“We’re kind of like a girl group,” quipped moderator Nozomi Uematsu as she, author Asako Yuzuki, and interpreter Bethan Jones took their seats, all dressed in shades of green and yellow – a playful nod to the buttery theme of the evening. On Tuesday, the sold-out crowd at the University of Sheffield’s Student Union Auditorium was captivated by Asako Yuzuki, the visionary behind Butter, a gripping exploration of obsession, food, and media sensationalism centered on a gourmet cook turned killer.
Yuzuki charmed the audience by introducing herself in English, sharing her love for scones and pies, and joking about her dream of joining The Great British Bake-Off. Her warmth and wit instantly connected with the crowd, setting the tone for the evening. She then read from page 29 of Butter. Hearing the passage in Japanese felt particularly special to me, as a fan of the book, adding an authentic and intimate layer to the experience. Interpreter Bethan Jones delivered a seamless and engaging translation, perfectly capturing the spirit of the text.
The cult Japanese bestseller was inspired by the real-life ‘Konkatsu Killer’ case. Yuzuki explained that ‘konkatsu’, meaning marriage-hunting, involves practical efforts to find a husband – far from the romantic courtship one would find in a Jane Austen novel, she mused, drawing laughter from the floor. She also discussed how women are expected to fit rigid societal moulds, leading to deep personal suffering, a theme explored throughout the novel.
Yuzuki’s fascination lay not in the case details but in how the media distorted it. The cooking school attended by the accused was labelled a “school for brides,” yet after visiting it herself, she found it to be rigorous and professional like any other. The media’s fixation on the accused’s appearance highlighted troubling societal standards – issues Yuzuki addresses vividly in Butter.
Moderator Uematsu described the character Manako Kajii as a femme fatale, which felt fitting. However, what is particularly interesting is that Uematsu also noted Kajii’s longing for female friendship, adding complexity to her portrayal as both a manipulator and a woman seeking connection.
Food plays a pivotal role in Butter. Yuzuki shared that her inspiration for writing about food came from her childhood readings of British literature, particularly Enid Blyton (a real classic!), where descriptions of fascinating dishes captivated her. She also aimed to create “blanks” for readers, allowing them to personally experience the sensory details of the dishes.
During the Q&A, Yuzuki discussed the polarised reactions to her book – some viewed it as extreme male hatred, while others loved it and saw it as a reflection of their own experiences. She also remarked that literary popularity in Japan can shift dramatically based on international reception. In a more lighthearted moment, one audience member even recommended Yuzuki try Our Cow Molly, a local dairy brand from Sheffield, tying the buttery theme to the city’s own flavour.
The talk was a delightful and thought-provoking journey into Butter, with rich discussions on food, identity, and societal expectations of women. Just like one audience member who confessed during the Q&A that she ate more and more butter as she read the book, I have to admit – I am right there with her. By the end, it was hard to tell whether I was more obsessed with the story or butter itself. Either way, Yuzuki has left a lasting impression on both my bookshelf and my fridge.
Rating: ★★★★★
Butter was published in February 2024. Other Off the Shelf Festival events can be found here
