What is Butter by Asako Yuzuki about?

Butter by Asako Yuzuki follows journalist Rika Machida as she interviews Manako Kajii, a convicted serial killer and gourmet cook accused of murdering lonely businessmen through seduction and elaborate home cooking. Through their exchanges about food—starting with butter over margarine—Rika begins questioning her own relationship with food, her body, and what it means to be a woman in contemporary Japan. The novel explores themes of misogyny, obsession, and the transgressive pleasures of food.

Asako Yuzuki is an award-winning Japanese author born in Tokyo in 1981. She won the All Yomimono Prize for New Writers in 2008 and the Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize in 2015. After studying French literature at Rikkyo University and working for a confectionery maker, Yuzuki became a full-time writer. Her novels have been adapted for television, radio, and film in Japan, with Butter being her first work published in English.

Who should read Butter by Asako Yuzuki?

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven literary fiction with culinary themes and social commentary. This book appeals to fans of true crime narratives, explorations of feminist issues in modern Japan, and slow-burn psychological thrillers. Readers interested in food writing, gender politics, and stories about women questioning societal expectations will find Butter particularly compelling. The novel suits those seeking thought-provoking, atmospheric reads rather than fast-paced action.

Is Butter by Asako Yuzuki worth reading?

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is worth reading for its unique blend of true crime, food writing, and feminist social commentary. Named Waterstones Book of the Year in 2024, the novel offers vivid, descriptive language around food and a mesmerizing character study. While the pacing is deliberately slow and contemplative, readers who appreciate nuanced explorations of identity, misogyny, and the relationship between women and food will find Butter deeply rewarding.

Is Butter by Asako Yuzuki based on a true story?

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is inspired by the real 2012 case of Kanae Kijima, known as "The Konkatsu Killer". Kijima was a Japanese woman convicted of killing three romantic partners, allegedly using her cooking skills to seduce lonely businessmen. While Asako Yuzuki drew inspiration from this sensational case, Butter is a fictionalized exploration that uses the premise to examine deeper themes of gender, food, and power in contemporary Japan.

What are the main themes in Butter by Asako Yuzuki?

Butter by Asako Yuzuki explores identity, gender politics, and feminism in modern-day Japan through the lens of food and female relationships. The novel examines how societal expectations shape women's relationships with their bodies, food, and pleasure. Key themes include obsession, loneliness, misogyny, and how food connects us to childhood, community, and future generations. The book challenges capitalistic structures and questions what it means for women to fully enjoy life.

What does butter symbolize in Asako Yuzuki's novel?

In Butter by Asako Yuzuki, butter symbolizes authenticity, pleasure, and rejection of artificial substitutes—both in food and in life. The convicted killer Manako Kajii famously states she cannot tolerate "feminists and margarine," positioning butter as representing genuine indulgence versus society's cheaper alternatives. Throughout the novel, butter becomes a metaphor for embracing real experiences and pleasures that women are often discouraged from enjoying. It challenges protagonist Rika to reconsider what authenticity means in her own life.

How does Butter by Asako Yuzuki explore feminism and misogyny?

Butter by Asako Yuzuki examines how patriarchal expectations limit women's autonomy over their bodies, careers, and desires in contemporary Japan. Protagonist Rika works as the only woman in her news office, constantly navigating workplace sexism while neglecting her own needs. The novel contrasts different responses to misogyny: Rika's self-denial versus Kajii's unapologetic indulgence. Asako Yuzuki critiques how society polices women's bodies, appetites, and life choices while exploring the complex relationship between female empowerment and transgression.

Butter Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Butter

Asako Yuzuki

Society Psychology Mystery

Resumen

Puntos Clave

Autor

Preguntas Frecuentes

A feminist thriller inspired by Japan's infamous "Black Widow" case, Butter transcends cultural boundaries, outselling its Japanese release fourfold in Britain alone. Winner of Waterstones Book of the Year, this unflinching exploration of misogyny asks: what makes society fear powerful women more than violent men?

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Resumen Rápido8min

Siente el libro a través de la voz del autor

Análisis Profundo42min

Convierte el conocimiento en ideas atractivas y llenas de ejemplos

Tarjeta Flash10 ideas

Captura ideas clave en un instante para un aprendizaje rápido

Divertido22min

Disfruta el libro de una manera divertida y atractiva

Mejor cita de Butter

When I'm eating good butter I feel somehow as though I were falling...The body plummets, starting from the very tip of the tongue.

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Butter no es solo un libro — es una clase magistral en Society. Para ayudarte a absorber sus lecciones de la manera que mejor te funcione, ofrecemos cinco modos de aprendizaje únicos. Ya seas un pensador profundo, un aprendiz rápido o un amante de las historias, hay un modo diseñado para tu estilo.

