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Kamikaze Girls: Una historia de Shimotsuma
Momoko vive en Shimotsuma, un pueblo rural de Japón, y está obsesionada con la estética «lolita», un movimiento que adora el rococó francés del siglo XVIII y su forma de vestir. Su manera de ver la vida no encaja con la del lugar, que considera demasiado pueblerina para ella, por lo que decide vivir al margen de todo y pasar su tiempo dedicada a bordar, leer, escuchar música clásica y viajar a Tokio a comprar ropa lolita.
Su vida cambia el día que conoce a Ichigo, una motera integrante de una banda juvenil de chicas que la embarca en la búsqueda de un mítico bordador de chaquetas de yakuza, al que nadie ha visto jamás, y del que necesita un trabajo muy especial.
Durante esta empresa las dos vivirán lo que es la amistad, la lealtad, la bondad o el desamor. Un torbellino de emociones que anuncia un paso a la madurez al que intentan resistirse con pesar.
Su vida cambia el día que conoce a Ichigo, una motera integrante de una banda juvenil de chicas que la embarca en la búsqueda de un mítico bordador de chaquetas de yakuza, al que nadie ha visto jamás, y del que necesita un trabajo muy especial.
Durante esta empresa las dos vivirán lo que es la amistad, la lealtad, la bondad o el desamor. Un torbellino de emociones que anuncia un paso a la madurez al que intentan resistirse con pesar.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2002
About the author
Novala Takemoto
39 books69 followersNovala Takemoto (嶽本 野ばら) is the professional name of Toshiaki Takemoto (嶽本 稔明), a Japanese author and fashion designer. Takemoto has been one of the most active promoters of the Lolita lifestyle and remains fascinated with the Rococo era in particular. He was nominated for the Yukio Mishima Literary Award twice, for his novels Emily (in 2003) and Lolita (in 2004).
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December 9, 2024
Kamikaze Girls, which was originally titled “Shimotsuma Story: Yanki Girl and Lolita Girl” (下妻物語――ヤンキーちゃんとロリータちゃん Shimotsuma Monogatari-Yanki-chan to Rorita-chan) in Japanese and was changed in English to the confusing Kamikaze Girls title for who knows what reason, is an absolutely fantastic tale of fashion, friendship, fake name-brand items, saying "f*ck off" to the world, and finding yourself.
It's narrated by a teenage lolita* who is trapped in the unfashionable Japanese countryside and has ample snark. I consider one of my favorite literary heroines.
A note: "lolita" in this context refers to someone who wears lolita fashion a style reminiscent of Victorian clothing with many sub-genres like sweet, goth, classic, etc. It's not at all associated with or derivative of the novel that shares the name.
In fact, lolita fashion culture vehemently rejects its fashion and members being sexualized, focusing on the aesthetic value of something ultra feminine and pretty and cultivating a safe space for femininity and women. It's basically the antithesis to the definition in the western world and "lolita" isn't capitalized all the time like a proper noun, even when used to describe someone who wears the fashion.
Momoko is smart, snarky, witty, sarcastic, unashamed, dramatic, unabashed, fiercely independent, stubbornly devoted, coolly aloof, impossibly elegant, sometimes vainly selfish, sometimes a spitfire who swears and could kick someone’s butt, and is completely unafraid to live life as she pleases in her lacy, frilly, absolutely decadent classic lolita fashion with her nonconforming “rococo” lifestyle (in other words, Momoko likes to live life like the French aristocracy right before the French Revolution; that sort of dreamy, decadent, sweetly cloying sort of lifestyle of aesthetic and hendoism).
She’s a great narrator who's endlessly entertaining with her two-cents on everything and unique style of storytelling. Even though about 50 pages of the book are just Momoko’s backstory and her leading us up to the encounter with Ichigo, I personally never felt that any of it was dull just because Novala Takemoto created such a great character. Being in Momoko’s head is a blast! Even at her worst, she’s hard to hate and even harder to ignore, because she’s so bluntly honest and unflinching in her observations of the world and people.
My favorite part of the book, however, is the depiction of Momoko’s growing friendship with a girl named Ichigo, whom she meets one day while selling her dad’s bootleg merchandise through a magazine ad.
Ichigo (who wants to go by the name "Ichiko" since "Ichigo" is the word for strawberry and goes against her biker, yanki/delinquent image) is depicted as Momoko’s opposite—where Momoko is all elegance and cold, aloof behavior with a smart, snarky head on her shoulders, Ichigo is aggressive, expressive, emotional, often times not the brightest crayon in the box, and a teen delinquent who’s more likely to use violence and yelling to solve her problems—but we see through the book how ultimately suited they are for each other and how beneficial they are to the other in terms of influence and growth. They get into all sorts of mishaps and adventures, which range from horribly silly to strangely emotional.
