#Japan #Bunkyo, Tokyo #audiobook.jp #Otobank #Audiobook Awards

The Audiobook of the Year 2025 Announced

In a significant event for the audiobook community, Otobank Inc., the operator of audiobook.jp, has unveiled the winners of the Audiobook of the Year 2025 awards. This annual ceremony, which has been held since 2022, aims to celebrate the rapid expansion of audiobook culture in Japan. The winners are determined through votes cast by users, emphasizing community involvement in recognizing literary and business achievements.

The top honors in the literary category went to "The Ground Masters" by Kou Shinjou, while the Business Book Award was claimed by "Why Can't We Read More While Working?" by Kaho Miyake. In addition, a special category was introduced this year featuring the audiobook.jp Special Award and the Yusei Kikuchi Award, recognizing various facets of the audiobook industry's growth.

Details of the Awards

The Audiobook of the Year awards recognize outstanding works and their contributions to the audiobook landscape. The recipients include:

• - Grand Prize - Literary Category: _"The Ground Masters"_ by Kou Shinjou, published by Shueisha.
• - Runner-up - Literary Category: _"The Shadow of the Moon, the Sea of Shadows (Part 1), Twelve Kingdoms 1"_ by Fuyumi Ono, published by Shinchosha.
• - Grand Prize - Business Book Category: _"Why Can't We Read More While Working?"_ by Kaho Miyake, published by Shueisha.
• - Runner-up - Business Book Category: _"Study of Rest: Saving Yourself from Fatigue"_ by Hideki Katano, published by Toyo Keizai.

The ceremony is set to take place on November 4th, where authors and other stakeholders will gather to share their insights on the making of audiobooks and the emotions embedded within the narratives. Following the event, a report will be released via the official audiobooks.jp note.

New Categories Introduced

In recognition of the evolving audiobook landscape, the audiobook.jp Special Award spotlights works that have made a notable impact within the industry. This award seeks to promote creativity and progressive approaches in audiobook production.

The Yusei Kikuchi Award, selected by major league pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, will honor a work that exemplifies the appeal of audiobooks from a unique perspective. The results for this award will also be announced during the ceremony.

In the Corporate Division, three organizations were recognized for their active use of audiobooks in employee development, helping to enhance their organizational growth. The honored companies include MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store, and Fujimoto HD Co., Ltd..

The Future of Audiobooks

As the CEO of Otobank, Yuya Kubota, observed, feedback from users has consistently highlighted the immersive experience audiobooks provide. Comments from listeners reaffirm that the audio format allows them to connect with stories in ways traditional reading may not.

This year's awards particularly spotlight books that address real-world issues, encouraging working professionals to maintain their reading habits and providing accessible content for individuals of all ages.

Furthermore, since launching its corporate audiobook.jp service in early 2022, Otobank has seen over 200 companies integrate this platform, enhancing employee development and engagement.

Otobank celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, paving the way for innovative approaches to further expand audiobook accessibility in society. The company continues to collaborate with publishers and creators to create a future in which reading and listening are equally available options.

For further inquiries about the awards or audiobooks, please reach out to Otobank's Public Relations department at [email protected].

About Audiobooks

Audiobooks provide a unique opportunity to enjoy books through listening. As technology advances, audiobooks have gained significant popularity, especially with the rise of smartphones and subscription services offering unlimited listening. This evolution positions audiobooks as a new dimension of literature, complementing printed and digital books.

For more information on the production process and recommended works, visit AudioBook.jp.