Makoto Toriyama and Ushio Hatakeyama Win the 174th Akutagawa Prize
The 174th Akutagawa Prize, one of Japan’s most esteemed literary awards recognizing emerging authors of literary fiction, has been awarded to Makoto Toriyama for “Toki no Ie” (“The House of Time”) and ushio Hatakeyama for “Sakebi” (“Scream”). The proclamation was made on July 17, 2024.
Makoto Toriyama, born in 1992 in Hyogo Prefecture, crafted “Toki no Ie” around the concept of a single house and the multiple generations who inhabit it. The story, initially published in Gunzo magazine, explores themes of family, time, and the enduring nature of a home. Toriyama’s work previously garnered recognition with the 47th Noma Literary Newcomer Award.
Notably, Toriyama’s background as a practicing architect significantly influenced his writing. “Toki no Ie” draws heavily from his professional experiences, with the central house in the narrative being based on a home he designed alongside his wife, who is also an architect, for their own family. This personal connection lends a unique authenticity to the story’s depiction of domestic life and architectural space.
The Akutagawa Prize, named after renowned Japanese novelist Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, is presented biannually and serves as a significant stepping stone for aspiring literary figures in Japan.The selection process is highly competitive, and winning the prize frequently enough leads to increased public recognition and critical acclaim.
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