#Japan #Tokyo #Saki Kawashiro #Ex-Boyfriend #Sunmark Publishing

A Culinary Journey of Healing: 'The Ex-Boyfriend's Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee'

The literary world is abuzz with the announcement of Saki Kawashiro's novel, 'The Ex-Boyfriend's Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee', set for simultaneous release in the United States and the United Kingdom in October 2025. This unique title, translated from Japanese, delves into the emotional complexities of love and heartbreak, delivering a narrative that is both relatable and poignant.

English Edition Launch

Published by Sunmark Publishing, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, the English edition will be titled 'The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee'. It will hit the shelves through Crown Publishing in the US and Simon & Schuster UK in the UK. The novel has already gained traction in Japan, and its impending release has sparked widespread interest in international translations.

An Engaging Narrative

At its core, 'The Ex-Boyfriend's Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee' revolves around the theme of embracing and eventually burying the pain of past relationships to relieve the memories associated with beloved dishes shared with former lovers. It’s a collection of interconnected short stories that captures the essence of heartbreak and the heartwarming power of food in healing emotional wounds.

Responses from readers have been overwhelmingly positive since its Japanese release, with many resonating with the message of using food as a vehicle for processing grief and memories. The ability to enjoy the meals once cherished becomes a metaphor for moving beyond heartache.

Global Interest and Translation Offers

Since its unveiling, the book has drawn translation offers from various countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand. In a noteworthy turn, it triggered a pre-emptive deal from Crown Publishing in the U.S. A pre-empt is a rare and powerful contract method used by leading publishers to secure highly sought titles, demonstrating a robust anticipation for the book in the American market.

Amy Einhorn, a prominent editor at Crown, was pivotal in launching this pre-empt, marking a significant moment in the representation of Japanese literature in the West.

Widespread Empathy

Feedback from readers both in Japan and abroad emphasizes the universal feelings tied to food and relationships. Comments such as, “He was Italian and made magnificent spaghetti and meatballs before going back home and never returning,” showcase the deep connections forged through shared meals. Another reader lamented, “My ‘Ex-Boyfriend Dish’ is Chicken 65, an incredibly spicy dish from South India, but after the breakup, I can no longer bear to eat it. Perhaps I must also bury these feelings.” These heartwarming, yet painful reflections affirm the book's intent to heal through storytelling.

English-language Publication Strategy

The English version will be translated by Yuka Maeno and distributed prominently across online platforms like Amazon US and UK, as well as major bookstores. With the book’s themes resonating with readers across age groups, anticipation for its release is palpable.

About Saki Kawashiro

Saki Kawashiro, born in Tokyo in 1992, is a graduate of Waseda University's International Program. She emerged as a notable voice during her time as a bookstore employee, sharing candid essays about love and life, leading to her first essay collection, 'I Can’t Find My Place'. 'The Ex-Boyfriend's Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee' marks her debut work of fiction, navigating uncharted territory in her writing career.

Book Information

• - Title: The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee
• - Author: Saki Kawashiro
• - Publisher: Sunmark Publishing
• - Release Date: December 6, 2024
• - Format: Regular
• - Pages: 400
• - Price: 1,760 JPY (including tax)
• - ISBN: 978-4-7631-4096-8

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As 'The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee' prepares to launch, it promises to be more than just a collection of stories; it’s a heartfelt exploration of loss, community, and the remarkable human ability to heal through shared experience and cuisine.