Spark (Matayoshi novel)

Spark (original title: 火花) is a 2015 novel written by Japanese comedian Naoki Matayoshi.[1] The story revolves around the career struggles of and relationship between two manzai comedians. The English version of the novel is translated by Alison Watts and published in 2020.[2][3] The novel won the 153rd Akutagawa Prize and was adapted as a Netflix original series which is accessible worldwide.

Spark
Cover of the English version of Spark.
AuthorMatayoshi, Naoki
Original title火花
TranslatorAlison Watts
LanguageJapanese
GenreNovel
Published05/03/2020
PublisherPushkin Press
Publication placeJapan
Pages160
ISBN9781782275909

Synopsis

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Tokunaga is a young comedian struggling to make a name for himself when he is taken under the wing of Kamiya, who is either a crazy genius or perhaps just crazy. Kamiya's indestructible confidence inspires Tokunaga, but it also makes him doubt the limits of his own talent, and dedication to manzai comedy.[4]

Reception

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Sales

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As of February 2017, the Japanese version of the book has sold more than 2.53 million copies.[5]

Awards

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  • The 153rd Akutagawa Prize (2015)[6]
  • The 28th Shogakukan DIME Trend Awards "Leisure and Entertainment Category" (2015)[7]
  • Yahoo! Search Award 2015 Novel Award (2015)[8]

Television adaptation

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A 10-episode web television adaptation, titled Hibana: Spark, premiered on Netflix as an original series on June 2, 2016.[9]

References

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