Yamada Eimi celebrates her 40th year as a writer with her new masterpiece, “The Way of the Three Butterflies,” on sale October 16th! There was once a time when female writers were called “women-ryu” (women’s writers). This full-length novel has been highly praised by authors such as Ogawa Yoko, Kanehara Hitomi, and Ueno Chizuko!
Kawade Shobo Shinsha Press release: October 16, 2025 To Members of the Press Eimi Yamada celebrates her 40th year as a writer with her new masterpiece, “The Way of the Three Butterflies,” on sale October 16th! There was a time when female writers were called “women’s writers.” A full-length novel hailed by Yoko Ogawa, Hitomi Kanehara, Chizuko Ueno…! A story of female writers who wrote novels and lived their lives as if they were burning with life, as only Yamada Eimi could portray it. “I’m glad I love literature,” “I realized that being a writer isn’t a job, but a part of life and existence itself,” are just some of the rave reviews that have poured in from booksellers across the country!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-9a0d37171390906a4675c597cd2de190-758×451.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-b500b2f1a1abc61a8f151baefe5cf785-3497×2481.jpg Yamada Eimi, “The Path of the Three Butterflies,” Kawade Shobo Shinsha Yamada himself describes this first full-length novel in two years in this way, making it a must-read not only for Yamada fans, but for all those who love novels. Yamada Eimi made her debut in 1985 with her Bungei Prize-winning novel “Bedtime Eyes.” This marks her first new book published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha in 37 years, since “The Wind Burial Classroom.” Authors and bookstores across the country, please be sure to keep an eye out for the release of this year’s most talked-about work, “The Way of the Three Butterflies” (list price 1,980 yen including tax), which has received rave reviews from many readers! Authors and bookstores across the country have been praising this book!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-1a8fdda798d5e3f46b46dcfcdd4bf888-3900×2758.jpg Eimi Yamada “The Path of the Three Butterflies” Kawade Shobo Shinsha ●Writer/Researcher “The twisted yet lovable energy of those who can only live by writing overflows from the pages.” – Ogawa Yoko “As I gazed upon the deceased ‘female’ writers with such warmth, I firmly recognized the timelessness of the novel.” – Kanehara Hitomi “Here is a strong sense of pride in being a female writer, as well as self-criticism.” – Ueno Chizuko “The story is filled with emotions that flow without definition unless spoken, voices that are difficult to hear even if you listen carefully.” – Yoko Hiramatsu “This novel captures the torrent of conflict, resistance, and joy experienced by women known as ‘women of the future.’ A must-read for all women who write and read.” – Eri Watanabe “The richness of words that captures those enthralled by literature from every angle is overflowing with a raw love for literature.” – Suzuki Suzumi “Even at a good age, they can still be cutesy, jealous, delusional, and studious. Literary girls live out their entire healthy lifespan.” – Ando Jose ●Bookstore Clerk I felt a dignified beauty in the way she carved out her own path, transcending the term “feminine.” An eternal memoir that will remain engraved in future generations, capturing the spirit of a writer who remained true to her life until the very end. Kinokuniya Fukuoka Main Store, Atsuko Muneoka If I were around these people, I’m sure I’d be able to use up all my life before I die. I’m so envious of that. Miraiya Bookstore Asahikawa Ekimae Branch, Satomi Kozuka Cool, just plain cool. The three-headed butterfly captivates even the reader. It’s a work that leaves such a strong impression that if you happen to look around the shelves, it feels like all of their works are lined up. Book First Umeda 2nd Floor Store, Goto Airi I felt like I had a karma that kept me from leaving writing, and I realized that being a writer is not just a job, but a way of life, a part of existence itself. Miraiya Bookstore Shin-Urayasu Branch, Nakamura Erika What a thing. This is what women do. Chikodo Bookstore, Korenaga Yuko Whether they wanted it or not, these three authors, who were classified as “female” in their time, clashed fiercely in friendship and talent, and it felt like they were sharing a special secret. Junkudo Fujisawa Branch, Suzuki Saori I’m so glad that I love literature, and I’m so happy. Kinokuniya Umeda Main