A Christmas Cake in Spring

How to reconcile tradition with modern day life. It’s difficult; and in Japan it’s close to impossible. Asako Kurakawa, however, believes she has the answer. At work she maintains a reputation for efficiency and dedication, and as a consequence remains on the fringes of office society. Her social life, on the other hand, is far from conventional. A boyfriend - divorced, violent and obsessed; a best friend - roommate, actress, sister of Lesbos; and an overly anxious mother - without grandchildren. These two worlds, for so long successfully kept apart, are about to collide, catalysed by her new assignment to an expat boss and the sudden emergence of a hostile company takeover. Malpractice and conspiracy rock her ordered workplace, with all fingers pointing at her gaijin boss. Is he all he seems? Is he guilty or the innocent target of an elaborate frame? So many questions. What cost in pursuing the answers? How far is Asako prepared to go to uncover the truth?