Japan's prestigious 'Akutagawa and Naoki' literary awards remain unclaimed

The Akutagawa and Naoki Awards, given in the name of important figures in Japanese literature , Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, considered the "father of the Japanese short story," and novelist Naoki Sanjugo , were left without a winner this year.

The Bungaku Shinkoo Society, which pioneers the promotion of Japanese literature, released a statement regarding the 173rd Akutagawa and Naoki Awards. The statement read, "The selection committee convened in Tokyo on July 16 and determined that no works were suitable for the award."

According to the official Kyodo news agency, no author or work has won the prestigious national literary awards for the first time since 1998. Selection Committee member Kawakami Hiromi called on the nominees to "make an extra effort," stating that while the nominated works had appealing elements, none were considered eligible.

Kawakami, noting that they were looking for works that offered a "fresh perspective," noted that two of the four nominees received a majority in the voting. Kawakami expressed her "deep sadness" at not being awarded the award and expressed her hope that the nominees would make an extra effort.

PRIZE: 1 MILLION YEN

According to state broadcaster NHK, the Bungaku Shinkoo Society has been recognizing works of popular literature with its Akutagawa and Naoki Awards since 1935. Winners of the awards, named after Japanese writers Akutagawa Ryunosuke and Naoki Sanjugo, receive 1 million yen ($6,700).