Foreign Student (hereinafter, FS): Japanese manga is well-known all over the world, while Japanese literature is not so well-known. Which novelists are famous? Teacher (hereinafter, T): Japan has many unique novelists, including the Nobel Prize winner KAWABATA Yasunari, who is known for works such as “Snow Country” and “The Izu Dancer.” The great Meiji era (19 - 20 century) novelist NATSUME Soseki, who left behind works such as “I am a Cat” and “Botchan,” is portrayed on the 1,000-yen note. Furthermore, Japan’s first professional female novelist, HIGUCHI Ichiyo, who is known for works such as “Child’s Play” and “Troubled Waters,” is portrayed on the 5,000-yen note. These days MURAKAMI Haruki, who is known for bestsellers like “Norwegian Wood” and “Kafka on the Shore,” is renowned throughout the world. FS: I often hear about the “Akutagawa” and “Naoki” literature prizes. What kind of prizes are they? T: Announced twice a year, these are the most prestigious literary prizes in Japan. The Akutagawa Prize is named after the outstanding novelist AKUTAGAWA Ryunosuke, and is awarded to works that best describe the human condition. The Naoki Prize is named after novelist NAOKI Sanjugo, and is awarded to entertaining works. Many of these prize-winning works have become bestsellers. Prize winners include a popular comedian, a non-Japanese citizen, and a teenager. Because of this, some have pointed out that in order to capture the public’s imagination, prize winners are often people who are news worthy. The Japan Booksellers’ Award was established in 2004. No novelists or literary scholars are involved in the selection process for this prize, instead the nominated works and prize winning works are voted for by bookstore staff. Most prize-winning works have become bestsellers and many of these have been adapted into movies. FS: Is there anything that is unique to Japanese literature? T: Speaking of a unique aspect of Japanese literature, I would cite haiku, tanka, and senryu. Containing just 17 syllables, one of which includes a seasonal word, the haiku is the world’s shortest form of poetry. Using photography as a metaphor, you might say that this is a snapshot that reflects the changing seasons in words. Worldwide, more and more people are enjoying English language haiku. Tanka which contains 31 syllables, might be compared to fine art photography taken with a firm grip. Tanka is a literary tradition that has been going for more than 1,000 years. Just like haiku, senryu contain 17 syllables. While haiku seek to attain literary excellence, senryu reflect the humorous and satirical side of the human condition, regardless of the season. There are many clubs for this form of writing that anyone can easily join. There are also many contests sponsored by TV, radio, and private businesses. FS: I heard that famous Japanese novels and the names of their authors appear in textbooks, or in school entrance exams. Are these books well read? T: Students are busy cramming for exams, and it is said that most students do not read these books. Literary fiction accounts for less than one fourth of manga sales, so they are sometimes ironically referred to as “unread masterpieces.” Some people say that manga, which is read worldwide, is contemporary literature and a more appropriate subject for entrance examinations.