This was such a lighthearted and fun read! I absolutely loved the way Chieri Uegaki interpreted this retelling. The incorporation of Japanese culture and allusions to other popular works were honestly really charming and made this book a lot more fun. I really loved Emiko as a character and reading about her journey of self discovery, which might be due to the fact that I also see a lot of myself in her. I think that her flaws made her character growth so much more fascinating, especially because a lot of her insecurities and flaws are ones that others can easily relate to.
In terms of the romance, I feel like I would've liked to see a little bit more, as I came into this book just expecting more in general. However, I really loved what we did get. Emiko and Kenzo's relationship was so fun to read about when they finally realized their feelings for each other, which only makes me want more of those moments.
Overall, this story was a very simple read and definitely appropriate for younger audiences. I recommend everyone read this book once it releases!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! Really adorable retelling of "Emma", my favorite Jane Austen novel. (Am I biased? Maybe.) Very faithful to the original text, and I think the Japanese culture portrayed is wonderful, adding a new layer to it. Appropriate for younger readers. I think even if you hadn't read any Jane Austen, you could easily enjoy this - they're just a nice nod to the original.

I would have liked more between Emiko and Kenzo, and I thought the end wrapped up a little too quickly - especially what Emiko ultimately decides to do about her future. I know she's rich but it kind of felt like throwing money at a problem. Overall really sweet and I enjoyed it. (Also... what a cute cover! I want it on my shelf.)

This was super cute! I think in terms of Jane Austen retellings, this one does a good job at staying true to the source material while still having it's own charm. I think this is a great book for teenagers who are about the graduate, because Emiko's struggle with what she wants to do is very well done. I liked the characters and I thought it was really cute overall.

While I was left feeling like this narrative has a lot of untapped potential, I do think that it's fun at its core. It explores the vast messiness of being a teenager and what you view as priorities during this time. Emiko's one-track matchmaker mind can be super dense and insufferable at times, but she means well so you still root for her. Emiko is presented as someone with a lot of passions and no direction, which I think worked for the end result of her character arc but it's a bit frustratingly difficult to decipher who she is in the meantime. Even without knowing the original Emma's plot, which this book is inspired by, Emiko's endgame is obvious from the start but it's thankfully still satisfying anyway. I really appreciated how Japanese culture and traditions were seamlessly woven into every aspect of the story.

In terms of the writing itself, the pacing was really inconsistent. When writing a teenage mind there's a fallback instinct to ramble with their complex overthinking spirals, but in this case there were many times throughout the book where entire pages could've been cut of that internal prose yet still have achieved the same goal in the end. It's a fun read, but I do mourn its full, unreached potential.

In this modern day retelling of Emma we meet Emiko a Japanese-Canadian who lives on the Vancouver Coast who loves all things food. She is about to start her graduation year when a new girl comes to live nearby whom she immediately befriends.

Emiko gets caught up wanting Harumi's introduction to her school to go well. She wants her to have the best year ever and thinks she knows the perfect boyfriend for her to set her apart from everyone else. As the school year goes on Emiko continues to insert herself in Harumi's love life. She fancies herself to be a match maker, but things don't often go as she expects.

Emiko's childhood friend Kenzo cautions her to leave well enough alone. But, she doesn't want to back down, insisting she knows what's best.

As we follow Emiko, Harumi, and Kenzo through their graduation year there's more than just the complication of high school romances, but also what to do after graduation. Emiko is an excellent student, but is university what she wants? She has a lot of thinking to do and as time goes by she feels more and more pressure to make a decision.

I really enjoyed this, and would have loved it even more when I was closer to my own graduation days. There's also so much amazing food in this book! Like I wish I could eat the pages if they'd taste as good as the food she describes!

Thanks to NetGalley and Tundra Book Group for a digital copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review!

This was so much fun! I’m not usually one for Jane Austen retellings, but this one was cute! I do wish there was a bit more character development in the right way, but it was ok the way it was. And I can’t deny, the cover of this is amazing.

OK so the main character in this was so cute! I love that she was trying to set everyone up like the original Emma. What she was doing was cute…. Until it wasn’t. One of them worked and then she thought she could matchmake everyone lol She was hilarious. Untillll she wasn’t. Because let’s face it. That other couple she tried? Yeahhhhh. When I said I wanted more growth from her, I was talking about the way she did what she did at that party. Like what was the reason? She was out of line and then wanted to act like nothing happened and not apologize?! Yeah she was working my nerves.

