Title: Becoming Mama
Subtitle: A Novel of Love, Transition, and Unexpected Destinies of a Salaryman
Series: Japanesque TS
Author: Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa
In the landscape of LGBTQ+ fiction, the exploration of gender identity and unconventional families has blossomed into narratives that challenge, inspire, and profoundly touch readers’ hearts. Among my novels, “Becoming Mama” holds a special place—one that delves deeply into the transformative journey of motherhood beyond biology and societal norms.
Set against Tokyo’s vibrant corporate backdrop, “Becoming Mama” introduces readers to Asuka Fukazawa, a young salaryman whose life unfolds with predictable precision, day after day. But beneath the surface, Asuka harbors dreams and feelings he himself barely understands, including an unspoken admiration for a colleague who appears entirely out of reach.
When an unexpected sequence of events leads to Asuka being assigned clerical duties—traditionally female roles within his company—his carefully constructed identity begins to unravel. Soon, Asuka finds himself navigating new realities: not just of gendered expectations at work, but of love, family, and parenthood. Thrust into the role of maternal figure to two young girls, Asuka learns to embrace a part of himself he never knew existed.
Yet, this novel is not merely about gender roles or the LGBTQ+ experience alone; rather, it is about the profound human capacity for love and transformation. Asuka’s journey is one of self-discovery, of challenging the boundaries society imposes, and finding authenticity in the unexpected. The love he discovers for his newfound family is universal, bridging gaps of biology, gender, and expectation.
As a writer, my inspiration for “Becoming Mama” was rooted in the desire to portray a protagonist whose transformation defies conventional categorization. I wanted to explore how societal roles can be both restrictive and liberating, depending on one’s perspective and openness to change. Asuka’s transition from a life dictated by traditional male expectations to one of nurturing, empathy, and strength beyond stereotype is a testament to the complexity of identity and the fluidity of human experience.
In the broader context of LGBTQ+ novels, “Becoming Mama” offers readers a unique perspective on the intersection of gender, love, and parenthood. It challenges readers to question the assumptions we make about ourselves and others, inviting deeper reflection on what truly defines family, motherhood, and identity.
I believe passionately in the power of storytelling to open hearts and minds, to create empathy and understanding across diverse experiences. Through Asuka’s story, I hope readers will find not only entertainment and emotional resonance but also the courage to embrace their own authentic selves, no matter how unexpected their paths may be.
Join me in exploring this heartfelt journey in “Becoming Mama,” where love transcends biology, gender, and conventional expectations, reminding us that our identities are not confined by society—but expanded by our willingness to love authentically and fearlessly.