Ichigo chases after Momoko, intent on friendship and not caring that Momoko rebuffs her, and eventually her perseverance wins over Momoko, whose friendship, once earned, is eternal. It’s a beautiful, hilarious, entertaining, unique, and above all deeply real depiction of friendship between two vastly different and wonderfully complex teen girls who have both given the world the middle finger in their own way.
Although I’m sure the translation has changed some things from the original Japanese and some things were lost altogether because of the language gap, I ultimately feel like the style of the writing is amazing and that the translator did a fantastic job capturing the essence of Momoko’s personality and voice. It’s modern and isn’t afraid to let you know that this was set in the 2000s, but even reading it in 2017, it doesn’t feel dated. The writing is designed to explain things and do so in a way that any teen girl would—simply, directly, but with ample opinion. The characters are all well fleshed out and given a distinct style to them, making even the most unimportant card-board side character feel like a unique creation. The story, though simple when boiled to its essence, is still masterfully executed and bedazzled by the inner dialog of a narrating Momoko and the presence of Ichigo, who is always a pleasure to see on the page.
Though this is such a simple little book that’s at times silly, I think it’s actually a pretty good little piece of literature that speaks volumes about our modern world and has an excellent portrayal of unconventional friendship. It stands out amongst other books tackling the same ideas in its unique details, setting, and its colorful characters.
Kamikaze Girls has been a favorite of mine since I read it for the first time about six years ago and I give it every recommendation to people who enjoy stories about friendship and who love character driven plots that rely heavily on witty inner dialog to tell a tantalizing, entertaining story about a girl who just wants to live the way she wants and makes a friend along the way that she knows she’ll keep for the rest of her life. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to read and reread again and again without losing its charm. I even have a beat up copy I throw in my bag sometimes just to have in case I’m out somewhere and need something to do for a while.
This book was also made into a great film starring the talented Kyoko Fukada and the talented Anna Tsuchiya as Momoko and Ichigo respectively. I own the DVD and watch the film frequently (thought I will also say that the translation for the film isn’t as good at it is for the book; a lot of stuff is ignored or cut down to its essence for western viewers, so you do miss some stuff if you don’t speak Japanese) and feel it captures the same aesthetic and essence of the book.
It's narrated by a teenage lolita* who is trapped in the unfashionable Japanese countryside and has ample snark. I consider one of my favorite literary heroines.
A note: "lolita" in this context refers to someone who wears lolita fashion a style reminiscent of Victorian clothing with many sub-genres like sweet, goth, classic, etc. It's not at all associated with or derivative of the novel that shares the name.
In fact, lolita fashion culture vehemently rejects its fashion and members being sexualized, focusing on the aesthetic value of something ultra feminine and pretty and cultivating a safe space for femininity and women. It's basically the antithesis to the definition in the western world and "lolita" isn't capitalized all the time like a proper noun, even when used to describe someone who wears the fashion.
Momoko is smart, snarky, witty, sarcastic, unashamed, dramatic, unabashed, fiercely independent, stubbornly devoted, coolly aloof, impossibly elegant, sometimes vainly selfish, sometimes a spitfire who swears and could kick someone’s butt, and is completely unafraid to live life as she pleases in her lacy, frilly, absolutely decadent classic lolita fashion with her nonconforming “rococo” lifestyle (in other words, Momoko likes to live life like the French aristocracy right before the French Revolution; that sort of dreamy, decadent, sweetly cloying sort of lifestyle of aesthetic and hendoism).
She’s a great narrator who's endlessly entertaining with her two-cents on everything and unique style of storytelling. Even though about 50 pages of the book are just Momoko’s backstory and her leading us up to the encounter with Ichigo, I personally never felt that any of it was dull just because Novala Takemoto created such a great character. Being in Momoko’s head is a blast! Even at her worst, she’s hard to hate and even harder to ignore, because she’s so bluntly honest and unflinching in her observations of the world and people.
My favorite part of the book, however, is the depiction of Momoko’s growing friendship with a girl named Ichigo, whom she meets one day while selling her dad’s bootleg merchandise through a magazine ad.
Ichigo (who wants to go by the name "Ichiko" since "Ichigo" is the word for strawberry and goes against her biker, yanki/delinquent image) is depicted as Momoko’s opposite—where Momoko is all elegance and cold, aloof behavior with a smart, snarky head on her shoulders, Ichigo is aggressive, expressive, emotional, often times not the brightest crayon in the box, and a teen delinquent who’s more likely to use violence and yelling to solve her problems—but we see through the book how ultimately suited they are for each other and how beneficial they are to the other in terms of influence and growth. They get into all sorts of mishaps and adventures, which range from horribly silly to strangely emotional.
