Smith Street Books scoops Emiko Davies’ new Japanese cookbook

Smith Street Books has acquired an as-yet untitled new Japanese cookbook by Emiko Davies, slated for publication in November 2025.

Publisher Paul McNally acquired world rights from Lou Johnson at Key People Literary Management.

Davies is an award-winning Australian-Japanese food writer, photographer, author and educator who is based in Italy. Her latest cookbook, Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking, was published by Smith Street Books in 2023 and won Best Cookery Book at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards as well as the Special Commendation prize at the André Simon 2024 Awards.

McNally said: “I’m so thrilled to be working with Emiko again—a joy of an author and an incredible talent. Her cookbooks are full of warmth and homeliness, with delicious, simple recipes and a beautiful narrative throughout.”

Davies said: “It’s such an honour to be working on a cookbook with Smith Street Books again. I’m looking forward to creating another book that demystifies Japanese cuisine, sharing recipes typical of home cooking, photographs of Japan and food stories, all beautifully packaged in that striking Smith Street style.”