The romance was cute, but since it was a retelling of Emma it kind of takes a back burner. She wasn’t exactly concerned about her self, just the people she was trying to do her match making abilities on. But even with it being on the back burner, it was obvious who she was going to end up with. And they were cute together. I just thought it was funny that it was obvious to everyone else lol

This was cute, but it was so basic. There was nothing that makes this extra special or differentiate this work from the original work, Emma. Usually when I read a retelling, I like for their to be something that makes it the author’s own work. But it was too much like the other. I thought there was going to be some more about the sister’s wedding, but it wasn’t anything big. I ESPECIALLY wanted this to be different since this was set in Canada and the main character is a different culture. I think if the world building would have been better it would have set up everything else.

This was cute, but I do think it could have been a bit better if the author had included something huge that showed the culture or the world around them. But for what it’s worth, this was cute and I would even give this to the younger crowd. Might be a good pick for our ToB Tournament for next year!

I always love emma retellings, it's my favourite austen novel and i did enjoy this one as well but certain aspects felt underwhelming to me ngl, i wish the plot wasn't alll over the place because at times i did want to give it up.

3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange of a honest review. I actually enjoyed it as a re-telling of the Jane Austen novel, Emma. The Japanese-Canadian culture inside the setting of the British Columbia west coast are the highlights of the novel. Even though I might be outside of the age range (it is more suited for young adults/teenagers), I didn't felt that annoyed by the differences. The author chose what fits for the characters she created.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wistful but Underwhelming

This book had potential—a Japanese-American teen navigating senior year, identity, and a touch of romance—but it never really found its footing. The plot meanders without direction, like a slice-of-life diary that doesn't fully commit to any arc. Emiko is a matchmaker… kind of. A love interest… exists. But nothing feels deeply developed, especially the romance, which read more like siblings than soulmates. 😬

Emiko herself is a tough protagonist to connect with—unlikeable in a way that lacked emotional payoff or meaningful growth. That said, the cultural and food elements were enjoyable. 🍱

If you're in the mood for quiet, meandering storytelling with light cultural themes, this might suit you. Just don’t expect a strong plot or swoony romance.

Tropes:
🍜 Cultural identity
💕 Friends to lovers
📖 Slice-of-life
🤷‍♀️ Unlikeable heroine
🏫 Senior year coming-of-age

Thank NetGalley for the ARC and this is my honest opinion.

Emiko was a sweet, good-intentioned high school read. I loved reading about her small town & the tight-knit community supporting friends & family. The writing was clear and descriptive and I enjoyed the french sprinkled here & there. Tres fantastique.

The beginning took some time getting into the story as it throws you in the middle of a wedding & provides context as the setting unfolds.

I didn't care for acronyms being used outside of messaging as that broke my immersion while reading. Emiko was also meddlesome as a self-proclaimed matchmaker which didn't overturn the story but made me roll my eyes.

Overall though, it was a great coming of age story as Emiko navigates school, her future, family & friends.

Thank you Tundra & NetGalley for the ARC.

Emiko was a really charming and sweet retelling of Emma (or Clueless, for the extremely cultured, like myself). This was a fast-paced story, with great romance, and just gorgeous descriptions of food and setting. I loved the incorporations of Japanese culture and heritage, by Emiko and her family - I honestly wanted to live in this little town with them. This was charming, sweet, and romantic, and a great read for tweens and teens alike.

Emiko by Chieri Uegaki is about a Japanese-Canadian girl named Emiko who has made it her mission to be a matchmaker to whoever she can.
The book isn’t necessarily bad as I loved most of the characters, the food descriptions, the incorporation of Japanese culture and the Canadian setting. I also felt that the book was very realistic without overdoing it with any references or slang.

Personally I didn’t really like the whole Emiko as a matchmaker concept. I felt no reason as to why matchmaking was so important to her. Emiko’s obsession with it also made her an annoying character to read about.

As well I felt like the book didn’t really have a point or purpose. Other than the matchmaking there wasn’t really a clear plot that I could see and the book just felt boring because of it.

3.25*
I have a very large soft spot for anything set in Canada ('tis my home after all). I also have a, shall we say, obsession with all JAFF and gobble all that I can find up.
But I have to admit, Emma is not my favourite JA novel and YA story's are hit or miss with me (since I am far from being a YA). This was not quite a hit or a miss in that respect. I found it a little difficult to stay engaged with. Except for the canadiana and some of the descriptions of Canadia-Japanese culture.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Emiko is light and summery, well suited for a young teenage audience. It would be helpful to include where the story is taking place in the beginning, just to help situate the reader (I found it a bit confusing). Love stories that center immigrant families and what it's like growing up in a multicultural setting.