Ichigo chases after Momoko, intent on friendship and not caring that Momoko rebuffs her, and eventually her perseverance wins over Momoko, whose friendship, once earned, is eternal. It’s a beautiful, hilarious, entertaining, unique, and above all deeply real depiction of friendship between two vastly different and wonderfully complex teen girls who have both given the world the middle finger in their own way.
Although I’m sure the translation has changed some things from the original Japanese and some things were lost altogether because of the language gap, I ultimately feel like the style of the writing is amazing and that the translator did a fantastic job capturing the essence of Momoko’s personality and voice. It’s modern and isn’t afraid to let you know that this was set in the 2000s, but even reading it in 2017, it doesn’t feel dated. The writing is designed to explain things and do so in a way that any teen girl would—simply, directly, but with ample opinion. The characters are all well fleshed out and given a distinct style to them, making even the most unimportant card-board side character feel like a unique creation. The story, though simple when boiled to its essence, is still masterfully executed and bedazzled by the inner dialog of a narrating Momoko and the presence of Ichigo, who is always a pleasure to see on the page.
Though this is such a simple little book that’s at times silly, I think it’s actually a pretty good little piece of literature that speaks volumes about our modern world and has an excellent portrayal of unconventional friendship. It stands out amongst other books tackling the same ideas in its unique details, setting, and its colorful characters.
Kamikaze Girls has been a favorite of mine since I read it for the first time about six years ago and I give it every recommendation to people who enjoy stories about friendship and who love character driven plots that rely heavily on witty inner dialog to tell a tantalizing, entertaining story about a girl who just wants to live the way she wants and makes a friend along the way that she knows she’ll keep for the rest of her life. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to read and reread again and again without losing its charm. I even have a beat up copy I throw in my bag sometimes just to have in case I’m out somewhere and need something to do for a while.
This book was also made into a great film starring the talented Kyoko Fukada and the talented Anna Tsuchiya as Momoko and Ichigo respectively. I own the DVD and watch the film frequently (thought I will also say that the translation for the film isn’t as good at it is for the book; a lot of stuff is ignored or cut down to its essence for western viewers, so you do miss some stuff if you don’t speak Japanese) and feel it captures the same aesthetic and essence of the book.
October 2, 2007
This is seriously one of the funniest books I have ever read in my life! I just remember laughing outloud at all the randomness, and feeling really happy. i was extremely impressed that this book is written by a guy, i didnt see that coming..I thought for sure it was a female writer til i noticed it wasnt halfway through the book. There a lot of rambling chatter that just goes on and on sometimes, but i didn't mind it really. Its told from the pov of a lolita that lies her way to get money for her expensive fashion tastes. She has no friends and doesn't really care, nor if people think she's weird. SHe lives in her own little idealistic fantasy world that is until a yanki, biker gang chick, comes along...
September 10, 2023
4.75 stars. i adored the hell out of this
July 27, 2013
I have to say that I like stories that feature a friendship between two people who are extremely different from each other. So when I found out about Kamikaze Girls, I just knew that I needed the book in my hands. And when I finally got a copy of the novel in my hands and started reading, I couldn't stop laughing!
Kamikaze Girls is a playful and seriously funny book. It's not just the unlikely friendship between Momoko, a Lolita who is completely dedicated to Rococo, and Ichigo, a Yanki who is more than a little in love with the biker gang known as the Ponytails that she happens to be part of, that made me laugh, but also the dialogue and Momoko's voice. I couldn't go a page without finding something I thought to be funny.
Momoko, the Lolita and narrator of this story, is a thoroughly entertaining character. She is humorous, well-rounded, and girly. She goes by her own rules and really couldn't care less about what others think of her and the frilly dresses she wears. Her narrative, which is quite chatty, is engaging and full of wit, even when she is spouting out some lecture on the Rococo era and Lolita fashion, or her sort-of depressing childhood. Momoko is undeniably charming and had me stuck in my bed reading all day.
Ichigo, the Yanki of this story, is also endearing. Yes, she is dim-witted but I never found her to be annoying or needy. Honestly, the things that she says and does are laugh out loud funny. She is full of life and, even though she is normally dim-witted, can be extremely tough and wise. She is loyal and has a strong sense of honor. And, like Momoko, Ichigo doesn't care about what other people think of her. I loved Ichigo and the laughs she brought.
The friendship between the two girls is actually very subtle while it is developing. It is rarely, if not never, directly said that they are friends, until the end. The reader must pay attention to the (hilarious) interactions and conversations that happen between the two characters. I was fond of this fact, though others may not.
I must warn people though that the beginning of the novel is slow. It takes a while for Momoko to meet Ichigo. Though I do think that the wait is well worth it, as Momoko and Ichigo's little adventures are fun and amusing, and that fight scene near the end was pretty exciting. I don't want to spoil so here are only six words: badass Yanki and Lolita kick butt.
