Mieko Kawakami is one of Japan’s most distinguished and internationally acknowledged writers.

Breasts and Eggs won Japan’s leading literary prize, the Akutagawa, and was recognised as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and one of TIME’s Best 10 Books of 2020.

Her second novel to appear in English, Heaven, was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2022 and her third, All the Lovers in the Night, appeared on the US’ prestigious National Book Critics Award shortlist.

She makes her much-anticipated return with Sisters in Yellow: a masterpiece of teenage dreams and adult cruelties; enduring friendship and deep betrayal.

Kiran Dass meets her to discuss her outstanding body of work in her first Aotearoa New Zealand appearance.

Interpretation provided by Melanie Taylor.