Katie is a young American girl living in present-day Tokyo. One day, as she walks her dog, she meets Keiko, a young Japanese girl, and her brother Kenji. Together they explore the city and its surroundings as they teach each other the customs of their respective countries. Whether dining on "soba" (spaghetti), studying "kana" (the alphabet), or dancing at the Obon festival, the Tokyo friends discover just how much their two cultures differ-and how much they are alike.

Vibrantly illustrated by the author, "Tokyo Friends" is a wonderful introduction to Japanese traditions for young readers.