#Japan #Tokyo #Hiroshi Aramata #Bunkamura Prize #Literary Award

The 36th Bunkamura Dumago Literary Prize

The Bunkamura Dumago Literary Prize, established in 1990, is celebrating its 36th edition this year. Hosted by Tokyu Bunkamura in Shibuya, Tokyo, this award embodies the unique spirit of the prestigious Dumago Prize from Paris. The goal of this literary accolade is to explore new possibilities in literature without falling into authoritarianism or being restricted by conventional ideas.

Selection Committee

This year's selection committee is headed by Hiroshi Aramata, a polymath known for his work as a naturalist, novelist, and researcher of folklore and yokai. His impressive career spans decades, beginning after he graduated from Keio University Law School in 1970. After starting his career as a computer programmer, he began his journey into the literary world. Writing under the pseudonym Seiji Dan, Aramata gained fame for his translated works of American and British supernatural fiction.

His extraordinary novel, 'Teito Monogatari' (The Tale of the Imperial Capital), published in the 1980s, has become iconic in Japanese literature, with over 3.5 million copies sold and even adapted into a film. Besides fiction, his extensive bibliography includes works such as 'The Great Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World' and 'The Hiroshi Aramata Collection', establishing him as a prominent voice in the fields of natural history and imagemaking.

Award Period and Announcement

The nominees for this prestigious prize will be evaluated based on works published between July 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. The announcement of the award recipient is scheduled for September 3, 2026. With Aramata’s diverse expertise, this year’s selection promises to uncover innovative literary expressions.

Background of the Prize

The Bunkamura Dumago Literary Prize was set in motion right after the establishment of Bunkamura, reflecting the spirit of innovation and originality. It opts for fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo and push literary conventions to new heights. Each year, the award is granted by a rotating judge, who serves a one-year term, further fostering a rich tradition of literary excellence.

Recent Winners

• - 31st Award (2021): Judge Kaori Ekuni, Winner Rimako Horikawa with 'Atelier by the Sea'.
• - 32nd Award (2022): Judge Robert Campbell, Winner Kimi Kimura with 'A Safe Person for You'.
• - 33rd Award (2023): Judge Machi Tawara, Winner Naoko Yamazaki with 'The Future Tale of Genji'.
• - 34th Award (2024): Judge Natsuo Kirino, Winner Hideyuki Takano with 'Water Margin of Iraq'.
• - 35th Award (2025): Judge Hazuki Saisho, Winner Aru Kawauchi with 'Rock Kitchen'.

As this year unfolds, the literary community eagerly anticipates the fresh literary gems that will arise from the creative endeavors of gifted authors, shortlisted for the 36th Bunkamura Dumago Literary Prize under the thoughtful guidance of Hiroshi Aramata.