Obachan: A Young Girl’s Struggle for Freedom in Twentieth-Century Japan

by Tani Hanes

An unforgettable true story of resilience, family, and chasing your dreams against all odds.

Born into rural poverty in 1920s Japan, twelve-year-old Mitsuko’s life changes forever when she is told she must leave home to work for relatives she barely knows. What follows is an extraordinary journey through some of the most turbulent decades in modern Japanese history—told in her own words, with unflinching honesty and an indomitable spirit.

From the backbreaking labor of potato fields to the suffocating rules of service in wealthy households, Mitsuko’s story is one of quiet rebellion. She dreams of school while forbidden to learn, hides scraps of paper to teach herself to read, and dares to hope for a life that is her own. Along the way, she survives personal betrayals, crushing poverty, war, and cultural traditions that demand her silence—refusing to let circumstance define her.

This memoir is both an intimate portrait of a woman who refused to surrender her voice and a rare, vivid record of everyday life in twentieth-century Japan. It offers readers a view of history not from the seats of power, but from the tatami floors, crowded kitchens, and dusty roads where resilience was forged one small act of defiance at a time.

For fans of Memoirs of a Geisha, The Girl with Seven Names, and The Road to Surrender, Obachan is a deeply moving testament to courage, survival, and the unbreakable will to be free.

Advance praise for

"A beautifully rendered labor of love...Hanes' evocative writing makes her grandmother's courage, determination and grace come alive on the page." - Kirkus Reviews

"Deeply moving...paints a vivid picture of Japanese history and culture through one remarkable woman's life. Hanes is a gifted storyteller." - Publishers Weekly

"Obachan is a must-read for anyone seeking an inspirational true story of resilience and quiet heroism. Mitsuko Ishikawa's life will stay with you long after the final page." - Booklist

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

I was born in Japan, raised in central California, and am now lucky enough to live in New York City. I've wanted to write for so long, and decided to celebrate my birthday by finally doing it! Anyone, everyone who wants to, DO IT. Write what you love, what makes you happy, otherwise what's the point? There's nothing like getting a tearful text from an advance copy beta reader asking, "Why?? Why did you do that to her?!" Being a substitute teacher for fifteen years gave me some good ideas for what today's younger readers would enjoy, and I hope you do :o)

Be sure to visit my web site at www.tanihanes.com and signup for the VIP Readers List for access to pre-releases, bonus materials, giveaways, and other goodies!