Sweet Bean Paste (novel)

Sweet Bean Paste (Japanese: あん, Hepburn: An) is a 2013 novel by Japanese author Durian Sukegawa. The story revolves around Sentaro, a middle-aged man with a troubled past who manages a dorayaki (a type of Japanese confectionery) shop. His life is changed by the arrival of Tokue, an elderly woman with severely deformed hands but an exceptional talent for making an, the sweet red bean paste that fills dorayaki.

Tokue's passion for and deep understanding of the process of making an revitalize the shop and challenge Sentaro's cynicism. The novel explores themes of prejudice, aging, societal marginalization, the importance of connection to nature, and finding purpose in life. Tokue's unique approach to crafting an, which involves listening to the beans, highlights a respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all things.

The book was adapted into a critically acclaimed 2015 film of the same name, directed by Naomi Kawase. The film closely follows the plot of the novel and retains its themes and emotional depth. Both the novel and the film have been widely praised for their sensitive portrayal of marginalized characters and their exploration of universal human experiences.