On January 15, 2025, the prestigious Akutagawa Prize was awarded to Yuuki Yūi, whose work "Goethe Said It All" captivated judges and sparked significant interest within the literary community. The award ceremony marked the 172nd Akutagawa Prize selection meeting, held at the Shinkiraku restaurant in Tokyo, where Yūi, alongside fellow laureate Andō Jose, was celebrated for their literary contributions.
At just 23 years old, Yūi hails from Koriyama City, Fukushima, and is currently enrolled as a graduate student at Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka. Having lived there since the age of 11 after moving from Fukushima, Yūi's roots and early experiences have deeply influenced his writing. His debut piece, "How Many Books Does One Need?" won him recognition as he secured second place at the 10th Hayashi Fumiko Literary Prize.
Yūi's acclaimed story, "Goethe Said It All," intricately weaves the life of Hiroba Tōichi, a renowned scholar of Goethe. The plot follows him as he encounters an uncredited quote attributed to the great author during a family dinner. Driven by curiosity, he embarks on a quest through extensive literature to verify the origins of the quote, leading him on a thought-provoking adventure where he examines the meaning of words and the process of creation itself.
The text was published in the autumn issue of Shōsetsu Tripper for 2024, where it garnered significant praise, paving the way for Yūi's impressive recognition so soon after his debut. His work poses fundamental questions and offers readers unexpected insights as they accompany the protagonist on his academic and existential exploration.
The award is notable as it is only the second for Seinan Gakuin University, following the recognition of previous winners such as Mayu Numata and Akira Higashiyama, who claimed the same award within recent years. University President Naoki Imai expressed his joy, noting Yūi's achievement as not only honoring his university but also providing immense encouragement for both current and past students.
Reflecting on his formative years, Yūi's relationship with literature is deeply intertwined with his upbringing. Growing up surrounded by books, especially with his father being a pastor, he recalls his early exposure to various texts, including the Bible, which fueled his passion for reading and writing. He fondly recollects, "Literary experiences are rooted in scripture—reading the Bible connected me to the world of literature. Books have always been close to me, nurturing my desire to write from the beginning." Yūi's literary pursuits were combined with challenging moments, including experiencing the Great East Japan Earthquake as a child, which solidified his resolve to create works reflective of his life experiences and the memories from Fukushima.
Notably, the Akutagawa Prize is regarded for recognizing the potential of new voices in Japanese literature, and many industry insiders are watching Yūi's career with great interest. Noted judge Masahiko Shimada praised Yūi's ability to transform complex themes of knowledge and reality intertwined with mystery and entertainment. He stated, "Yūi's work is not just engaging but also elevates the discourse within literary circles through its inventive approach to storytelling. His young age brings fresh perspectives, contributing to the diverse fabric of contemporary Japanese literature."
Yūi joins the ranks of past laureates, marking his official entry onto the literary scene, and his achievement has excited both peer authors and past mentors who observed his progress over years of nurturing talent. His elementary school teacher recalled, "He always loved reading. It’s wonderful to see him flourish so rapidly as a writer." Fellow childhood friends echoed similar sentiments, sharing their pride and anticipation for Yūi's future endeavors.
Although it is his second published novel, "Goethe Said It All" marks a pivotal moment for Yūi, with high expectations set for the release of his latest literary endeavor on January 15, 2025, the same date as the award ceremony. The launch of the hardcover edition, priced reasonably at 1760 yen, demonstrates the accessibility of Yūi's work to the public.
Overall, Yuuki Yūi's recognition with the Akutagawa award is not just another accolade—it is seen as the beginning of what could be a very influential career. His unique narrative style and connection to timeless literary themes may inspire generations of readers and writers as he continues to explore the intricacies of human experience through his literature.