The Ghost Who Loved Me
One of the central themes in The Ghost Who Loved Me is gender identity—a topic that’s deeply personal and universal at the same time. Shizuka’s journey is an intimate exploration of what it means to discover yourself, especially when your memories and experiences are fragmented by trauma.
Throughout the story, Shizuka grapples with the belief that they are male, even as their body and the people around them reveal otherwise. This disconnect serves as a metaphor for the way trauma can alter how we see ourselves and the world. It’s only through their encounters with the ghost of Kubota and the spirits of their classmates that Shizuka begins to piece together their true identity—and embrace the woman they’ve always been.
Writing this story was both challenging and rewarding. I wanted to portray Shizuka’s journey with respect and authenticity, while also weaving in elements of suspense, romance, and the supernatural. If you’ve ever questioned your place in the world or felt like you didn’t fit into the role society assigned you, I hope Shizuka’s story will resonate with you.