TV Tokyo Drama 'Synanthrope' Wins Double at the 52nd Hoso Bunka Foundation Awards! "Encouragement Prize" in Drama Division & Kazya Konomoto Wins "Screenwriting Award"

The drama 'Synanthrope,' which aired on TV Tokyo in the October 2025 season, has been selected for the "Encouragement Prize" in the Drama Division at the 52nd Hoso Bunka Foundation Awards. Additionally, Kazya Konomoto, who wrote the original story and screenplay for the series, won the "Screenwriting Award" in the same division, achieving a double win. 'Synanthrope' has previously received the 63rd Galaxy Award Television Division Selection, and Konomoto won the 44th Kōda Kuniko Award, making this latest honor a continuation of its critical acclaim. This is the first time a TV Tokyo production has been recognized by the Hoso Bunka Foundation Awards since 'Hatsukoi, Zarari,' which aired in the July 2023 season. *Exclusively streaming on Prime Video ©Kazya Konomoto / Synanthrope Production Committee Reason for Drama Division "Encouragement Prize" Award: A masterpiece that skillfully blends a coming-of-age story of young people with unique personalities with a crime mystery. Supported by a script with overwhelming structural power, the charm of the young cast and staff shines through. The way the motif 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree' is utilized is superb. Director Seita Yamagishi's Comment: I am truly happy that 'Synanthrope,' which we created with unwavering dedication and time, has received such an award. It's rare to find a TV drama that respects its creators so much and entrusts them with complete freedom. The energy emanating from Konomoto-san's script was immense, and I believe it's the result of the entire cast and staff, drawn to it, giving their all on set, which led to those rich 12 episodes. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the viewers who received the work, those who evaluated it with conviction, and everyone involved in the production. Reason for Drama Division "Screenwriting Award" Award: Skillfully structured the coming-of-age story of young people with unique personalities and the crime mystery using wordplay and the connection of images. The deep character development enhances the suspense. Truly astonishing talent. Screenwriter Kazya Konomoto's Comment: Thank you very much for this honor. We created 'Synanthrope' as a group drama where viewers would experience a world themed around birds, as if they were birds themselves. In the beginning, you are on the ground, only seeing fragmented events and conversations. But as you gradually gain altitude, you realize you are surveying the world from above. You understand the story of the birds from the birds' perspective. I would be happy if that was the case. I am grateful to everyone who was involved. Started his career as a manga artist in 2010 with 'Spinnerbait.' His manga 'Seto & Utsumi,' which began serialization in 2013, was adapted into a film and a TV drama (aired on TV Tokyo in the October 2017 season). He expanded his activities beyond manga, debuting as a screenwriter in 2019 with 'Black School Rules' (Nippon TV, film, Hulu). His major screenwriting works include the anime 'Odd Taxi' (aired on TV Tokyo in April 2021) and the animated film 'Housenka.' He is currently serializing the manga 'Kami Kill-' (original story) in 'Weekly Young Jump.' Official profile image of Kazya Konomoto (from the official website of his agency, P.I.C.S.management) Producer Tomoki Maeda (TV Tokyo)'s Comment: Thank you very much for this prestigious award. I believe this is the result of everyone involved giving their utmost effort and dedication to the work. I still vividly remember the excitement I felt as Konomoto-san's script came to life visually. I am truly delighted that this work, where the creators' and cast's wonderful individuality and talent were fully displayed, has been so highly recognized. I hope that this work, created with all our hearts, will continue to resonate in someone's life. My sincere gratitude goes to everyone who was involved. The Hoso Bunka Foundation Awards are presented by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Hoso Bunka Foundation to honor outstanding programs and streaming content that have impressed viewers, as well as individuals and groups who have made remarkable achievements in broadcasting culture and technology. The program and streaming content awards are divided into four categories: Documentary, Drama, Entertainment, and Radio, with "Grand Prize," "Excellence Award," and "Encouragement Prize" selected and awarded in each. Additionally, individual awards such as "Acting Award," "Performer Award," "Planning Award," "Production Award," "Directing Award," "Screenwriting Award," and "Sound Design Award" are presented to individuals who have shown outstanding performance. The award ceremony for the 52nd Hoso Bunka Foundation Awards will be held on Wednesday, July 8th. Work: 'Synanthrope' Original Story & Screenplay: Kazya Konomoto Broadcast Date & Station: October 6 - December 22, 2025 (TV Tokyo) Director: Seita Yamagishi Music: Fumitake Ezaki Chief Producers: Rina Sofue (TV Tokyo), Daisuke Hiraga (P.I.C.S.) Producers: Tomoki Maeda (TV Tokyo), Sohei Harada (P.I.C.S.), 　　　　　　Maki Kobe (P.I.C.S.), Yuya Takesako (Asmik Ace) Production Cooperation: Asmik Ace Production: TV Tokyo, P.I.C.S. Copyright: 'Synanthrope' Production Committee Cast: Koji Shiraishi, Anna Yamada, Ryuta Bando, Yuka Kageyama, Ayumu Mochizuki, Yui Narumi, Mamoru Hagiwara, 　　　Tsutomu Takahashi, Yuya Endo, Afro, So Morita / Shota Sometani, and others <'Synanthrope' Story> The story is set in 'Synanthrope,' a small burger shop in town. Among the eight young people working there, university student Kensuke Tonari (Koji Shiraishi) secretly harbors feelings for his part-time colleague, Kotomi Mizumachi (Anna Yamada). One day, an inexplicable robbery occurs at Synanthrope, and their quiet daily lives begin to warp. Love and friendship, bonds and betrayal, fate and choices – shifting relationships and emotions trigger a series of events. What is real, and what is a lie? And what awaits Kensuke beyond his feelings: love, or something else? A youth ensemble mystery beautifully and emotionally depicted through realistic human drama reflecting contemporary youth and a meticulously crafted plot and witty dialogue within an unsettling worldview. 'Synanthrope' *Now available for unlimited streaming on Prime Video https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/video/detail/B0DW2LVWN6 *Blu-ray Box now on sale https://www.amuse-s-e.co.jp/release/detail/synanthrope