Product guide

Sweet Bean Paste: The International Bestseller

International Bestseller: Sweet Bean Paste is a novel by Durian Sukegawa about a dorayaki shop owner whose life changes when Tokue teaches him to make sweet bean paste. Set in contemporary Japan, the story explores friendship, loneliness and the weight of the past.

At a glance

Follows Sentaro, a dorayaki seller, and Tokue, who shares her skill in making sweet bean paste.
The publisher describes it as a novel about friendship, loneliness and the burden of the past.
The English-language edition is listed at 224 pages.

Price

£5.67Save 43%

Reference price: ~~£9.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Often bought together

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Pros and cons

Pros

A focused fictional premise connects a small confectionery shop to themes of friendship and social pressure.
Customer feedback describes the story as moving, readable and thought-provoking.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Oneworld Publications
Publication date	5 Oct. 2017
Edition	1st
Language	English
Print length	224 pages
ISBN-10	1786071959
ISBN-13	978-1786071958

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	294 g
Dimensions	12.9 x 2.03 x 19.81 cm

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in contemporary Japanese fiction and character-led stories.
Those looking for a relatively short novel centred on friendship and the past.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a factual guide to Japanese history or confectionery. This listing describes a novel.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.3 / 5 · 6,098 ratings

5 stars54%54%
4 stars32%32%
3 stars12%12%
2 stars1%1%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback highlights the writing, emotional story and its thoughtful themes. Some customers also mention insights into Japanese history and say the book is easy to read, with several finishing it in two sittings. This aligns with the listing's description of a compact novel about friendship and the past, though the feedback does not establish that every reader will find its subject matter or tone a fit.

Positive themes

Customers describe the book as enchanting and well-written, with a heartwarming story.
Feedback also praises its emotional impact, profound message and readability.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sweet Bean Paste about?

The novel follows Sentaro, who sells dorayaki, and Tokue, an older woman who teaches him to make sweet bean paste. Their friendship develops amid social pressures and difficult pasts.

How long is this edition?

The listing gives a print length of 224 pages.

Is this edition in English?

Yes. The listed language is English.