Abstract

Winners of the Grand Prix at a film festival known as a gateway to success for newcomers, Shogo and Ko took opposite paths after graduating from college: one apprenticed to a renowned director, the other chose to share his works on YouTube. Awards, number of views, quality of work, audience reactions — the world of the film industry they once dreamed of as children is changing at a dizzying pace, with public acclaim and industry circumstances shifting rapidly. While conscious of each other’s existence, Shogo and Ko struggle with their own concerns as they navigate an ever-changing world. This is a masterpiece that explores the search for a ‘personal yardstick’ to measure oneself in an era where the line between professionals and amateurs has become blurred.

Author’s Information

Born in 1989, Asai made his debut in 2009 with Kirishima, Bukatsu Yamerutteyo (The Kirishima Thing). In 2013, he won the 148th Naoki Prize for his work Nanimono (Somebody), becoming the youngest male recipient of the prize at the age of 23. Although he made his debut while still in college, Asai searched for a job and became a regular employee, working part-time as a writer until 2015. In 2016, he was named Granta Best of Young Japanese Novelists by the Japanese edition of Granta, the largest literary magazine in the English-speaking world. His books include Cheer Danshi!! (Cheer Boys!!), Budokan, Yonimo Kimyona Kimi Monogatari, Nanisama, and Seiyoku ((Ab)normal Desire). Many of his works have been adapted into films, stage plays, and manga.