Ito Ogawa's Latest Work: An Essay Pilgrimage Across Japan to Meet People and Savor Special Dishes That Reflect the Lives of Their Creators. "Shokudo Junrei" (Cafeteria Pilgrimage) to be Released on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Ito Ogawa's new essay collection, "Shokudo Junrei" (Cafeteria Pilgrimage), takes readers on a journey across Japan to discover 17 unique eateries and the people behind their heartwarming dishes. The book, released by Hakusensha on April 3, 2026, offers a special map as a purchase bonus, guiding readers to the featured establishments.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 20:00
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Hakusensha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Yasufumi Takagi) will release Ito Ogawa's "Shokudo Junrei" from MOE BOOKS on Friday, April 3.
Get a special "Shokudo Junrei Special Map" now!
A story of 17 restaurants that enriched Ito Ogawa's heart and stomach, discovered on her travels. The latest book, "Shokudo Junrei," is an essay in which Ito Ogawa visited each restaurant she was interested in, interviewing about the unique way each establishment was built in its region and the people who create the dishes. A "Shokudo Junrei Special Map" is currently being presented as a bonus (first-come, first-served) to those who purchase "Shokudo Junrei" at approximately 600 bookstores nationwide. Please inquire at your nearest bookstore regarding availability.
The interior of the restaurant is dimly lit, with candles on the tables. The light comes almost entirely from the candles. Because of this, the view from the large, fixed window beyond the kitchen is clearly visible.
From "Shokudo Junrei" "Stomach" (Ito Ogawa / Hakusensha)
[Bibliographic Information]
Shokudo Junrei
■Author: Ito Ogawa
■ISBN Code: 9784592733317
■Series Name: MOE BOOKS
■List Price: 1650 yen (1500 yen + 10% tax)
■Release Date: 2026.4.3
The latest essay collection by popular author Ito Ogawa. She embarks on a pilgrimage across Japan to meet people and savor special dishes that reflect the lives of their creators. In her hometown of Yamagata, she revisits a mountain teahouse that has been run for three generations and a memorable patisserie. In Okinawa to the south, she finds nourishing dishes in a deep forest. In Noto, she reunites with people who are preserving local ingredients and culture alongside the region's reconstruction. She visited 20 locations in 8 prefectures. The book depicts her encounters with people who lead noble lives involved in cooking, and how eating their food enriches her heart, all described in serene prose.
[Author's Message]
After completing the "Shokudo Junrei" journey, I had the opportunity to meet many people who lead noble lives dedicated to cooking. This experience truly enriched my heart and filled me with a bright feeling. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who kindly agreed to be interviewed despite their busy schedules. Thank you very much. And thank you for the delicious food.
Ito Ogawa
[Author Profile] *Interview requests for author Ito Ogawa will be arranged.
Ito Ogawa
Ogawa Ito / Born in 1973. Debuted in 2008 with "Shokudo Katatsumuri" (Poplar Publishing). "Tsubaki Stationery Store," "Kirakira Republic" (Gentosha), and "Lion no Oyatsu" (Poplar Publishing) were nominated for the "Honya Taisho" (Japan Booksellers' Award). Recent works include "Tsubaki no Koibumi" (Gentosha). Books born from MOE include "Mi-To-N," "Tabi Gohan," and "Itogoyomi" (Hakusensha).
★For interview inquiries, please contact Hakusensha Public Relations at kouhou@hakusensha.co.jp!
Related Books by Ito Ogawa
Itogoyomi
■Author: Ito Ogawa
■ISBN Code: 9784592733133
■Series Name: MOE BOOKS
■List Price: 1540 yen (1400 yen + 10% tax)
■Release Date: 2023.4.3
Exquisite wild vegetable dishes, apple cake, handmade soap, New Year's Eve celebrations in her own style, and more.
This is Ito Ogawa's seasonal essay, written in her own words, about cherishing the seasons and enjoying seasonal living throughout the 12 months.
It is a book filled with wisdom for living a rich life.
Includes recipes for Ito-san's seasonal dishes.
Tabi Gohan
■Author: Ito Ogawa
■ISBN Code: 9784592733027
■Series Name: MOE BOOKS
■List Price: 1320 yen (1200 yen + 10% tax)
■Release Date: 2020.3.6
Pink soup, artichoke omelet, Kiyoken shumai...
This delicious essay by the popular author recounts unforgettable tastes and encounters with people, from dishes in various European regions, including Lithuania, which captivated the author, and Germany, where she lived, to familiar Japanese bento boxes.
Mi-To-N
■Author: Ito Ogawa / Mariko Hirasawa
■ISBN Code: 9784592732952
■Series Name: General Books
■List Price: 1540 yen (1400 yen + 10% tax)
■Release Date: 2017.10.27
Marika, who lived a turbulent yet modest and warm life, always had beautiful mittens by her side. This is a beloved story woven by novel and printmaking.
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[Company Profile]
Company Name: Hakusensha Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-2-2 Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Yasufumi Takagi, Representative Director and President
Established: December 1, 1973