The prose is very good, straight to the point could be a way to describe it. But the real treat is the smart, witty dialogue. It really and truly made me feel smile and laugh. And there is quite a bit of dialogue, so there was quite a bit of smiling and laughing.
Kamikaze Girls is a fun, charming coming-of-age tale that I loved a lot. Even if you feel like you have already read a story like this, I still recommend you read this novel. Because Kamikaze Girls is Kamikaze Girls and Kamikaze Girls is awesome. And funny.
Kamikaze Girls is a playful and seriously funny book. It's not just the unlikely friendship between Momoko, a Lolita who is completely dedicated to Rococo, and Ichigo, a Yanki who is more than a little in love with the biker gang known as the Ponytails that she happens to be part of, that made me laugh, but also the dialogue and Momoko's voice. I couldn't go a page without finding something I thought to be funny.
Momoko, the Lolita and narrator of this story, is a thoroughly entertaining character. She is humorous, well-rounded, and girly. She goes by her own rules and really couldn't care less about what others think of her and the frilly dresses she wears. Her narrative, which is quite chatty, is engaging and full of wit, even when she is spouting out some lecture on the Rococo era and Lolita fashion, or her sort-of depressing childhood. Momoko is undeniably charming and had me stuck in my bed reading all day.
Ichigo, the Yanki of this story, is also endearing. Yes, she is dim-witted but I never found her to be annoying or needy. Honestly, the things that she says and does are laugh out loud funny. She is full of life and, even though she is normally dim-witted, can be extremely tough and wise. She is loyal and has a strong sense of honor. And, like Momoko, Ichigo doesn't care about what other people think of her. I loved Ichigo and the laughs she brought.
The friendship between the two girls is actually very subtle while it is developing. It is rarely, if not never, directly said that they are friends, until the end. The reader must pay attention to the (hilarious) interactions and conversations that happen between the two characters. I was fond of this fact, though others may not.
I must warn people though that the beginning of the novel is slow. It takes a while for Momoko to meet Ichigo. Though I do think that the wait is well worth it, as Momoko and Ichigo's little adventures are fun and amusing, and that fight scene near the end was pretty exciting. I don't want to spoil so here are only six words: badass Yanki and Lolita kick butt.
The prose is very good, straight to the point could be a way to describe it. But the real treat is the smart, witty dialogue. It really and truly made me feel smile and laugh. And there is quite a bit of dialogue, so there was quite a bit of smiling and laughing.
Kamikaze Girls is a fun, charming coming-of-age tale that I loved a lot. Even if you feel like you have already read a story like this, I still recommend you read this novel. Because Kamikaze Girls is Kamikaze Girls and Kamikaze Girls is awesome. And funny.
December 4, 2008
Go figure that, after years of being completely unable to relate to almost any female characters in the books I read, I find the perfect girlbonding story that features two clashing, western influenced and dying subcultures in Japan.
For some perspective, as of the writing of this book, both the Yankii/Bosozoku subculture and Lolita subculture were on the fade. Though both have recently had a small resurgence, they are both pretty much the domain of those who are very invested in the lifestyle. Also, while not exactly unheard of, female yankii and bosozoku are much more rare.
This is a story of two girls who find themselves in two completely opposite subcultures out in cabbage country. They find themselves with some extremely unlikely bonding which eventually works its way to true friendship. I saw the movie before reading the book-- they are both similar, but still different enough that I didn't mind reading it. Some of the male characters are far better looking in the book. *laugh*
Firstly, this story is fun.
Secondly, this story is about aggressive consumerism, misanthropy, fists of fury, love for your best friend. The determination to live your life the way YOU want to.
Thirdly, this felt so real to me, that I almost cried at some points. Very touching, with a bit of kick and sarcasm.
Also: For those who objected that the original title "Shimotsuma Monagatari" was changed to "Kamikaze Girls"-- this was not done by Viz. I'm pretty certain the title change happened before any Viz licensing-- and it isn't random Japanese-ism. Yankii often graduate into scooter gangs (bosozoku) and these scooter gangs were often known as Kamikaze Riders. So with that perspective, the title fits quite well.
For some perspective, as of the writing of this book, both the Yankii/Bosozoku subculture and Lolita subculture were on the fade. Though both have recently had a small resurgence, they are both pretty much the domain of those who are very invested in the lifestyle. Also, while not exactly unheard of, female yankii and bosozoku are much more rare.
This is a story of two girls who find themselves in two completely opposite subcultures out in cabbage country. They find themselves with some extremely unlikely bonding which eventually works its way to true friendship. I saw the movie before reading the book-- they are both similar, but still different enough that I didn't mind reading it. Some of the male characters are far better looking in the book. *laugh*
Firstly, this story is fun.
Secondly, this story is about aggressive consumerism, misanthropy, fists of fury, love for your best friend. The determination to live your life the way YOU want to.
