who were going through some life changes. The best aspect of the writing was that the characters felt like real people, to the extent that I thought that it was autobiographical. I have an interest in Japan, and I appreciate that the book gave a glimpse into the culture (from a foreigner’s perspective). There was also a taste of what it is like to teach English overseas. I enjoyed the first half much more than the latter half, which felt somewhat stagnant, but for the abrupt and disconcerting turn near the end.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.
July 29, 2025
Diane Hawley Nagatomo is a wonderful writer who really understands the expat experience of living in Japan and teaching there over the last 4 decades. This is the 3rd novel of hers which I have read and I have now requested our public library order all 3.In every case, I feel intimately involved with her characters and storyline. The book got off to a bit of a slow start and I mistakenly thought it to be predictable. But, boy was I surprised and wrong! Twists and turns abound along with chapter cliff-hangers. Plan to recommend "The Making of Us" to friends and bookclubs. As a bonus, readers will have fun learning or reviewing a bit of Japanese.
June 7, 2025
The Making of Us is a delightful love story and so much more. After being jilted shortly before her wedding day, Rose decides to start over and moves to Japan to teach English. There, we follow her journey as she discovers a rewarding life she had never imagined, but so richly deserves.
I love a good second chances story and this book delivers. It's a realistic and well-written tale of personal growth and finding a love that sustains you and nourishes your soul. Memorable characters, smart dialogue and a storyline with a surprise or two. Highly recommended!
I love a good second chances story and this book delivers. It's a realistic and well-written tale of personal growth and finding a love that sustains you and nourishes your soul. Memorable characters, smart dialogue and a storyline with a surprise or two. Highly recommended!
June 8, 2025
Diane Hawley Nagatomo took me on a magical ride through the life and times of an American woman immersing herself in the life and culture of Japanese life. Such a skilled writer, the author brought rich characters to life with engaging dialogue and vivid scenes that wouldn’t let me go. Such a treat—I’ll never forget this beautiful, deeply emotional story that tugged at my heart every step of the way. Brilliant!
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