Store, Tsujimoto Aya If I had told my teenage self, who used to buy “After School Notes” and “Son of Color” based on their covers, that “This author would become a guardian of Japanese pure literature in the early 21st century,” I’m sure I would have said, “That’s a lie!!!” But it’s true. Thank you, Yamada Eimi. Haraguchi Yukiko, Book Gankodo Yasu Branch Yamada Eimi is truly amazing. This book has me looking forward to the 50th and 60th anniversaries. Tsutaya Bookstore Nagano Tokuma Branch, Miyagawa Kenichi I caught a glimpse of what literature is. Kinokuniya Tennoji Mio Branch, Nishizawa Shiori I certainly think this is a work that only Yamada Eimi could have written. Libro Fussa Store, Maki Ebiwara Everyone’s got their own personality! Personality! Personality! They’re all so quirky. But it’s so refreshing. Kikuya Bookstore Takaoka Branch, Yuko Kyoda The quarterly literary magazine Bungei, released on October 7th, will feature a special feature on Yamada Eimi!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-f495b36cef341a0ff21fb3f80d22db78-1756×2500.jpg “Bungei 2025 Winter Issue” Cover
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-ddaf35018b271b08f64ce5e786298930-2197×1617.jpg “Bungei 2025 Winter Issue” Special Feature Table of Contents Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-976a1a95e714a1379079d290ab87f280-2187×1630.jpg “Bungei 2025 Winter Issue” Long Interview with Yamada Eimi Events celebrating the publication of Yamada Eimi’s 40th anniversary debut work, “The Path of the Three Butterflies,” will be held in three cities across the country! Event date and time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, starting at 15:00 Hosting bookstore: Hoshino Shoten Kintetsu Passe store Details: https://hoshinoshoten.jp/event/yamadaeimievent/ 〈Osaka venue〉 Event date and time: Sunday, October 19, 2025, starting at 13:00 Holding bookstore: Kinokuniya Bookstore Umeda Main Store Details: https://store.kinokuniya.co.jp/event/1756272439/ 〈Tokyo Venue〉 ※Registration Closed Date and Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, starting at 3:00 PM Bookstore: Junkudo Ikebukuro Main Branch Details: https://honto.jp/store/news/detail_041000120204.html?shgcd=HB300 Author Eimi Yamada Born in Tokyo in 1959. Made his debut as an author in 1985 with “Bedtime Eyes.” She won the Naoki Prize for “Soul Music Lovers Only,” the Women’s Literature Prize for “Trash,” the Yomiuri Literature Prize for “A2Z,” the Tanizaki Junichiro Prize for “Flavor Zekka,” the Noma Literary Prize for “Gentleman,” and the Kawabata Yasunari Literary Prize for “Fresh Teru Teru Bozu.” Her recent works include “The Lineage of the Skin Horse” and “When I Think, I Write.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-816fad2dde16188ba42dcb214adf08ce-2024×2700.jpg Photography: Osamu Higawa New publication information
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-c7c5f67a6f1a3fcf8a8940a37a0a3f23-1363×1997.jpg Yamada Eimi, “The Path of the Three Butterflies,” Kawade Shobo Shinsha Book title: The path of the three butterflies Author: Eimi Yamada Specifications: 46 format / hardcover / 240 pages Release date: October 16, 2025 Price including tax: ¥1,980 (¥1,800 base price) ISBN: 978-4-309-03962-6 URL: https://www.kawade.co.jp/np/isbn/9784309039626/ *An Amazon Audible audiobook version is also available, narrated by actress Atsuko Takahata. *The e-book will also be released on October 16th. Please check with your local e-book store for details. Kawade Shobo Shinsha will celebrate its 140th anniversary in May 2026. Various projects have been launched in preparation for the
commemorative year!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1059/12754-1059-361377bd81eeaa17b5803e08dce8c0dc-362×647.jpg Kawade Shobo Shinsha will celebrate its 140th anniversary in May 2026. As we mark this milestone, under our catchphrase “Through the Window of Books, Now and Always,” we will continue to work even harder to convey the joy of opening a book and the charm of reading, while fostering a closer and more intimate relationship between books and readers. Please look forward to the various commemorative publications we will be releasing together with “Owl-san,” our newly created character that “supports all books and all reading.” In addition to publications, information on campaigns and events commemorating our 140th anniversary will be posted on the special website below. Special site URL: https://web.kawade.co.jp/sp140th/ For more information about this release
