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
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese
GenreNovel
Published05/03/2020
PublisherPushkin Press
Pages160
ISBN9781782275909

Synopsis

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

Sales

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

Awards
  • 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
Main article: Hibana: Spark

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

References
  1. Matayoshi, Naoki; 又吉直樹. Hibana. Tōkyō-to Chiyoda-ku. ISBN 978-4-16-390230-2. OCLC 904947005.
  2. "又吉直樹『火花』イギリスで英語版刊行 タイトルは『spark』（スパーク）". Real Sound｜リアルサウンド ブック (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-08-29.
  3. Matayoshi, Naoki. Spark. Watts, Alison. London. ISBN 978-1-78227-590-9. OCLC 1119766390.
  4. "Spark by Naoki Matayoshi | Pushkin Press | 9781782275909". Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  5. "又吉直樹の「火花」がついに映画化！ドラマ版も激アツだった". MOVIE SCOOP! (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-08-29.
  6. 「本の話」編集部. "第153回芥川賞・直木賞、受賞作決定！芥川賞には又吉直樹さんの「火花」と羽田圭介さんの「スクラップ・アンド・ビルド」、直木賞には東山彰良さんの『流（りゅう）』 | 「本の話」編集部 | ニュース". 文藝春秋BOOKS (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-08-29.
  7. "DIMEトレンド大賞：2015年は「インバウンド」 外国人旅行客が経済効果". MANTANWEB（まんたんウェブ） (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-08-29.
  8. "Yahoo！検索大賞："今年の顔"に三代目JSB 大賞受賞に「全ての方に感謝」". MANTANWEB（まんたんウェブ） (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-08-29.
  9. "Breaking News - "Hibana" (Spark), By Naoki Matayoshi, Will Be a Netflix Japan Original Series | TheFutonCritic.com". www.thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
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