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Resumen de Butter en 8 Minutos

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00:00

Tarjeta Flash

Las 10 Ideas Principales de Butter en Resumen

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Divertido

Lecciones de Butter Contadas en Historias de 22 Min

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00:00

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Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000+ Mentes Curiosas

Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Butter

Asako Yuzuki

Society Psychology Mystery

Resumen

Puntos Clave

Autor

Preguntas Frecuentes

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Resumen Rápido8min

Siente el libro a través de la voz del autor

Análisis Profundo42min

Convierte el conocimiento en ideas atractivas y llenas de ejemplos

Tarjeta Flash10 ideas

Captura ideas clave en un instante para un aprendizaje rápido

Divertido22min

Disfruta el libro de una manera divertida y atractiva

Mejor cita de Butter

When I'm eating good butter I feel somehow as though I were falling...The body plummets, starting from the very tip of the tongue.

Más Como Este

My Sister, the Serial Killer

Oyinkan Braithwaite

Black Box

Shiori Itō

The best spicy novels you need to get your hands on, ranked by the WH team

6 sources

Spicy Romance: Psychology, Power, and Literary Evolution

The Worm at the Core: On the Role of Death in Life

37 sources

The Dark Attraction: Why We're Drawn to Death, Crime, and Danger

BeFreed

Puntos Clave

The Intoxicating Dance Between Appetite and Restraint

00:00

In the midst of Japan's nationwide butter shortage, journalist Rika Machida finds herself drawn into the world of Manako Kajii, a plus-sized woman accused of murdering three men she met through dating services. What begins as professional curiosity evolves into dangerous obsession as Rika discovers there's something admirable in how Kajii demanded good treatment despite societal expectations-a sharp contrast to the self-restraint Rika observes in successful women around her and feels in herself. That constant pressure to remain small, both physically and metaphorically. When Kajii finally agrees to meet at the women's detention center, she establishes clear boundaries-she won't discuss her case but will talk about food, her passion. Upon hearing Rika has been using margarine during the butter shortage, Kajii launches into a passionate diatribe, eyes flashing with genuine anger: "I cannot tolerate feminists and margarine." She instructs Rika to make rice with premium Echire butter and soy sauce, describing the experience with almost religious reverence: "When I'm eating good butter I feel somehow as though I were falling...The body plummets, starting from the very tip of the tongue." This moment marks the beginning of Rika's dangerous seduction into a world where pleasure takes precedence over restraint, where food becomes almost erotic in its intensity, and where the boundaries between indulgence and destruction begin to blur ominously.

When Society Weighs Women Down

The Complex Choreography of Female Friendship

The Making of a Monster

Food as Language, Memory, and Power

The Transformation of Grief and Guilt

Finding Authenticity in a World of Performance

Explora Tu Forma de Aprender

Resumen Rápido

Resumen de Butter en 8 Minutos

Desglosa las ideas clave de Butter en puntos fáciles de entender para comprender cómo los equipos innovadores crean, colaboran y crecen.

00:00

Tarjeta Flash

Las 10 Ideas Principales de Butter en Resumen

Destila Butter en pistas de memoria rápidas que resaltan los principios clave de franqueza, trabajo en equipo y resiliencia creativa.

Divertido

Lecciones de Butter Contadas en Historias de 22 Min

Experimenta Butter a través de narraciones vívidas que convierten las lecciones de innovación en momentos que recordarás y aplicarás.

00:00

Personalizar

Experimenta Butter a tu manera.

Pregunta lo que quieras, elige la voz y co-crea ideas que realmente resuenen contigo.

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000+ Mentes Curiosas

Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000+ Mentes Curiosas

Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Comienza tu viaje de aprendizaje, ahora

Descargar Este Resumen

Obtén el resumen de Butter como PDF o EPUB gratis. Imprímelo o léelo sin conexión en cualquier momento.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki Summary

Overview of Butter

Similar books to Butter

Mejor cita de Butter

Modo Resumen Rápido - Lee o escucha el resumen de Butter en 8 minutos

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Butter by Asako Yuzuki Summary

Overview of Butter

Similar books to Butter

Mejor cita de Butter

Más Como Este

Puntos Clave

The Intoxicating Dance Between Appetite and Restraint

When Society Weighs Women Down

The Complex Choreography of Female Friendship

The Making of a Monster

Food as Language, Memory, and Power

The Transformation of Grief and Guilt

Finding Authenticity in a World of Performance

Modo Resumen Rápido - Lee o escucha el resumen de Butter en 8 minutos

Modo Tarjeta Flash - Las 10 Ideas Principales de Butter en Resumen

Modo Divertido - Lecciones de Butter Contadas en Historias de 22 Min

Modo Personalizar - Lee o escucha el resumen de Butter en 0 minutos

Descargar Butter PDF

Descargar Butter EPUB

Más Como Este

Puntos Clave

The Intoxicating Dance Between Appetite and Restraint

When Society Weighs Women Down

The Complex Choreography of Female Friendship

The Making of a Monster

Food as Language, Memory, and Power

The Transformation of Grief and Guilt

Finding Authenticity in a World of Performance