This was a cute YA debut that sees a Japanese Canadian teen trying to set up her friends. While I wouldn't call it my favorite YA Emma retelling, I still enjoyed it and especially appreciated all the Canadian settings and references. Recommended for fans of books like Meet me on Love street or Recommended reading. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Quick Summary: A before and after YA romance

My Review: Emiko by Chieri Uegaki is a "sweet and savory YA romance." It is scheduled for release on 6/10/25.

About the Book: "...this modern-day Japanese-Canadian twist on Emma is just the recipe for fans of Jenny Han, Jane Austen and Gilmore Girls. A busybody foodie avoids questions of her own future as she meddles in the love lives of those around her. Has this matcha-maker met her match?"

In My Own Words: A young woman who is on the verge of adulthood considers herself to be a matchmaker extraordinaire. Sometimes she seemingly gets it right and other times, not so much. As she endeavors to work her special brand of magic on her family, friends, and peer group, she soon learns more than she ever bargained for about herself and about someone who has always been very present in her life.

My Final Say: Emiko was a lighthearted contemporary YA that did indeed have an Emma-esque vibe. I found it to be refreshingly easy to follow and uniquely written in such a way that highlighted the beautiful Japanese culture. The slow burn and impactful realization of feelings that Emiko and Kenzo had made me love their story. I adored that the leads got their chance to find happiness.

Other: Young readers or even young at heart readers who enjoy reading classic to contemporary retellings should like this book.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA
Status/Level: 💘

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Tundra Book Group | Tundra Books), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I truly enjoyed reading this work, and I look forward to reading more from this writer. I am grateful for the opportunity.

Sadly I am DNFing this at 5%
The writing style is sadly not a fit for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I'm a lover of any modern retelling of older literature, from Shakespeare to Austen I love it all. Emiko is no exception. The book was lighthearted and cute, a perfect YA story. I can see this in my library, recommending to students that would really enjoy it. There were some areas lacking, such as the plot which needed to be more fleshed out. There were multiple things throwing the main story off, multiple plot lines that could have been done without. Besides that, this was an enjoyable and fun light read, a good brain break, but I was just left wanting something more developed.

“Not every decision works; many definitely need tailoring; a few will make you look bad; while others might be worth saving for the future. And some, thankfully, are going to fit exactly right. But you’ll never really know until you try them on.” 🌸

❥•°❀°•༢ “Emiko” was such a delightful YA treat! The stunning cover was what caught my attention, but I really enjoyed this book and thought it was adorable. I loved learning about the Japanese traditions and customs that they undertake. I haven’t had the opportunity to read “Emma” by Jane Austen which this story was based off as a modern retelling so I can’t say for certain if it does the original justice. However, the 90s movie, “Clueless” which was also adapted from “Emma,” bears a very nostalgic resemblance to “Emiko” in terms of the characters and general plot retelling in a way that’s more in tune with teens of this generation now than the 90s 🪞

❥•°❀°•༢ Our heroine, Emiko Kimori, is blessed with a very privileged life living with her Ojichan and Mitsuko. Right away from the get-go, we learn that she has a knack for knowing when two things or people are destined for each other. While clueless and a bit self-centred at times, Emiko has her loved ones’ interests at heart and spends a majority of the book trying to set her friend, Harumi, up with a boy who she might be happy with. Emiko and Harumi’s friendship is similar to Cher and Tai’s, where both Emiko and Cher unknowingly toy with Harumi and Tai’s feelings out of good intentions which ultimately leads to them rethinking the purpose of their friendship. I think Emiko’s heart was in the right place for Harumi and while it did hurt Harumi, it was nice to see how their friendship grew through all their struggles and how Emiko felt that Harumi was one of her closest friends but the end of the book 👘

❥•°❀°•༢ Emiko’s perseverance in trying to connect with Chisato is a great lesson especially for younger readers. For a good portion of the book, Emiko struggles to understand Chisato who’s frequently brushing her off or simply ignoring her. While Emiko misunderstands her and doesn’t treat her with as much dignity and respect as she should have, our heroine learns from her mistakes that not everyone is blessed with the opportunities and families that she has. Chisato has her reasons and it’s okay for Emiko not to know everything about someone in order to make a difference in their life. It took a lot of growth and maturity on Emiko’s part to own up to what she did and shows that doing things that scare us are usually the right actions 🛍️

