[Kodansha Ltd.] Dean Fujioka’s first translated picture book goes on sale today! A soothing reading video of “Chef Ant’s Introduction” by Chef Ant himself has also been released.
Kodansha Co., Ltd. Press release: October 16, 2025 To Members of the Press Dean Fujioka’s first translated picture book is on sale today! A soothing video of Chef Ant himself reading “Ant Chef’s Introduction” has also been released. It will also be featured on TBS TV’s “King’s Brunch” on Saturday, October 18th!
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1719/7778/1719-7778-6d67d0977d8e2f6affd71fb2d678924a-3900×2601.jpg Kodansha will release “Ant Chef’s Call,” Dean Fujioka’s first translation project, today, Thursday, October 16, 2025. The original work, with its humorous story and heartwarming illustrations, has been translated into languages around the world. Dean, who combines an international sensibility with delicate expressiveness, has translated this story into Japanese. Even before its release, it has already reached number one on Amazon’s rankings(*) and has been a hot topic on social media and in the media. * In the Italian Literature (Books) category as of September 3rd – September 27th, 2025 Video of Dean reading aloud released
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WyGgcwwd2k We’ve also released a video of Dean, who translated the book, reading “The Ant Chef’s Introduction” himself. Dean’s voice conveys the charm of the story in a soothing video. It’s packed with Dean’s signature style, and you’ll want to watch it again and again. Scheduled to be featured on TBS TV’s “King’s Brunch”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1719/7778/1719-7778-c7f175914dcc9b74ec7615a17eeecdfd-3900×2601.jpg “Ant Chef’s Introduction” will be featured on TBS TV’s “King’s Brunch” on Saturday, October 18th. The Japanese version includes little “tricks” devised by Dean that aren’t in the original work, as well as a touching afterword written by the author himself. Plus, as a bonus for purchasers, you’ll receive the “Hasami Dean Chef Bookmark,” a popular social media favorite.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1719/7778/1719-7778-dc61ccddc3f52a1232d0ed13ed0fe6ad-1200×800.png *The special “Hasamari Dean Chef Bookmark” will be available until supplies last. Ranked #1 on Amazon(*) at the time of pre-order & reprint confirmed before release! This book reached number one on Amazon(*) while pre-orders were still being accepted. A reprint has also been decided before the release date. With the release date today upon us, physical copies of this much-talked-about work are finally hitting shelves in bookstores nationwide. Why not turn the pages for yourself and immerse yourself in the world of the story through Dean’s creative expression? * As of September 3rd – September 27th, 2025, in the Italian Literature (Books) category ◆Introduction to the story of “Ant Chef’s Dinner Party”◆ Welcome to Ant Chef’s Dinner Party! The great ant chef invites animals to a dinner party. …or so it seemed, but deciding the seating arrangement proved to be a challenge! The Mouse probably wouldn’t want to sit next to the Cat, The Sheep might end up getting treated to a feast if they were to share a table with the Wolf! The owl probably wants to eat in a dark room… What a complicated puzzle! So, will Chef Ant’s dinner party go well? A puzzle-like seating arrangement leads to a surprising conclusion. This heartwarming book, full of humor, will bring a smile to the faces of both children and adults. ◆Special website for “Ant Chef’s
Appreciation”◆ https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/special/IJtUq [Dean Fujioka Profile] Born in Fukushima Prefecture in 1980. He is active internationally, primarily in Asia, as an actor, artist, and film producer. Fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, he possesses a rich international sensibility, a deep understanding of languages, and sensitive expressiveness. As a father of three, he is involved in childcare and has often appeared in father roles. NHK morning drama “Asaka Kita”, historical drama “Aoi Tou wo Tsuke”, “The Count of Monte Cristo: Magnificent Revenge”, “Sherlock”, “Housework on the Other Side”, film “My Father and I’s Never-ending Song”. Regular personality on TOKYO FM’s “DEAN FUJIOKA New Calendar”. ＞Bibliographic information Title: Chef Ant’s Invitation Author: Dario Pomodoro Illustrations: Lorenzo Sangio Translated by: Dean Fujioka List price: 1870 Yen (tax included) Size: AB (257mm x 210mm) Full color / 34 pages Release date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 *Release dates may vary by bookstore. Kodansha ■Amazon https://amzn.to/44YzgGO ■Rakuten Books https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18313391/?l-id=search-c-item-text-0 Information about the picture book will be updated regularly on the editorial department’s official social media accounts. Don’t miss it! [Kodansha Overseas Character Editorial Official SNS] X:
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