Kinokuniya's 2026 Historical Novel Prize Goes to 'The Calligrapher's Silent Hall'

Kinokuniya Announces 2026 Historical Novel Prize Winner

Kinokuniya Bookstore has officially announced that the 2026 Historical Novel Prize has been awarded to "The Calligrapher's Silent Hall" by Kou Asamiya, published by Shodensha. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter following the rebranding of the previous Keibundo Bookstore Historical Novel Prize to the Kinokuniya Historical Novel Prize.

To celebrate this achievement, Kinokuniya is hosting promotional events across its 102 stores, allowing fans and readers to engage with the winning title. The award ceremony will take place on October 30 at the Shinjuku Main Store. Following the ceremony, the evening will feature a signing event at the Shibuya Dogenzaka Store, where attendees can have their copies signed by the author, Kou Asamiya.

The newly minted prize aims to connect readers with quality literature and encourage a love for historical novels. Since its start in 2007, the award has evolved from the Keibundo Bookstore Historical Novel Prize and has become a favorite among readers, continually expanding its reach in recent years. Kou Asamiya's work has captivated audiences, showcasing not only her storytelling skills but also her deep understanding of historical themes.

Readers who purchase "The Calligrapher's Silent Hall" or any other book in the series are invited to attend the signing event. The latest book, set to release on October 9, is titled "The Calligrapher's Silent Hall (Volume 4): The Writing Through Time" by Shodensha.

Notably, Kou Asamiya hails from Gunma Prefecture and graduated from Tsuda University. Her literary journey began with the reworked submission of her story from the first Japanese Delicious Novel Prize in 2020, titled "How to Make Moon Soup," which marked her debut. Asamiya has since gained recognition for her innovative narratives, receiving the first Police Novel Newcomer Award in 2022 for "The Gift of Muddy Ten Hands." In 2025, she won the 14th Japan Historical Fiction Writers' Association Award for her book "Even the Inside of a Wife's Heart Wields a Demon: Okei's Miscellaneous Notebook."

Along with this year's award, Kinokuniya encourages regional cultural development by promoting new values and creating opportunities for audiences to meet exceptional literary works.

Be sure not to miss this special occasion. Join us in celebrating our love for literature, culture, and community on October 30, and witness the honor bestowed upon Kou Asamiya as she receives her award and interacts with her readers.

Details of the Signing Event

- Date and Time: October 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM
- Location: Kinokuniya Shibuya Dogenzaka Store
- URL for More Information: Event Details

About Kinokuniya

Company Name: Kinokuniya Bookstore Co., Ltd.
Location: 3-7-10 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro, Tokyo
Business Activities: Retail of books, magazines, and stationery
Number of Stores: 20 stores in Japan

For media inquiries, please contact the Kinokuniya Bookstore General Affairs and Human Resources Team at: [email protected]