{"title":"Junko Takase","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the evocative world of Junko Takase, a contemporary Japanese author whose works intricately blend the nuances of romance with the subtle complexities of everyday life. Known for her keen observational style and gentle prose, Takase creates stories that invite readers to savour the small yet profound moments that define human connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer collection includes captivating works such as \u003cem\u003eMay You Have Delicious Meals\u003c\/em\u003e, where culinary delights serve as a metaphor for emotional intimacy and personal growth. In this novel, Takase invites readers to experience the delightful interplay of taste and emotion, where each meal becomes an opportunity for deeper understanding and connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs you delve into the tender narratives crafted by Junko Takase, you’ll find yourself immersed in stories that highlight the beauty of ordinary moments and celebrate the subtle art of romance. Whether you're a seasoned reader of Japanese literature or new to Takase's enchanting storytelling, her books promise to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"may-you-have-delicious-meals-by-junko-takase-9781529153897","title":"May You Have Delicious Meals","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor readers of \u003cem\u003eBreasts and Eggs\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eConvenience Store Woman\u003c\/em\u003e comes Junko Takase's Akutagawa Prize-winning novel about the pressures of modern life, and the pleasure of eating well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINNER OF THE AKUTAGAWA PRIZE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'So bracing, so strange and humane . . . I loved it.'\u003c\/em\u003e – Sharlene Teo, author of \u003cem\u003ePonti\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Funny . . . All the people in this novel are alive.'\u003c\/em\u003e – Hiromi Kawakami, author of \u003cem\u003eStrange Weather in Tokyo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Witty and sharp . . . I devoured it.'\u003c\/em\u003e – Natalie Sue, bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eI Hope This Finds You Well\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A slim but impactful novel that will make you laugh and think'\u003c\/em\u003e – Dazed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe power dynamics of the office are never more obvious than when it comes to food—mandatory lunches with the boss, the colleague who tries to curry favour with home-baked goods, discovering the discarded remnants of someone else's late-night binge . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn their Saitama office, Ashikawa is the kind of woman Nitani knows he will likely marry—sweet, obliging, and determined to wean him off his addiction to instant noodles. But he finds himself increasingly unable to respect her—or the sugary treats she shares around the workplace, winning their colleagues' affection with baking rather than hard work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOshio is bolder and uninhibited—she is Nitani's drinking buddy. In the oppressive office atmosphere, the pair grows closer, both outsiders struggling with the rigid status quo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDriven to behave in increasingly absurd ways by the workplace rules that govern their lives, they must navigate the tensions of modern life—between leisure and hard work; indulgence and restraint; the promise of delicious food, and the reality of a lonely pot noodle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46235577712876,"sku":"9781529153897","price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781529153897.jpg?v=1741128891"},{"product_id":"may-you-have-delicious-meals-by-junko-takase-9781804947357","title":"May You Have Delicious Meals","description":"For readers of BUTTER and CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN comes Junko Takase's Akutagawa Prize-winning novel about the pressures of modern life, and the pleasure of eating well\n\nWINNER OF THE AKUTAGAWA PRIZE\n\n'So bracing, so strange and humane . . . I loved it.' SHARLENE TEO, author of PONTI\n\n'Funny . . . All the people in this novel are alive.' HIROMI KAWAKAMI, author of STRANGE WEATHER IN TOKYO\n\n'Witty and sharp . . . I devoured it.' NATALIE SUE, bestselling author of I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL\n\n'A slim but impactful novel that will make you laugh and think' DAZED\n\nThe power dynamics of the office are never more obvious than when it comes to food- mandatory lunches with the boss, the colleague who tries to curry favour with home-baked goods, discovering the discarded remnants of someone else's late-night binge . . .\n\nIn their Saitama office, Ashikawa is the kind of woman Nitani knows he will likely marry- sweet, obliging, and determined to wean him off his addiction to instant noodles. But he finds himself increasingly unable to respect her - or the sugary treats she shares around the workplace, winning their colleagues' affection with baking rather than hard work.\n\nOshio is bolder and uninhibited - she is Nitani's drinking buddy. In the oppressive office atmosphere, the pair grows closer, both outsiders struggling with the rigid status quo.\n\nDriven to behave in increasingly absurd ways by the workplace rules that govern their lives, they must navigate the tensions of modern life- between leisure and hard work; indulgence and restraint; the promise of delicious food, and the reality of a lonely pot noodle.","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47288580767980,"sku":"9781804947357","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/79080ce64ea3efa13dadba23c5a1a486.jpg?v=1770606474"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/junko-takase.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}