#Japan #Tokyo #Akashiro Ryo #Nomura Kodo Award #Blue Blood Monument

Celebrating Literary Excellence: The 13th Nomura Kodo Literary Award

On October 15, 2025, the prestigious 13th Nomura Kodo Literary Award announced its winner: Ryo Akashiro for his remarkable work, 'The Monument of Blue Blood' published by Shogakukan. This award, masterminded by the Japan Writers’ Club and supported by FamilyMart, seeks to honor outstanding historical fiction books akin to the prolific works of Nomura Kodo himself.

The Winner: Ryo Akashiro

Ryo Akashiro, born in 1972 in Kyoto, is not only an accomplished author but also a private university professor, legal scholar, and lawyer. He graduated from Doshisha University with a degree in literature. His writing career took off in 2017 when he won the 9th Nikkei Novel Prize for his debut work, which was later retitled 'Otomoe: The Collapse of the Two-Storied House.' Since then, his literary prowess has continued to shine.

Further accolades include winning the 25th Ōyabu Haruhiko Prize in 2023 for his novel 'The Stray Raven' from Shueisha, and most recently, in 2024, he earned double honors with 'Sado Kenran' from Tokuma Shoten, clinching both the 13th Japan Historical Novel Association Award and the 14th Bookstore-Selected Historical Novel Award.

This year, 'I, Perform' from Asahi Shimbun Publications brought him the 8th Hosoya Masatsugu Prize, adding to his extensive repertoire that features titles such as 'The Saint of Otomo,' 'The Tale of Otomo,' and other engaging historical narratives.

About the Nomura Kodo Literary Award

The Nomura Kodo Literary Award is named after the influential writer Nomura Kodo, who authored many significant works, particularly focusing on the common people’s lives in Edo through detective stories, which have resonated with readers over time. Founded in 2013, this award aims to celebrate authors producing historically rich novels comparable to Nomura's literary contributions.

The announcement of the recipient coincides with Nomura Kodo's birthday, marking October 15 each year as a day of recognition. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 12, 2025, at the Meiji Hall within Kanda Myojin Shrine, starting at 4 PM.

The selection committee, consisting of literary critic Hiroshi Gohara, award-winning author Eiyo Yoshikawa, and Japan Writers’ Club director Hiroshi Takeuchi, concluded their decision on October 10, further solidifying the level of prestige associated with this award.

Notable Past Winners

For those unfamiliar with the rich history of this award, previous recipients of the Nomura Kodo Literary Award include:

• - 1st: Yotaro Konomiya - 'Soar, Gen'nai' (2013)
• - 2nd: Aoi Tsukamoto - 'Satellite Three Kingdoms' (2014)
• - 3rd: Kyoichi Narukami - 'The Samurai’s Daughter' (2015)
• - ...
• - 12th: Ryo Takeuchi - 'Itsukushima' (2024)

This illustrious legacy continues to inspire new generations of authors to engage in narrative forms that reflect historical depth and cultural significance in Japan.

Japan Writers’ Club: Fostering Literary Growth

Founded in 1949 under the leadership of Nomura Kodo, the Japan Writers’ Club serves as a collective for those involved in literary endeavors, providing a platform for cultural and artistic promotion. Notable writers such as Edogawa Rampo and Yokomizo Seishi have been foundational members. The club encourages recognition and growth of various forms of expression among its members, thereby enriching the nation’s literary culture.

As we celebrate Akashiro’s achievements with 'The Monument of Blue Blood', we also look to the future of literature inspired by the legacy of Nomura Kodo, fostering a rich landscape for storytelling in Japan.