Japanese author Asako Yuzuki on how she stumbled on fame by chance with Butter

The Hindu

23-04-2025

Japanese novelist Asako Yuzuki was one of the panellists at the recently concluded Alliance Literary Festival in Bengaluru. Speaking with the aid of a translator, Asako shared some of her observations about writing, India and interpersonal relationships.
Perhaps best known for Butter, Asaka says she was surprised by the popularity it garnered. 'I have written a lot of other books and I have no idea why Butter caught the limelight,' says Asako, adding that she lacks the skills to promote herself or market her work. 'When I sent off the first chapter to Harper Collins I had no idea they would pick it up. Personally, I feel The Nile Perch Women's Club was better by far.'
Her reticence is understandable — a quick glance at her Wikipedia page shows awards seem to pass her by, having been nominated numerous times, but winning only occasionally.
Talking about why she likes The Nile Perch Women's Club, Asako says, 'The book required quite a bit of effort on my part and it talks about the meaningful relationships between women of different ages and classes. The Nile Perch Women's Club is about an unusual friendship between an older woman and a younger one.'
However, Asako is candid in admitting that it did not do well in Japan as it went against the traditional norms of society there where women occupy a submissive role. Though many cultivate them, close friendships between women seem to be frowned upon, leaving those who do enjoy them tight-lipped about their companionships, she says, adding, 'I am hopeful that if translated into English, The Nile Perch Women's Club would become well-known in other parts of the world.'
Though most of her works revolve around interpersonal relationships, Asako says it is not because of a penchant for human psychology. 'I am an ardent fan of French Literature and I am intrigued by how authors such as Balzac crafted their stories; it was like reading letters from that era, encompassing life, culture and society.'
'They were ahead of their times with their style and depiction. And much like letters, those works too, shone a light on human relationships,' she adds.
Screen time
Some of Asako's works have been adapted for radio and the screen, most notably The Many Faces of Ito which came out as a comedy series on Netflix in 2017. As an author who feels her writing has not gained recognition in her homeland, Asako believes that times are slowly changing which is why there are takers for a pictorial representation on digital media of her books.
And while many authors may have reservations about their work being modified for the screen, Asako says, 'I agonise over writing dialogues; constantly honing them so they sound true-to-life for readers and when scriptwriters don't change them too much or keep their gist, it feels all the lonely nights of writing are worth it.'
By the book
Asako says she is always more touched than flattered, when she finds her books are read in India or anywhere in the world. 'Readers either resonate with the characters or wonder if that is how the world is and speculate if similar people walk among them.'
Pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout for a literary event, Asako feels, 'the reach of books is far greater than we realise and they are harbingers of cross culture,' and adds that as first-timer in the country, it seemed India was quite accepting of change.
She elaborates on her observation. 'Even in the simple issue of clothing, it is wonderful to see Indian women have taken to wearing the sari and other traditional wear as well as Western-styled clothing on a daily basis,' says the author who also enjoys reading Indian author Jhumpa Lahiri's books and essays.
Asako winds down our conversation with an observation she has made over the years, 'Society will always pressurise women. It is up to us to accept that which will spur us to do better and disregard anything that else that limits us.'