Emily Itami grew up in Tokyo and now lives in London. Born to a Japanese mother and a British father, she has written extensively about travel and previously worked on Rough Guides, including guides to Japan and destinations across Europe and Asia. Her debut novel, Fault Lines, was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award and longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize. Her second novel, Kakigori Summer, was named one of NPR's Best Books of the Year.