Comedian Masataka Wakabayashi's Novel 'Aozora' Nominated for Naoki Prize, a First for a Comedian
Masataka Wakabayashi (47), a member of the popular Japanese comedy duo 'Audrey', has been nominated for the 175th Naoki Prize for his debut novel 'Aozora'. This marks the first time a comedian has been nominated for the prestigious literary award. The novel, serialized on the platform 'note' in 2024 and published by Bungeishunju in February 2025, has sold over 290,000 copies.
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(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 11th) The list of candidates for the 175th Naoki Prize was announced today. Masataka Wakabayashi (47), a member of the famous Japanese comedy duo 'Audrey', has been nominated for his first full-length novel 'Aozora', becoming the first comedian ever to be nominated for the Naoki Prize.
According to Japanese media outlet Sponichi Annex, Wakabayashi, known for his essays and columns praised for their细腻 observations and unique writing style, has ventured into fiction for the first time. 'Aozora' was serialized on the Japanese article submission platform 'note' in 2024 and was officially published by Bungeishunju in February of this year. Due to strong pre-orders, an additional print run was decided before its release, and the cumulative circulation has now exceeded 290,000 copies.
Set in 1999, 'Aozora' tells the coming-of-age story of a high school student from a weak American football team who, years after leaving the sport, confronts the game and himself once again.
During his high school years, Wakabayashi played American football with his partner Shun Yasuda, and the novel incorporates his personal experiences and passion for the sport.
Upon learning of his nomination, Wakabayashi expressed his surprise. He said he simply wrote the novel out of his love for American football and never imagined it would be nominated for the Naoki Prize. He humorously added, 'The protagonist, Ari, is stronger and has run further than I ever imagined. Right now, I feel like I'm watching his back, telling him, 'Go straight for the Naoki Prize.''
The Akutagawa Prize is a prestigious award for pure literature, aimed at encouraging new writers. The Naoki Prize, on the other hand, is a representative award for popular literature, primarily given to published popular literature authors. Both prizes are awarded twice a year, each with a prize of 1 million yen.
In 2015, comedian Naoki Matayoshi won the 153rd Akutagawa Prize for his pure literature novel 'Spark'. The work was later adapted into a TV series and a film.
The selection meeting for the 175th Akutagawa and Naoki Prizes will be held on July 15th at the ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) 'Shinkiraku' in Tsukiji, Tokyo. (Editor: Tian Ruihua)
According to Japanese media outlet Sponichi Annex, Wakabayashi, known for his essays and columns praised for their细腻 observations and unique writing style, has ventured into fiction for the first time. 'Aozora' was serialized on the Japanese article submission platform 'note' in 2024 and was officially published by Bungeishunju in February of this year. Due to strong pre-orders, an additional print run was decided before its release, and the cumulative circulation has now exceeded 290,000 copies.
Set in 1999, 'Aozora' tells the coming-of-age story of a high school student from a weak American football team who, years after leaving the sport, confronts the game and himself once again.
During his high school years, Wakabayashi played American football with his partner Shun Yasuda, and the novel incorporates his personal experiences and passion for the sport.
Upon learning of his nomination, Wakabayashi expressed his surprise. He said he simply wrote the novel out of his love for American football and never imagined it would be nominated for the Naoki Prize. He humorously added, 'The protagonist, Ari, is stronger and has run further than I ever imagined. Right now, I feel like I'm watching his back, telling him, 'Go straight for the Naoki Prize.''
The Akutagawa Prize is a prestigious award for pure literature, aimed at encouraging new writers. The Naoki Prize, on the other hand, is a representative award for popular literature, primarily given to published popular literature authors. Both prizes are awarded twice a year, each with a prize of 1 million yen.
In 2015, comedian Naoki Matayoshi won the 153rd Akutagawa Prize for his pure literature novel 'Spark'. The work was later adapted into a TV series and a film.
The selection meeting for the 175th Akutagawa and Naoki Prizes will be held on July 15th at the ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) 'Shinkiraku' in Tsukiji, Tokyo. (Editor: Tian Ruihua)
FAQ
Where can I buy Masataka Wakabayashi's 'Aozora'?
It is available at bookstores nationwide and online bookstores. Published by Bungeishunju.
When is the Naoki Prize selection meeting?
The selection meeting for the 175th Naoki Prize will be held on July 15, 2025.
Are there any other comedians nominated for the Naoki Prize?
This is the first nomination for a comedian. Previously, Naoki Matayoshi won the Akutagawa Prize.