The 69th Gunzo New Writers' Award Decided on Two Works! Winning entries are 'Bone and Chain' by Shuya Nagata, 23, from Shizuoka Prefecture, and 'Wings of Summer Silkworm' by Inori Fuyushima, 21, from Hokkaido.
The 69th Gunzo New Writers' Award has been decided, with two works selected: 'Bone and Chain' by Shuya Nagata (23, Shizuoka Prefecture) and 'Wings of Summer Silkworm' by Inori Fuyushima (21, Hokkaido). The June 2026 issue of 'Gunzo' featuring the winning works and selection comments is released today, May 7th, introducing new talent to the Japanese literary scene.
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- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 20:00
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The cover of 'Gunzo' June 2026 issue
The 69th Gunzo New Writers' Award has been decided as follows, based on the selection by judges Mariko Asabuki, Masahiko Shimada, Kaori Fujino, Hideo Furukawa, and Kyo Machida. The June 2026 issue of 'Gunzo,' which features the award-winning works and selection comments, is on sale today, May 7th.
Winning Entry: 'Bone and Chain'
Author: Shuya Nagata (ながた・しゅうや)
Biography: Born in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture in 2003. Age 23.
Award: Certificate and prize money of 250,000 yen.
*The author's pen name has been changed from Yumiya Shuya (夢宮柊矢, used at the time of submission).
[Work Introduction]
Triggered by an event one winter, the daily lives of two people quietly begin to distort.
From the scent of violence and dominance simmering within a relationship called friendship, the raw 'lives' of the boys emerge.
Photography by Katsumi Murata
Winning Entry: 'Wings of Summer Silkworm' (夏蚕の翅)
Author: Inori Fuyushima (ふゆしま・いのり)
Biography: Born in Sapporo City, Hokkaido in 2005. Age 21. Resides in Hakodate City.
Award: Certificate and prize money of 250,000 yen.
[Work Introduction]
In this narrow, small town, my sister and I were despised—ever since our mother, who believed in a pagan god, disappeared, I silently watch my sister break, and myself being broken.
Photography by Katsumi Murata
[About the Gunzo New Writers' Award]
'Gunzo' is a literary magazine founded in October 1946, making it Kodansha's oldest magazine. The 'Gunzo New Writers' Award' has produced writers and critics such as Kyoko Hayashi, Ryu Murakami, Haruki Murakami, Genichiro Takahashi, Yoko Tawada, Kazushige Abe, Rio Shimamoto, Sayaka Murata, Yusuke Norishiro, Mai Ishizawa, K. Sanzo Matsunaga, Kohei Toyonaga, Kojin Karatani, Mutsumi Yamashiro, and Reiji Ando.
[Related Sites]
Kodansha Gunzo Official Website
https://gunzou.kodansha.co.jp/
Gunzo Web
https://gendai.media/gunzou
Gunzo Official X
https://x.com/gunzou_henshubu
69th Gunzo New Writers' Award Manuscript Submission Page
https://gunzou.kodansha.co.jp/awards
The 69th Gunzo New Writers' Award has been decided as follows, based on the selection by judges Mariko Asabuki, Masahiko Shimada, Kaori Fujino, Hideo Furukawa, and Kyo Machida. The June 2026 issue of 'Gunzo,' which features the award-winning works and selection comments, is on sale today, May 7th.
Winning Entry: 'Bone and Chain'
Author: Shuya Nagata (ながた・しゅうや)
Biography: Born in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture in 2003. Age 23.
Award: Certificate and prize money of 250,000 yen.
*The author's pen name has been changed from Yumiya Shuya (夢宮柊矢, used at the time of submission).
[Work Introduction]
Triggered by an event one winter, the daily lives of two people quietly begin to distort.
From the scent of violence and dominance simmering within a relationship called friendship, the raw 'lives' of the boys emerge.
Photography by Katsumi Murata
Winning Entry: 'Wings of Summer Silkworm' (夏蚕の翅)
Author: Inori Fuyushima (ふゆしま・いのり)
Biography: Born in Sapporo City, Hokkaido in 2005. Age 21. Resides in Hakodate City.
Award: Certificate and prize money of 250,000 yen.
[Work Introduction]
In this narrow, small town, my sister and I were despised—ever since our mother, who believed in a pagan god, disappeared, I silently watch my sister break, and myself being broken.
Photography by Katsumi Murata
[About the Gunzo New Writers' Award]
'Gunzo' is a literary magazine founded in October 1946, making it Kodansha's oldest magazine. The 'Gunzo New Writers' Award' has produced writers and critics such as Kyoko Hayashi, Ryu Murakami, Haruki Murakami, Genichiro Takahashi, Yoko Tawada, Kazushige Abe, Rio Shimamoto, Sayaka Murata, Yusuke Norishiro, Mai Ishizawa, K. Sanzo Matsunaga, Kohei Toyonaga, Kojin Karatani, Mutsumi Yamashiro, and Reiji Ando.
[Related Sites]
Kodansha Gunzo Official Website
https://gunzou.kodansha.co.jp/
Gunzo Web
https://gendai.media/gunzou
Gunzo Official X
https://x.com/gunzou_henshubu
69th Gunzo New Writers' Award Manuscript Submission Page
https://gunzou.kodansha.co.jp/awards