Contemporary Romance in Japan: A Multicultural Journey
Discover a new perspective on Japan—rich in cultural insight, personal nuance, and fascinating detail.
It’s time to read a Novel again
A brief description of Hokkaido Girl
Robert thought he understood love. When he and Yuika first met, their relationship felt effortless—shared experiences, an adventurous spirit, and an unbreakable connection. But after moving to Japan, things began to change. What once felt natural now feels uncertain, as cultural differences, language barriers, and unspoken expectations create distance between them.
Hoping to reconnect, Robert embarks on a road trip with Yuika through the vast landscapes of Hokkaido. From quiet rural towns to breathtaking coastal roads, their journey is filled with both beauty and tension. As they navigate the unfamiliar terrain, they also confront the growing emotional distance between them. Can they rediscover what brought them together in the first place, or have they already begun drifting apart?
Set against the stunning backdrop of Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido Girl is a reflective and deeply personal story about love, identity, and the quiet moments that define our relationships. It’s a journey not just through Hokkaido, but through the complexities of human connection—where every turn in the road brings both new discoveries and difficult questions.
Why this book?
After spending 10 years in Japan, I set out to capture my experiences and memories in a collection of 10 short stories. I began with what I thought would be the first piece (Hokkaido Girl) but soon realized that a short story couldn’t contain everything I wanted to share. I therefore challenged myself to write an entire novel.
The key initiator of this story is a single moment: the taking of one of my most cherished photograph: A mountain landscape in Hokkaido.
To convey the true significance of that image, I decided to share the broader context: the trip that led to it, the relationship that framed it, and the many subtle, profound experiences of Japanese culture and life that surrounded it.
About the Author
Marc A. Crane is a writer with both American and British roots who has spent over a decade living in Japan. What began as a student exchange blossomed into a lasting relationship with the country—one that continues to shape his writing and perspective. Drawing from his personal experiences abroad, Crane explores themes of connection, identity, and cultural nuance. His work blends fiction with real-life moments, offering readers a thoughtful and emotionally grounded lens on life across cultures. This debut novel marks the beginning of a literary journey that aims to bridge worlds—both familiar and foreign.