A young woman’s journey to 1923 Tokyo, spurred by a desperate search for her brother, unfolds against the backdrop of an impending natural disaster, as detailed in Poppy Kuroki’s new novel, Passage to Tokyo, released January 27, 2026.
The story centers on Yui Sanada, who is struggling to care for her twelve-year-old brother, Hiro, while navigating the challenges posed by their mother’s alcoholism. The narrative begins in Ueno Park, where Hiro disappears after venturing into a passage beneath a samurai statue, leading Yui on an unexpected trip through time.
Upon emerging from the tunnel, Yui finds herself in 1923 Tokyo, separated from Hiro. She encounters Chiyo and her family, and as their relationship develops, Yui becomes acutely aware of the looming Great Kanto Earthquake, a catastrophic event predicted to devastate the city and claim tens of thousands of lives. The novel explores whether Yui can locate her brother and protect her newfound connections from the impending disaster.
Passage to Tokyo is the second installment in Kuroki’s “Ancestor Memories” historical fantasy series. Kuroki, who was born in Scotland and has resided in Japan since 2014, draws upon her experiences living in Japan to create a vivid and immersive setting. Her previous work, Gate to Kagoshima, was praised by Publishers Weekly for its blend of samurai battles and heartfelt romance.
The novel, published by Oneworld Publications, is available in paperback, as well as in digital formats including Kindle and Audible. It is as well available through Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, BAM, Waterstones, Apple Books, and Kobo. The book comprises 368 pages and is categorized within the genres of fantasy, historical fiction, Japan, historical, time travel, and queer adult fiction, according to Goodreads.
As of February 15, 2026, 368 people are currently reading the book, and 9,695 have indicated they want to read it, according to Goodreads.
