"Runners from Africa: Kenyan Students in the Hakone Ekiden" by Hidekazu Izumi Wins the 57th Soichi Oya Nonfiction Award

Bungeishunju Ltd. announced that "Runners from Africa: Kenyan Students in the Hakone Ekiden" by Hidekazu Izumi won the 57th Soichi Oya Nonfiction Award. Izumi expressed gratitude, noting the book began from pure curiosity. He emphasized that these Kenyan runners, often grouped merely as "international students," each have unique stories, running while carrying the weight of their own and their families' lives. The prestigious award honors outstanding nonfiction works, granting 1 million yen to the winner.