Thirdly, this felt so real to me, that I almost cried at some points. Very touching, with a bit of kick and sarcasm.
Also: For those who objected that the original title "Shimotsuma Monagatari" was changed to "Kamikaze Girls"-- this was not done by Viz. I'm pretty certain the title change happened before any Viz licensing-- and it isn't random Japanese-ism. Yankii often graduate into scooter gangs (bosozoku) and these scooter gangs were often known as Kamikaze Riders. So with that perspective, the title fits quite well.
August 30, 2023
Librazo, librazo, librazo.
Mejor lectura del año hasta ahora.
Mejor lectura del año hasta ahora.
September 29, 2021
Me ha tenido con una sonrisa toda la lectura, hacía mucho que no me lo pasaba taaan bien con una novela!
🛵Confieso que lo primero que me llamó la atención de esta novela fue su portada 😍 Y es que con esa estética tan japonesa y colorida sin duda era una historia diferente. No conocía a la autora ni la editorial, pero cómo me alegro de haberlo traído a casa! "Kamikaze girls: Una historia de Shimotsuma" de la autora #NovalaTakemoto 🌸 Dos chicas de 16 años, Momoko (fantasiosa y que adora la estética lolita) e Ichigo (una gamberrilla pero con gran corazón e ingenuidad) cruzan sus caminos y unirán fuerzas para un objetivo en común.
🍑La historia está narrada desde el lado de Momoko y te partes de risa con lo borde que es pese a su aspecto angelical y repolludo 😂 Y pese a su look de tipa dura, Ichigo es todo lo contrario a Momoko, se preocupa por los demás y en el fondo no deja de ser una cría.
🍥Me he partido de risa con algunos momentos, y sin duda me ha tenido con la sonrisa en la cara de principio a fin. Si necesitas algo alocado y divertido pero que resalte el valor de permanecer fiel a uno mismo, esta es una opción perfecta. Para mí, una lectura de 5 🌟.
🛵Confieso que lo primero que me llamó la atención de esta novela fue su portada 😍 Y es que con esa estética tan japonesa y colorida sin duda era una historia diferente. No conocía a la autora ni la editorial, pero cómo me alegro de haberlo traído a casa! "Kamikaze girls: Una historia de Shimotsuma" de la autora #NovalaTakemoto 🌸 Dos chicas de 16 años, Momoko (fantasiosa y que adora la estética lolita) e Ichigo (una gamberrilla pero con gran corazón e ingenuidad) cruzan sus caminos y unirán fuerzas para un objetivo en común.
🍑La historia está narrada desde el lado de Momoko y te partes de risa con lo borde que es pese a su aspecto angelical y repolludo 😂 Y pese a su look de tipa dura, Ichigo es todo lo contrario a Momoko, se preocupa por los demás y en el fondo no deja de ser una cría.
🍥Me he partido de risa con algunos momentos, y sin duda me ha tenido con la sonrisa en la cara de principio a fin. Si necesitas algo alocado y divertido pero que resalte el valor de permanecer fiel a uno mismo, esta es una opción perfecta. Para mí, una lectura de 5 🌟.
July 12, 2012
It was another movie that I had watched first and then discovered that it was a book. It seems to me that most movies I see now of days that interest me turn out to be an adaptation of a novel. I do not know if that is a particularly good or bad thing. As for the book itself, the movie follows it very well and does not stray from it all. It was a fast read, engrossing really, it is considered a light novel.Which I am assuming is equivalent to a young adult novel. But the thing that I do not think the movie captured well was the character of Momoko. In the movie and book she is the narrator and is a Lolita. But what is lost is her tone of voice. It may just be a racial prejudice, but in the book her narration is more adult, in depth, humorous, and well rounded. Though the movie is good, I feel like the actress made her more of a caricature. Considering that this is written for a younger audience and has the usually themes of finding oneself and a bit of coming of age feel, I think that it hits the mark well. It does not dumb down adulthood or personality, but accurately portrays the moral it is striving for. In fact, I feel that the narrator is one of the few characters who has a strong grasp of self and her own morality, she does not have to compromise herself in order to add to the plot. In the end she adds to her already strong character in a beneficial way.
