Some books are gentle in their approach but linger in your heart long after the last page. Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa was exactly that- a long-wanted hug at the end of an excruciatingly tiring day.
Author: Durian Sukegawa
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Japanese Literature (translated)
Themes: Unlikely friendships, aging, social stigma (regarding leprosy)
Trigger Warnings: Stigma and discrimination related to leprosy (Hansen’s disease), Institutionalization of people with illness, Loneliness and isolation
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Book Review: Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
The story begins simply.
Sentarō is a man going through the motions. He runs a small dorayaki shop, flipping pancakes and selling bean-filled treats to high school students. His life is repetitive, uneventful, and weighed down by a past he doesn’t talk about. You sense he’s carrying guilt, shame, maybe even regret. He’s existing, not living.
Then one day, a 70-year-old woman walks into his shop. Tokue has twisted fingers and a quiet insistence. She wants a job. At first, Sentarō refuses. How could someone so elderly and physically different possibly help in a busy shop?
But Tokue changes everything.
She teaches him how to make real sweet bean paste, the kind that simmers for hours, that listens to the seasons, that’s stirred with care and intention. Through her gentle guidance, Sentarō begins to experience life differently. There’s beauty in the mundane, healing in food, and wisdom in the quiet.
For a while, the story makes you believe it’s about comfort. Second chances. Food as healing.
But then the shift comes.
A rumor spreads. Customers disappear. And slowly, the truth begins to unfold: Tokue once had Hansen’s disease (leprosy), a condition so misunderstood and feared that those diagnosed were forced into lifelong isolation in Japanese sanatoriums, even after they were no longer contagious.
It’s here that the novel digs deeper, without ever raising its voice. There’s no dramatic outburst or plot twist. Just soft, powerful storytelling that holds your hand as it reveals the heartbreak of being silenced, exiled, and erased.
And what struck me most?
How restrained the writing is. There are no over-the-top speeches or cinematic declarations. Just deeply human moments. Long silences. Stirred bean paste. A letter that stays with you long after the final page.
It made me pause. A lot.
It made me think about dignity. About how we treat people. About the stories we ignore, especially the ones that are too quiet to shout for our attention. When I finished reading, I just sat there in silence. And maybe cried a little.
If you love Japanese literature that’s tender yet emotionally rich, like The Travelling Cat Chronicles or Before the Coffee Gets Cold, you’ll probably fall for Sweet Bean Paste too.
In a gist, here’s what you can expect from this book.
💫Gentle💫Poignant💫Thought-provoking💫Healing
Yes. If you enjoy character-driven books that are steeped in simplicity yet brimming with meaning, this one’s for you.
🍵 Recommended pairing: Something warm. A cup of matcha. Or if you can find/make it; dorayaki.
📖 Rating: 4/5
Where to buy Sweet Bean Paste
You can grab a copy of Sweet Bean Paste from Amazon
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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
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in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
Have you read Sweet Bean Paste? Or is there another Japanese novel that quietly broke your heart? Tell me in the comments. I’d love to discover more.
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loved your point about food being more than just nourishment—it’s a language of love and connection, and this book nailed that.
In terms of Japanese novels, I only read Kafka on the Shore, and I loved the plot. Such a twisted, gripping, yet calculating plot! I hardly read it, and now when I read your review, I exactly know what I should pick next. Such an amazing plot, and I can’t wait to start reading it.
This book sounds interesting-I love Japanese novels and authors, and hadn’t heard of this one until now. Thanks for suggesting it, will bookmark!
Ever since I first read ‘Norwegian Wood” ,I have been exploring more of Japanese literature. I have finished reading ‘Before The coffee gets cold” and just read the review of “The Kamogawa Food detectives” which also seems promising and then comes your review of :Sweet Bean Paste” , another book where food seemingly though the centre point actually ends up telling us stories of human connections, resilience and strife.
Thank you for this recommendation, this seems to be another good one to read and treasure.
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This book is already on my list, and now I want to read it even more! Thank you for the review—the story seems rich with emotions that delve into the depth of human connections. I can’t wait to dive in!
I am sorry, but your trigger warning kept me from reading your review, as I am going through a tough time.
I fell in love with this gentle tale of unexpected friendship; the way Sentaro learns life’s real sweetness from Tokue’s humble care truly resonated with me. The theme of finding purpose through presence and simple acts touched my heart. I even found myself pausing to savor the imagery, like cherry blossoms and warm dorayaki.
Your review reminded me of a visit to a skill centre in Nashik where people who have suffered from leprosy were treated and taught new skills. It’s very much a treatable disease, if caught in the early stages, else one does lose that part of the skin. I don’t know if I will pick this book up because I saw these young people there in Nashik and it just brought so much upheaval.
It’s amazing how such a quiet, simple story can stay with you and make you think about kindness and dignity in a gentle way. Your words made me want to curl up with this book and a cup of matcha right away. Thanks for sharing this beautiful recommendation.
I love your review style. Also I’ve recently been reading Japanese and Korean literature so will definitely add this book in the list. Thank you for the recommendation!
I came across this book last month but could not read it yet. Your review has made me curious to read it now.
A few years back I had read a Japanese book, with a very cute storyline, though I forgot the name. This one also has that emotional aspect. Would love to read.
Sometimes Being gentle and healing providing writing can help you feel good and what I feel that exactly happened with you while reading this book. I believe I should read it too…. It will help to heal the negative vibes in me and become a better person..
Your review made me feel the quiet depth of the book without even picking it up yet. I love how you described the gentle storytelling and emotional weight without giving too much away.
I also read that book last month with RWU. This touched me deeply. The quiet bond between Sentarō and Tokue felt so tender, so real. It reminded me how often we overlook the stories hidden behind gentle hands and patient hearts.
Thank you so much for this review..i really think the plot is intriguing and something that I’d love to read.
I’ve come to truly enjoy Japanese fiction of late. The way they delve into human emotions without making a big show about it is quite moving. I will check this one out for sure.
This books seems like one that manages to talk about difficult topics without being preachy. I totally agree about people who prefer to be quiet about their problems are generally ignored. I will surely try to read this book.
I recently listened to the audiobook. the Durian Sukegawa has crafted the story highlighting friendship, dedication, and hard work is both heartwarming and heartbreaking!!!
I remember you talking about the book at our last Bookish League discussion. Japanese literature has been a hit and miss for me, but this one seems worth a read. Thanks for sharing the review, Shalini.
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Thanks fro the review. It was very interesting reading it. I am trying to get back with writing! hope it would be this one