#Japan #Tokyo #Bunkamura #Rokkok Kitchen #Ayumi Kawauchi

Celebrating Innovative Literature at the 35th Bunkamura Dumagō Literary Award Ceremony

The Bunkamura Dumagō Literary Award, established in 1990 by Tokyu Bunka Mura in Shibuya, Tokyo, aims to discover new literary possibilities that are innovative and original, free from authoritarianism and conventional dogmas. This year's ceremony, marking the 35th award, was particularly remarkable as it showcased the depth and brilliance of contemporary literature.

A Unique Selection Process

Notably, the award's recipient is chosen each year by a rotating committee member. This time, the non-fiction writer Hazuki Saishō served as the selection committee chair. The highlight of the year was the award-winning work, 'Rokkok Kitchen' by Ayumi Kawauchi, which was unveiled in September. This compelling work captures the evolving landscape of life along Route 6, known colloquially as Rokkok, and sparks readers' curiosity about how people are living in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster.

The Ceremony: An Engaging Dialogue

The award ceremony was held on November 27 at the Japan-France Hall in Ebisu. It commenced with a fascinating dialogue between Hazuki Saishō and Ayumi Kawauchi, reflecting on the themes and inspirations behind the work. 'Rokkok Kitchen' aggregates content serialized in the literary magazine Gunzō from October 2024 to August 2025. Through detailed interviews and observations, Kawauchi's work delves into the daily lives of individuals living in a region still grappling with the impact of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, which occurred over a decade ago.

Kawauchi expressed her motivation for this project stemmed from a simple inquiry into the evolving lifestyles of local residents, prompting her to start significant research two years prior. During the dialogue, Saishō acknowledged her immediate admiration for the work, confirming that the conclusion of the serialization coincided perfectly with the selection deadline and solidified her choice for the award.

In a notable aspect of Kawauchi's narrative style, she explained her commitment to creating a multi-dimensional storytelling approach: "It's not about conveying the narrative solely through written words; if the message is fine across various media, then why not embrace them?" This methodology evolved particularly during her collaboration with Takuichi, an individual from Ōkuma Town, who lives a dual life working at the Fukushima site by day and running an outdoor bookstore by night.

Award Presentation Highlights

The award presentation, led by So Shimada, President of Tokyu Bunka Mura, featured the conferral of a certificate and a prestigious Zenith watch from Switzerland. Added to this was a grand gift—a magnum-sized bottle of Champagne Gruet Brut Selection engraved with Kawauchi's name, presented by Shinichiro Oya, Head of Beverage Branding at Merchian Corporation. Additionally, a surprise handover of Château Meruchan 'Shin-Tsuru Chardonnay', made from grapes sourced in Fukushima, delighted attendees.

During the ceremony, Saishō elaborated on the essential themes of the book, emphasizing the significance of documenting what residents consume and how their lives are affected by the lingering questions stemming from the Fukushima disaster. "This work embodies the voices of many, forming a collective expression that resonates with the core of literature itself," she remarked with anticipation for the future endeavors of Kawauchi.

Kawauchi, reflecting on her award experience, shared, "Receiving the news was a tremendous energizer amidst my moments of doubt regarding the revisions of the book. It ignited a new ambition in me to complete it worthy of this acknowledgment. I owe it to so many who supported me in its creation. While I might be the figure in the spotlight, the attention should rather fall on the voices from Hamadori and the people unable to return to their homes." Her heartfelt appeal aimed to encourage readers to engage with the contemporary issues in Fukushima.

The joyous atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of Daisuke Miyoshi, co-director of the documentary film 'Rokkok Kitchen', alongside members of the Rokkok Kitchen project and figures featured in the book, all gathered to celebrate Kawauchi's remarkable achievement.

Conclusion and Further Details

This award ceremony not only recognized Kawauchi's literary excellence but also highlighted the collective human experiences that inform literature. For more insights into the event, detailed reports can be found on the Bunkamura official website.

Award Overview:

• - Award Name: 35th Bunkamura Dumagō Literary Award
• - Winner: 'Rokkok Kitchen' by Ayumi Kawauchi
• - Selection Committee Chair: Hazuki Saishō
• - Publisher: Kodansha
• - Publication Schedule: Serialized in 'Gunzō' from October 2024 to August 2025.