July 17, 2025
“Oh, Ichigo. My darling Ichigo. There’s so much that I owe you, too. But I’m never paying any of it back—not a smidgen. You’re also the one who showed me that growing up might not be such a bad thing after all. Thank you, Ichigo. This is much too embarrassing for me to ever say out loud, but you’re the best friend I could ever have.”
ci ho messo quasi due anni per riuscire a trovare una copia fisica di questo libro ma posso dire con ogni certezza che la lunga attesa ne è valsa assolutamente la pena, avevo già adorato il film e la lettura di questo romanzo non ha fatto altro che rafforzare e centuplicare il mio amore per questa storia. Momoko ed Ichigo sono due personaggi adorabili ed il modo in cui il loro rapporto si evolve durante il corso della narrazione fa scaldare il cuore🩷
senza ombra di dubbio, per me, questo romanzo vale 5⭐️ più che meritate🩷
ci ho messo quasi due anni per riuscire a trovare una copia fisica di questo libro ma posso dire con ogni certezza che la lunga attesa ne è valsa assolutamente la pena, avevo già adorato il film e la lettura di questo romanzo non ha fatto altro che rafforzare e centuplicare il mio amore per questa storia. Momoko ed Ichigo sono due personaggi adorabili ed il modo in cui il loro rapporto si evolve durante il corso della narrazione fa scaldare il cuore🩷
senza ombra di dubbio, per me, questo romanzo vale 5⭐️ più che meritate🩷
December 10, 2016
I will be scheduling appointments with anyone willing to listen to me lecture/yell at them about all the reasons why this is the best coming of age novel I've ever read!!!!!
April 12, 2023
soy gay y estoy feliz muchas gracias
June 23, 2019
4,5
¡Cuantísimo me ha gustado! Aunque al comenzar a leer tuve mis dudas, con el paso de las páginas me fue conquistando totalmente. Las protagonistas y la historia son geniales, me ha hecho reír y ha conseguido engancharme. Es interesante la cantidad de información sobre los yankis, los bōsōzoku y las lolitas que aporta.
La edición me encanta, con notas al pie y un glosario de términos muy interesante.
¡Cuantísimo me ha gustado! Aunque al comenzar a leer tuve mis dudas, con el paso de las páginas me fue conquistando totalmente. Las protagonistas y la historia son geniales, me ha hecho reír y ha conseguido engancharme. Es interesante la cantidad de información sobre los yankis, los bōsōzoku y las lolitas que aporta.
La edición me encanta, con notas al pie y un glosario de términos muy interesante.
October 8, 2023
Autoregalo que me he hecho por mi cumpleaños y muy satisfecha. No es la novela de mi vida ni voy a recordarla hasta el fin de mis días, pero es una novela cuqui, divertida y sobre todo muy moderna, de dos chavalas adolescentes, una pandillera y la otra lolita, que no podrían ser más diferentes y se encuentran por el camino y acaban adorándose entre charlas de ropa y costumbres de las bandas de moteras. Un relato muy simpático y que sin duda, recomiendo.
November 4, 2013
I liked this book, it was rather different. I must say it was a little hard getting into the book, perhaps because some of it didn't translate from Japanese so well. I also was unaccustomed to such great detail given to setting, and the fact that it would go from very little dialogue to pages and pages of nothing but dialogue.
I saw the movie a few years back, and enjoyed that immensely. I am happy to report they keep key elements from the novel in the film, it also made me happy to read direct quotations, including some of the voice overs in the movie that represented things the main character Momoko was thinking in the book.
The book is a Japanese telling of unlikely friends, a Lolita, the ultimate in feminity and a Yanki, a hardcore biker. The Lolita Momoko is determined to not care for anyone and wishes to live out a fanciful, but lonesome life style. The Yanki is Ichiko (Ichigo, actually, which means strawberry but she finds the name too girlie) is a blunt, and brash character who cannot hide that beneath it she has a good heart, she also suffers from insecurity believing herself to be dumb. The two strike up a friendship, and each eventually warm up to one another over time, Ichigo becomes more confident and Momoko realizes it's not so bad to have a friend.
If you're a fan of Japanese culture, especially pop culture, this is the book for you. I admit the first bit is rough to get through, but once you do you meet some pretty unforgettable characters, go on some heartwarming adventure, and even laugh a bit along the way.
I saw the movie a few years back, and enjoyed that immensely. I am happy to report they keep key elements from the novel in the film, it also made me happy to read direct quotations, including some of the voice overs in the movie that represented things the main character Momoko was thinking in the book.
The book is a Japanese telling of unlikely friends, a Lolita, the ultimate in feminity and a Yanki, a hardcore biker. The Lolita Momoko is determined to not care for anyone and wishes to live out a fanciful, but lonesome life style. The Yanki is Ichiko (Ichigo, actually, which means strawberry but she finds the name too girlie) is a blunt, and brash character who cannot hide that beneath it she has a good heart, she also suffers from insecurity believing herself to be dumb. The two strike up a friendship, and each eventually warm up to one another over time, Ichigo becomes more confident and Momoko realizes it's not so bad to have a friend.
If you're a fan of Japanese culture, especially pop culture, this is the book for you. I admit the first bit is rough to get through, but once you do you meet some pretty unforgettable characters, go on some heartwarming adventure, and even laugh a bit along the way.