❥•°❀°•༢ Gareth and Jun are both boys who teach Emiko some very valuable lessons. Although they’re hard to swallow, she learns that not everyone wears their heart on their sleeves as she does and there’s nothing wrong with her doing that. She learns to understand that if someone has to make fun of her or humiliate her to have a good time, their presence in her life isn’t worth it. Emiko learns what it means to be mislead, taken advantage of, and betrayed and does a lot of growing up through her scenes with Jun and Gareth. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and sometimes we go through obstacles like this to re-evaluate what we want in our life and what we want for ourselves 💬

❥•°❀°•༢ Family is an integral part of Emiko’s life and shown numerous times throughout the story. For her aunt’s sake, she tries to befriend Jun and becomes upset for her aunt and her new uncle after Jun’s betrayal. Part of the reason why Emiko is hesitant to pick out her future is because she’s afraid of leaving her Ojichan without anyone and worries that he’ll be alone. She’s a girl with a big heart and even though her meddling does get her into trouble frequently, it makes her lovable and admirable that she would go out of her way to help others find happiness. Ojichan and Mitsuko are very strong and steady influences in her life and Emiko is able to use her life experiences with them to guide herself in her near future 🍡

❥•°❀°•༢ The one thing I wish we got to see more in this book was more scenes with Emiko and Kenzo Sanada, her childhood friend and her main love interest. It was a classic childhood friends-to-lovers romance subplot, and I enjoyed their scenes together. However, I do feel like the majority of their scenes in the beginning and middle of the book were just them butting heads over Emiko’s meddling and we didn’t get to see a deeper look into their connection. It would have been nice to see more scenes where they bond over their childhood or where we see how close their friendship really was. I liked the scenes in particular where they were very vulnerable with each other; I only wish there were more. I loved towards the end how Kenzo and Emiko found their way back to each other and felt so many butterflies with their chemistry 💝

❥•°❀°•༢ Emiko’s main dilemma is that although she enjoys meddling in other people’s lives, she avoids talking about and facing her own future head-on. She’s a twelfth-grader in school who knows she wants to pursue post-secondary school but is afraid of making the wrong choice as to what makes her happy and what she wants to do. It’s a common theme among high schoolers of being scared of the uncertain future and not wanting to have so much pressure on their shoulders. What Emiko goes through is a message to readers around her age to explore what makes you happy, find yourself, lean on support of friends and family, and to know that there isn’t one path that’s easy or set in stone and that’s okay 📚

❥•°❀°•༢ “Emiko” is brimming with a bright and witty voice, rich Japanese culture and traditions that immerse the audience into Emiko’s world, secondary characters that make you feel connected to them, and a coming-of-age story that reminds readers that not having the answers for what path you want to take doesn’t mean that you won’t find yourself on the journey you’re meant to take 🚢

Thank you to Chieri Uegaki, Tundra Book Group, and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

What to expect:
- Matchmaker FMC x skeptic MMC
- Coming-of-age 💗
- Japanese-Canadian FMC and MMC 🇯🇵
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Japanese culture and traditions 🍱🎎
- Romance subplot

Emiko is a matchmaker. She takes 100% credit for her aunt's wedding. So when she takes the new girl under her wing, she will match her up with any/every new boy in town except the one her friend shows interest in!

As an Emma retelling, this one is very faithful to the original. I just re-read Emma, so I could see how this mirrored every major plot point. Readers unfamiliar with the original work may feel Emiko is going from one party/event to the next, but this didn't bother me since that's how it was in Emma! Sometimes retellings are billed as "reimaginings" that tend to try to "fix" the original, so I appreciated how respectful this is to its source material.

I also enjoyed the Japanese cultural aspect to this retelling. Near the start, the characters hold a Obon festival, which is part family reunion and part celebrating the ancestors. I'd never heard of this before and it was interesting to learn about. There is also a lot of food involved throughout that made me hungry; maybe don't read on an empty stomach!

Emiko, like her namesake, did come across as a little self-centered and immature but honestly, what 17-year-old isn't? The plot also takes place over the entire school year, which made the pacing drag a bit for my tastes. But overall, I enjoyed the read.

Recommended for fans of Jane Austen, coming of age tales, and Japanese culture.