Eighth Annual "R-18 Prize in Literature by Women and For Women" Awarded

Shinchosha Publishing's eighth annual "R-18 [Erotic] Prize In Literature by Women for Women" was awarded in a presentation ceremony in Tokyo on April 22. The grand prize went to Misumi Kubo (age 42) for "Mikumari." Kubo is the first person in her 40s to receive the prize.

In her speech, Kubo stated, "Since I have a son in high school, it took courage for me to write about sex. By completing this novel, I feel that I've taken just one step forward.
I took the title, Mikumari, from the name of a god.* Someday I hope to write a novel in which I return Mikumari to the heavens." When talking about the plot for her next book, she stated, "Since I have a child and a job, I want to write a novel from the perspective of my life."

The three-member selection committee consisted of Fumio Yamamoto, Mitsuyo Kakuta, and Kei Yuikawa. Yuikawa stated, "The setting maintains deep interest, while the characters are not flat but exhibit three-dimensionality. Throughout the novel there are subtle nuances and depth." Yamamoto said it was "wonderful and skillful in both style and overall framework. In this age when light, indulgent things are preferred, I feel pleased to see this kind of solid work coming out." Kakuta noted, "the casual style of the writing, written from the perspective a high school boy, shows both respect and fear for women."


*The god of running water. Japanese farmers traditionally prayed to Mikumari to ensure running water for their villages.


* Some of the book titles are tentative translations.
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