August 10, 2014
Kamikaze Girls is still one of my favourite books to date. A selfish lolita + a tough-but-not-too-tough biker girl + rice paddies, pachinko parlours, and gang fights = a ridiculous and heart-warming story of true friendship (covered head to foot in lacy frills and motor oil). While the relationship between these two girls is comically unlikely (and often unwanted), it stems from a need within both to belong somewhere other than where circumstance brings them.
The lolita, Momoko, may be greedy, conniving, and uncaring of others' feelings, motives, and - well, everything, really...but she is also brave and honest (sometimes brutally so), sharing with others her sincere perspective just when they need it most (ie. one of my favourite quotes from any book ever, “Snatching happiness takes a lot more courage than enduring unhappiness.” Simple, to the point, and lovely).
In contrast, Ichigo the yanki, while loud, obnoxious, simple, and perhaps intimidating on first meeting, shows immediately a deep craving for companionship, acceptance, and constancy. This makes an unlikely pairing for Momoko, but it just might be what these two [anti]heroines really need.
The lolita, Momoko, may be greedy, conniving, and uncaring of others' feelings, motives, and - well, everything, really...but she is also brave and honest (sometimes brutally so), sharing with others her sincere perspective just when they need it most (ie. one of my favourite quotes from any book ever, “Snatching happiness takes a lot more courage than enduring unhappiness.” Simple, to the point, and lovely).
In contrast, Ichigo the yanki, while loud, obnoxious, simple, and perhaps intimidating on first meeting, shows immediately a deep craving for companionship, acceptance, and constancy. This makes an unlikely pairing for Momoko, but it just might be what these two [anti]heroines really need.
November 2, 2021
so unapologetically queer and girly. great balance of humour and profundity in the writing, haven’t felt this warm and fuzzy over a book in a long time
August 23, 2024
Momoko e Ichigo, lolita y pandillera respectivamente, dos polos más que opuestos que crean una amistad tan pura y real sin ellas pretenderlo que rompe absolutamente todos los esquemas.
Novela narrada desde el punto de vista de Momoko a quien vamos conociendo a lo largo de los capítulos aunque no del todo según mi opinión, pero lo que muestra de su vida lo hace con un lenguaje tan natural, cómico e irónico que a mí me tiene más que ganada.
El final totalmente inesperado le ha sumado puntos a una lectura en la que he visualizado mentalmente en cada página que leía a ambas protagonistas con su estilo propio y carácter.
⭐ Mi nota real sería un 4,5/5 ⭐
Novela narrada desde el punto de vista de Momoko a quien vamos conociendo a lo largo de los capítulos aunque no del todo según mi opinión, pero lo que muestra de su vida lo hace con un lenguaje tan natural, cómico e irónico que a mí me tiene más que ganada.
El final totalmente inesperado le ha sumado puntos a una lectura en la que he visualizado mentalmente en cada página que leía a ambas protagonistas con su estilo propio y carácter.
⭐ Mi nota real sería un 4,5/5 ⭐
May 22, 2021
Love the writing style of this! Dont really know how to describe it, but love it. Also love the two girls and their dynamic. Really sweet book!
February 14, 2024
Me ha sorprendido gratamente la verdad.
A ver, ha sido raro de narices pero creo que es porque no estoy acostumbrada a este tipo de libros, de todas formas no sé me ha hecho pesado y ha sido divertido. Coges cariño a las protas y la amistad que forjan me parece preciosa. En fin, que no ha estado mal para ser mi segundo contacto con este género, le daré otra oportunidad. 🍓🛵
A ver, ha sido raro de narices pero creo que es porque no estoy acostumbrada a este tipo de libros, de todas formas no sé me ha hecho pesado y ha sido divertido. Coges cariño a las protas y la amistad que forjan me parece preciosa. En fin, que no ha estado mal para ser mi segundo contacto con este género, le daré otra oportunidad. 🍓🛵
May 28, 2026
I really enjoy and love this book. Also my imagination really work so much in this book.
July 15, 2026
Gracioso y ligero. No pasa nada y a la vez todo. Me ha gustado muchisimo.
Btw, Ichigo no se, pero Momoko es del colectivo 100 por 100.
Btw, Ichigo no se, pero Momoko es del colectivo 100 por 100.
February 27, 2024
Me ha encantado.
Una buena historia japonesa coming-of-age de una lolita y una pandillera.
Poco más se le puede pedir a una novela.
A tope con esto.
Una buena historia japonesa coming-of-age de una lolita y una pandillera.
Poco más se le puede pedir a una novela.
A tope con esto.
