ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Mieko Kawakami's New Novel Defies Expectations with Feng Shui and Crime

publication · 2026-06-05

Japanese author Mieko Kawakami's latest novel, as reviewed by NZZ, employs Feng Shui advice about decorating the west side of a home in yellow to attract wealth, while casually addressing poverty and crime. The review highlights how the novel deliberately misleads readers with false leads, maintaining a light, airy prose style reminiscent of foam, yet with an underlying abyss. The article also mentions Junko Takase, who challenges common expectations of Japanese cuisine.

Key facts

  • Mieko Kawakami's latest novel includes Feng Shui advice about decorating the west side of a home yellow to become rich.
  • The novel looks at poverty and crime in an unruffled manner.
  • The novel deliberately lays false trails for the reader.
  • Kawakami's novels are described as foam-like, light yet abysmal.
  • The article also discusses Junko Takase challenging expectations of Japanese cuisine.

Entities

Artists

  • Mieko Kawakami
  • Junko Takase

Sources