乳と卵　Breasts and Eggs

乳と卵 （Breasts and Eggs） is a novel by Japanese author Mieko Kawakami, which first published in 2008. The story begins with the visit of the elder sister living in Osaka, Makiko, and her daughter, Midoriko, come to Tokyo to visit “me.” The narrative echoes with another Japanese female author- Higuchi Ichiyō’s work たけくらべ（Growing Up Together）in many ways. Breasts and Eggs revealing the poverty problem faced by modern women in Japan, as well as their conflicts and confusion in navigating between self-identity and social expectations.

This cover design by  Japanese book designer 大久保明子 （Akiko Okubo） is both minimalist and striking. Using only red and white, it outlines the female breasts with minimal lines, subtly tie to one of Makiko’s motives for coming to Tokyo—to do breast augmentation surgery. The typography also emphasizes clarity and elegance, used a Minchō typeface with furigana placed above the kanji.

Designer: 大久保明子　Okubo Akiko

Publisher: 文春文庫