Le ricette della signora Tokue

While the novel is a work of fiction, it is deeply informed by the author's research into the history of Hansen's disease in Japan and the systemic isolation of patients in sanatoriums. The author visited these facilities to understand the experiences of survivors, which provides the narrative with its documentary-like accuracy regarding social stigma.

The novel was adapted into a 2015 film titled Sweet Bean, directed by Naomi Kawase. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and features the actress Kirin Kiki as Tokue.