Asako Yuzuki: From ‘Butter’ Success to New Novel ‘Hooked’ & Baking for Paul Hollywood

Asako Yuzuki, the Japanese author whose novel Butter took the UK by storm, has a playful ambition: to bake traditional Nagasaki muffins for Paul Hollywood on The Great British Bake Off. The author shared this wish during a recent video call from Tokyo, where she was, charmingly, already in her pajamas. She believes the “marubouro” muffins, a specialty from her hometown, would particularly impress the notoriously discerning judge, noting the shared Nagasaki heritage with author Kazuo Ishiguro and the British public’s fondness for his perform. “They proceed very well with tea,” she added, via translator Bethan Jones.

Yuzuki’s success with Butter, a darkly comedic thriller inspired by the real-life “Konkatsu Killer” case, has been a significant moment for translated fiction by female Japanese writers. The novel, which follows a journalist’s relationship with a serial killer and gourmet cook, resonated with readers and sold over 300,000 copies in the UK, earning Waterstones Book of the Year in 2024. The Guardian’s review highlighted its “irresistible mix of social satire and feminist thriller.”

A Shift in Literary Tastes

The rise of Yuzuki, alongside authors like Sayaka Murata (Convenience Store Woman), Mieko Kawakami (Breasts and Eggs), and Hiromi Kawakami (Strange Weather in Tokyo), signals a shift in the international literary landscape. These writers have, in a sense, eclipsed the previous dominance of Haruki Murakami for a new generation of readers. Their stories, often focusing on alienated young women and the complexities of modern life, have aligned with a growing interest in novels exploring female interiority and friendship. This trend is further evidenced by the success of Murata’s work, with Marriage also gaining significant attention.

Now, Yuzuki’s 2015 novel, Hooked – originally titled Nairu pāchi no joshikai (Nile Perch Women’s Club) – is poised to follow in Butter’s footsteps with an English translation by Polly Barton, set for release in March 2026. The novel delves into themes of female power dynamics, loneliness, sexism, and the allure of social media, promising another unsettling and thought-provoking read.

From Dark Satire to “Vitamin Novels”

Despite her international success, Yuzuki’s work hasn’t always been well-received in Japan. Butter and Hooked were criticized for their feminist themes, with some viewing them as reinforcing negative stereotypes about women. In a society Yuzuki describes as “misogynist,” exploring enmity between women can be interpreted as evidence of untrustworthiness. This criticism prompted a shift in her writing style.

“Nowadays, I write about people who are nice,” Yuzuki explained. “This is what I require to write for Japanese society.” She has turned to writing what she calls “vitamin novels” – stories with kinder characters and more optimistic outcomes – that are more palatable to a domestic audience. But, she admits to now wishing she had continued writing novels in the vein of Hooked.

The Inspiration Behind Hooked

The idea for Hooked stemmed from Yuzuki’s own experience with social media. She became aware of a woman she followed on Instagram who lived nearby, sparking a sense of guilt about observing someone’s life from a distance. This feeling evolved into a story about Eriko, a lonely office worker who befriends Shoko, a popular “housewife blogger.” The novel also touches upon the trend of Joshikai – “girl parties” – and the pressures on young women in Tokyo to present a perfect image on social media.

Yuzuki challenges the expectations surrounding female friendship, suggesting that idealized notions can hinder personal growth. She explores the idea that overcoming these ideals is essential for genuine connection.

Food as a Reflection of Society

Like Butter, Hooked uses food as a lens through which to examine societal pressures. Yuzuki points to the pervasive advertising for weight loss and plastic surgery in Tokyo, and the contrast with the readily available, tempting food culture. This creates a tension for women who are simultaneously pressured to be thin and surrounded by culinary indulgence. Her own fascination with food dates back to childhood, when she encountered descriptions of Western delicacies in classic children’s books.

Yuzuki’s journey to becoming a writer wasn’t straightforward. She faced challenges finding work after university and struggled to make a living solely from her writing. However, the international success of Butter has given her the confidence to explore more complex and challenging themes in her future work. She credits her translator, Polly Barton, with playing a crucial role in bringing her stories to a wider audience.

A Changing Landscape for Japanese Women Writers

The growing recognition of Japanese women writers abroad is beginning to have a positive impact on the publishing scene in Japan. Akira Otani recently became the first Japanese author to win the Dagger award for crime fiction in translation, for The Night of Baba Yaga, a victory Yuzuki celebrated. This success, alongside her own, is opening doors for other Japanese writers to explore diverse and challenging themes.

Despite her achievements, Yuzuki remains grounded in her everyday life, balancing her writing with motherhood and household responsibilities. She is eager to return to writing stories that delve into the complexities of female relationships and the darker aspects of human nature. “I desire to write about women who make mistakes that can’t be repaired,” she says. “I want to write about women who seem like the best of friends but betray each other and the relationship falls apart.”

Hooked by Asako Yuzuki, translated by Polly Barton, will be published by 4th Estate on March 12, 2026. Order your copy at guardianbookshop.com.