Title: Three Wishes Gone Awry
Subtitle: The Misadventures of a Man Turned Woman
Series: Japanesque TS
Author: Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa
What would you wish for if a god offered to grant you three wishes? Wealth, love, or the chance to change your life completely? Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa’s Three Wishes Gone Awry: The Misadventures of a Man Turned Woman is a hilariously heartfelt and thought-provoking illustrated novel that explores the chaos and unexpected beauty that unfolds when one man’s wishes take an unforeseen twist.
Translated from the Japanese original “Mittsu No Negai,” this imaginative LGBTQ+ gender-bending novel weaves a witty yet poignant tale centering on Yuzuha Akimori, a young man struggling to find meaning in his average existence. After a heroic act lands him in a near-death experience, he encounters Jupiter, a god with a knack for mischief, who offers him three wishes. Yuzuha’s dreams of becoming a tall, handsome, wealthy man surrounded by adoring women seem simple enough—but as the saying goes, “be careful what you wish for.”
Instead of a suave, debonair transformation, Yuzuha awakens to find himself as a woman. Not just any woman, but one equipped with an inexplicable “aura” that attracts women in droves. What follows is a whirlwind of comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt connections, and deeply personal discoveries as Yuzuha navigates his new reality in a body he never asked for, but one that slowly reshapes his understanding of love, identity, and destiny.
This novel isn’t just about Yuzuha’s physical transformation — it’s a journey of self-discovery, compassion, and acceptance. Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa masterfully crafts a story that blends humor, romance, and cultural insights into modern Japanese workplace dynamics, offering a unique perspective on gender, identity, and the fluidity of relationships. The novel’s cast of endearing characters, from Yuzuha’s charismatic love interest Rinka to the quirky coworkers at the call center, bring depth and warmth to this already vibrant tale.
What sets Three Wishes Gone Awry apart in the LGBTQ+ literary landscape is its layered exploration of gender identity and relationships. It’s not just a gender-swap comedy; it’s a heartfelt commentary on how societal expectations and personal desires collide, creating both struggle and opportunity. Yuzuha’s journey is both relatable and fantastical, making it a story that resonates with readers who have ever questioned their place in the world—or dreamed of a life beyond the one they know.
Whether you’re a fan of gender-bending romance, Japanese workplace culture, or lighthearted yet meaningful LGBTQ+ stories, Three Wishes Gone Awry is a must-read. Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa’s deft storytelling, combined with the novel’s illustrated charm, brings this unique story to life in a way that’s as compelling as it is entertaining.
Prepare to laugh, cry, and cheer for Yuzuha as he navigates everything from workplace drama to unexpected motherhood, all while learning to embrace the person—and the life—he’s become.