TOKYO NIGHT PARADE

Eka makes the most of her last night in Tokyo.

Dressed as a kitsune (or fox spirit), Eka, a brown-skinned child of Japanese origin, listens for the sounds of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, when the human world overlaps with that of the yōkai, supernatural creatures such as monsters or ghosts. This is her first time returning to her grandfather’s home in Tokyo since she and her family moved to New York, and she’s determined not to miss her favorite night of the year. As she walks the streets with the yōkai, they ask about her new home. Given how far away New York is, Eka doesn’t know when she’ll return to Tokyo, and no one seems to understand or care about yōkai in her new home. Though her heart aches, for now she’ll sing, hoot, dance, and enjoy herself. This is a sweet, whimsical story of a young immigrant who’s uncertain when she’ll see her beloved family and former home again. Eka’s questions about whether the yōkai are good or wicked offer intriguing food for thought—like humans, the yōkai contain multitudes. With its beautiful night palette, the artwork glows and brings the text and monsters to life. In an author’s note, Takahashi discusses her own experiences growing up African American and Japanese in both the United States and Japan. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A beautiful tale of friendship and living in the moment.