Asako Yuzuki's 'BUTTER' Sells Over 1.7 Million Copies Worldwide, Achieves 4 Major UK Awards, and is Now Released in Kawade Bunko Edition with Two New Essays and Limited Edition Sticker

Asako Yuzuki's 'BUTTER' (Kawade Bunko) / Photo by Tomohiro Kano

Since the release of its English translation, Asako Yuzuki's 'BUTTER' has captivated readers worldwide, particularly in the United Kingdom.

The novel, which has surpassed 1.7 million copies in cumulative global sales and is set to be translated and published in 40 countries and regions, is now released on June 15 by Kawade Bunko.

Message from Asako Yuzuki on the Publication

Kawade Bunko Edition of 'BUTTER'

Food, body, desire, loneliness, care—

Yuzuki's masterpiece, acclaimed globally for its portrayal of the pain and pleasure of women living in the modern world.

Kajii Manako, the suspect in a serial murder case linked to marriage hunting, and Machida Rika, the weekly magazine journalist investigating her.

Through their dialogue, this outstanding novel intricately portrays desire, food, and the lives of women.

A shocking dark thriller that has taken the world by storm.

〈Sales Figures〉

Domestic cumulative sales in Japan: 700,000 copies

Global cumulative sales: 1.7 million copies

※Includes cumulative figures from original editions, overseas editions, and the Kawade Bunko edition.

〈Translation Update〉

Translation and publication confirmed in 40 countries and regions

〈Four Major Awards in the UK〉

・'Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2024' Breakthrough Author

・'Waterstones Book of the Year 2024'

・'The British Book Awards 2025' Debut Fiction Category

・'The Bestseller Awards 2026' Gold Award

〈Newly Included in the Kawade Bunko Edition〉

・Acceptance speech for the 7th Noema Publishing Culture Award: 'A Lovely Standing Party at the Imperial Hotel'

・UK Tour Diary: 'Novels and Karaoke Exist Everywhere' (First published in 'Bungei', Spring 2025 issue)

・Afterword by Yukiko Kōnosu

〈Now Rolling Out at Bookstores Nationwide!〉

Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku Main Store, Sanseido Bookstore Nagoya Main Store

Don't miss Asako Yuzuki's 'BUTTER', a bestseller leading today's Japanese literary scene!

Asako Yuzuki

Born in Tokyo in 1981. Won the 88th All Yomimono New Writer's Award in 2008 with 'Forget Me, Not Blue'. Made her literary debut in 2010 with 'The Girl at the Terminal', which included the award-winning work. Received the 28th Yamamoto Shūjirō Prize in 2015 for 'Nile Perch Ladies' Gathering'. The English translation of 'BUTTER' was published in 2024, making her the first Japanese author to win the Debut Fiction category at The British Book Awards, and also winning 'Waterstones Book of the Year 2024'—achieving four major awards in the UK. Recognized globally as a literary phenomenon, she received the 7th Noema Publishing Culture Award. Other works include the 'Lunch no Akkochan' series, 'Ito-kun A to E', 'Rantan', 'Tsuide ni Gentlemen', and 'All Not'.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuzukiasako/

Limited Edition 'BUTTER' Sticker Included as a Publication Commemoration!

The book design for Kawade Bunko's 'BUTTER' is newly composed by Naoko Nagaku, based on the UK edition cover (published by Fourth Estate).

To commemorate the release, a limited-edition 'BUTTER' sticker, also designed by Nagaku based on the UK edition, will be included with every purchase for a limited time.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the book and photos of the sticker on social media.

New Release Information

Kawade Bunko 'BUTTER'

Author: Asako Yuzuki

Format: Bunko size / 588 pages

Release Date: June 15, 2026

Price: ¥1,045 (tax included, ¥950 before tax)

ISBN: 9784309422763

Afterword: Yukiko Kōnosu

Book Design: Naoko Nagaku

https://www.kawade.co.jp/np/isbn/9784309422763/

※E-books and audiobooks will also be released by our company starting June 15. For details, please check individual stores.