National News

Comedian Matayoshi bags literary award

音声ダウンロード

Comedian Naoki Matayoshi on July 16 won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize for up-and-coming authors.

His nomination had grabbed attention as it is rare for a popular entertainer to be recommended for the award.

In his prize-winning work Hibana (Spark), Matayoshi, 35, who is known for his strong knowledge of literature, depicts exchanges between a struggling young comedian and a senior comedian. The book has already become a best seller, with 640,000 copies sold. (Kyodo)

芥川賞に「ピース」の又吉直樹さん

芥川賞にお笑いコンビ「ピース」の又吉直樹さんの『火花』が選ばれた。お笑い芸人が同賞に選ばれるのは初めて。受賞作では若手芸人と先輩芸人の日々が描かれている。

The Japan Times ST: July 31, 2015