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The 28th Boiled Eggs Newcomer Award: A Platform for Aspiring Writers

The Boiled Eggs Newcomer Award, established by the renowned literary agency Boiled Eggs in 1999, has officially opened its doors for submissions for the 28th edition. This prestigious literary award aims to discover and promote new talent in the writing community. In this cycle, the agency ensures that every submission will be carefully reviewed, with the initial selection being overseen by Yotaro Kojima and the final judging conducted by the celebrated author Mio Shion. Let's take a look at the insights they've shared about this year's competition.

Welcome Back to the Stage

Mio Shion expresses her excitement about returning to the judging panel after a break from the award. She has been involved in the selection process from the very first edition to the seventh, and she shares a heartfelt message inviting aspiring writers to participate. “The Boiled Eggs Newcomer Award is back in action,” she says, “and together with Kaoru Mori, the president of Boiled Eggs, we will diligently read the final candidates.” Shion encourages writers from all genres to submit their work, emphasizing the importance of balancing affection and rationality while writing. Her eagerness to read the submissions shines through as she looks forward to discovering compelling stories.

Yotaro Kojima, a new addition to the judging committee, shares his sentiments as well. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to give back to an award that educated him as a writer. “I look forward to experiencing diverse perspectives from various authors,” he notes. Kojima's enthusiasm as a reader adds a refreshing touch to the panel, promising an engaging selection process.

A Revival After a Hiatus

Following a pause in 2024, the Boiled Eggs Newcomer Award is now revived with the support of established writers like Shion and Kojima. Kaoru Mori reflects on his role in this journey, admitting that he often evaluates submissions through a commercial lens as a marketing professional. However, he hopes to set aside these filters to fully engage with the artwork, looking forward to encountering stories that truly move him.

The award aims to bridge the gap between emerging talents and the publishing industry, making the dream of getting published a tangible reality for many new authors.

Key Details of the Award

• - Submissions Open: July 1, 2025
• - Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
• - More details here

The Boiled Eggs Newcomer Award began in 2004 with its first cycle. It has seen a variety of talented authors being judged by a diverse panel, including notable figures like Takahiro Takimoto and Mio Shion. One significant highlight was the unanimous awarding of the 4th edition to Manabu Makime's “Kamo Kawa Horumo,” which later became a bestseller, significantly raising the ceremony's profile.

The Introduction of Competitive Bidding

Over the years, the award has evolved, integrating a competitive bidding system that allows multiple publishers to bid on awarded works post-revision. This innovative approach ensures that passionate editors connect with authors, making the publication process a shared journey rather than a solitary task.

At the 15th edition, for instance, the winning work of Eiko Ozaki, titled “Ashimijioji-san,” was re-titled and published by Bungeishunju. Many other authors from different generations have followed suit, showcasing the effectiveness of the bidding system in launching successful writing careers.

Participating Publishers

The 28th Boiled Eggs Newcomer Award has attracted 18 publishing houses to participate in the competitive bidding for the winning piece. Among them, nine publishers have been consistent supporters while nine are making their debut this time around. These publishers include prominent names such as KADOKAWA, Kodansha, and Shinchosha, among others.

The revival and efforts of the Boiled Eggs Newcomer Award, alongside the powerful insights from esteemed judges, promise an exciting journey for both writers and readers in the coming years. This award’s mission to discover new talent continues to inspire, encouraging emerging voices in literature.