Title: From Salaryman to Bride
Subtitle:Fumio’s Unlikely Path to Happiness
Series: Japanesque TS
Author: Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa
I’m thrilled to finally introduce you to my latest labor of love, “From Salaryman to Bride,” a story that’s been bubbling in my mind for a long time. It’s a proud addition to the “Japanesque TS” series, and I hope it will be the best one so far!
If you’re familiar with my work, you know I’m fascinated by the intersection of cultural specificity, personal identity, and the ever-evolving landscape of love and relationships. “From Salaryman to Bride” takes these themes head-on, plunging into the heart of modern Japan as it grapples with newly legalized same-sex marriage.
What happens when a seemingly ordinary salaryman, Fumio Uehara, finds himself unexpectedly proposed to by his boss, the towering and respected Mr. Sugita? Suddenly, Fumio’s world is turned upside down. He’s got to navigate the treacherous waters of corporate politics, familial expectations, and, most importantly, his own evolving understanding of his gender identity. And let’s just say, things get complicated.
This isn’t your typical boy-meets-boy romance. It has to deal with issues like bullying and power dynamics at the workplace. It explores societal pressures on LGBT+ individuals. Fumio has to challenge his own assumptions about masculinity and femininity, and what it means to be a partner, a parent and an individual. “From Salaryman to Bride” takes a nuanced and often humorous look at the challenges of breaking free from societal molds and finding your own path, even when that path is filled with unexpected twists and turns.
And then there are the other characters. I’m particularly proud of Kana and Mina, Sugita’s daughters, who bring an incredible warmth and depth to the story. Their need for a loving home is a crucial driving force for Fumio and Sugita. The book has lots to say about “found family,” those bonds that arise from love and mutual support, not only by blood.
It is also about societal expectations. Kazuko Sekiguchi, the department head’s secretary, emerges as a crucial character. With her twisted perspective, she brings conflict and raises several ethical questions to the story, including the nature of what makes us people.
However, don’t expect a simple story about “good” and “bad” people! As someone said, “A good villain is the hero of their own story.” I am not taking any sides.
It also deals with what a romantic relationship is. Many times, when our preconceived notions about love and marriage are shattered. Then what can we do?
Of course, being a “Japanesque TS” novel, “From Salaryman to Bride” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. That means exploring corporate life and power dynamics, and how family expectations weigh on LGBT+ individuals. It’s a story that, while dealing with complex social issues, always finds time to explore the joy, warmth, and hilarious awkwardness of human connection.
I hope you’ll dive into “From Salaryman to Bride” and let Fumio’s journey inspire you to embrace your true self, challenge societal norms, and never underestimate the transformative power of love. And who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself laughing along the way!