January 25, 2026
This book was right up my alley: light heartedness, frilliness, silliness, blossoming friendship, etc. I found myself getting so attached to these girls, laughing and crying along with them (it doesn't take much for me to cry though lol). Kamikaze Girls is so charming and funny. I found it hard to put down. My favorite parts being Momoko's character development and the stupid misunderstandings Ichigo keeps having. This book and their friendship captured my heart enough for 5 stars! 💕
August 8, 2019
L'adattamento cinematografico di Nakashima Tetsuya è stata una manna dal cielo, perché senza di esso probabilmente Kamikaze Girls non avrebbe goduto di questa edizione in inglese. Già in traduzione è abbastanza tosto da leggere; pieno di contrazioni, gerghi, modi di dire; insomma, decisamente un gradino sopra (facciamo pure un paio) del classico giallo della Christie in lingua originale.
La storia segue quasi fedelmente il film, il che è molto utile, perché, specie nella prima parte, c'e' tutta una digressione sullo stile lolita e la sua nascita che per non addetti a sottogonne e JSK può risultare un po' ostica.
Riguardo alla storia in sé e per sé, la trovo semplicemente adorabile; il film è stato un mio cult post adolescenziale ma i personaggi di Novala Takemoto sono ancora più unici e sfaccettati, specie Momoko, che appare ancora più insensibile e crudele.
Non è certo un capolavoro letterario, ma è un raro caso di letteratura giapponese "generazionale" al di fuori del canonico rintracciabile in inglese. Novala Takemoto dimostra di essere uno scrittore molto capace e arguto, anche se il libro è piuttosto autoreferenziale e ci sono talmente tanti riferimenti alle culture giapponesi giovanili che spesso ci si sente spersi, anche non essendo del tutto nuovi all'argomento.
Nota di merito alla stupenda edizione americana, che vale tutti i suoi 17 dollari; hard cover, copertina con titolo "ricamato", libro ricoperto di carta pregiata con un motivo a rose, pagine stampate divinamente e piene di ghirigori, rilegatura solida ma piuttosto maneggevole.
Insomma, un libro diverso per scoprire una letteratura giapponese al di fuori da quei 4 autori che spacciano sempre qui da noi. Temo però che senza un certo interesse sul lato modaiolo della questione, risulti una lettura accessoria.
La storia segue quasi fedelmente il film, il che è molto utile, perché, specie nella prima parte, c'e' tutta una digressione sullo stile lolita e la sua nascita che per non addetti a sottogonne e JSK può risultare un po' ostica.
Riguardo alla storia in sé e per sé, la trovo semplicemente adorabile; il film è stato un mio cult post adolescenziale ma i personaggi di Novala Takemoto sono ancora più unici e sfaccettati, specie Momoko, che appare ancora più insensibile e crudele.
Non è certo un capolavoro letterario, ma è un raro caso di letteratura giapponese "generazionale" al di fuori del canonico rintracciabile in inglese. Novala Takemoto dimostra di essere uno scrittore molto capace e arguto, anche se il libro è piuttosto autoreferenziale e ci sono talmente tanti riferimenti alle culture giapponesi giovanili che spesso ci si sente spersi, anche non essendo del tutto nuovi all'argomento.
Nota di merito alla stupenda edizione americana, che vale tutti i suoi 17 dollari; hard cover, copertina con titolo "ricamato", libro ricoperto di carta pregiata con un motivo a rose, pagine stampate divinamente e piene di ghirigori, rilegatura solida ma piuttosto maneggevole.
Insomma, un libro diverso per scoprire una letteratura giapponese al di fuori da quei 4 autori che spacciano sempre qui da noi. Temo però che senza un certo interesse sul lato modaiolo della questione, risulti una lettura accessoria.
June 14, 2009
This book...wow. It's hard to describe. The main characters, Ichigo and Momoko are very in-your-face and very funny. They both take pride in their...ah...maturity, though Momoko is very calm and levelheaded (almost emotionless, really) but Ichigo is very brash and loud. However, despite their differences the girls manage to find common ground in the pachinko parlor and in matters of ordinary life. And throughout this novel, the author places his messages of defying authority and doing what you want within reason...all in all, a great book though I wouldn't say it is for everyone.
June 11, 2020
so funny, sarcastic and just a good lighthearted read about owning ur life and respecting others who do the same :33
January 26, 2021
This is one of my favorite books ever. As a Lolita I feel inspired by Takemoto’s words. I believe that reading it is fundamental in this fashion. It carries the Lolita spirit gracefully and inspires you to keep going and follow you passions. It is so well written and the translation by Miss Akemi Wegmüller is perfect
October 1, 2010
Ichiko grew exhausted of biker gang hijinks and wanted to settle down to a life of frippery curtain Lolita outfits with Momoko. She wanted me to take her place but the negotiations fell through over the name Ichiko.
October 18, 2010
Loved it. The chick lit, YA book for people who hate chick lit and YA.
October 14, 2024
Una novela muy graciosa y tierna que tiene un tono parecido a la película, aunque ligeramente más slice of life. Explora de una forma muy interesante y refrescante la relación de las protagonistas.
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