The 172nd Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize winners were announced on January 15, 2025, during the selection meeting held at Shin Kiraku, a restaurant in Tokyo. The prestigious Akutagawa Prize went to Jose Ando for his novel “DTOPIA” and Yuui Suzuki for “Goethe Said It All,” marking significant achievements for both authors.
Ando, 30, has been recognised for his unique storytelling style and thematic depth. This is his third nomination, previously standing out with his earlier works, and he finally clinched the award this year. “DTOPIA” is described as set against the backdrop of a reality dating show, where ten men from around the globe compete for the affection of one woman. The selection committee praised the novel for its layered storytelling and exploration of themes such as sexual minority issues, colonialism, and identity. According to selection committee member Masahiko Shimada, the richness and complexity of Ando’s themes shone brightly. He remarked on the “excessive” nature of both Ando’s and Suzuki’s works, leading mainstream narratives in Japanese literature. During the announcement of the winners, Ando expressed his joy, stating, “I was surprisingly able to integrate everything I wanted to show without breaking the story. It expanded the possibilities of what writing can be.” He described the challenge of finding his voice amid society’s challenges and how it has become his default when presenting characters.
Yuui Suzuki, 23, made waves with her debut novel “Goethe Said It All” and achieved remarkable success by winning the Akutagawa Prize during her first nomination. The novel features the protagonist, a researcher of German literature, who discovers unknown quotes from Goethe and embarks on a quest to find their origins. Suzuki expressed her gratitude, noting, “This award feels like a significant step for me personally as I navigate my path as a writer. I want to write stories on timeless love and old narratives even as current trends lean toward chaos and absurdity.”
The recognition from the awards adds to the accolades Suzuki received for her previous work, which earned her the 10th Hayashi Fumiko Literary Prize commendation. She reflects on her past challenges, particularly how witnessing the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and Fukushima disaster shaped her desire to weave meaningful narratives.
Both authors’ works will be featured in upcoming issues of literary magazines. The prize ceremonies, including the awarding of each winner with 100,000 yen and formal recognitions, are set to take place later this February. The Akutagawa Prize-winning works will be published extensively, with “DTOPIA” included in the spring edition of “Bungei” on February 10, and Suzuki’s work featuring part of her prose with reviews printed by “Shousetsu Tripper” on February 21.
Ando and Suzuki’s achievements represent not just personal victories but also the growing diversity and relevance of contemporary Japanese literature. Their works resonate with themes reflecting society’s intricacies, sparking thoughtful conversations about love, identity, and human experience.
The committee’s decision prompts enthusiasm among literature circles, with hopes for these new voices to inspire fresh narratives and establish more dynamic connections with readers. With the fluctuations of globalization and cultural exchange, the artifacts of Ando’s and Suzuki’s storytelling urge every reader to embrace the power of literature as both reflection and reality.
