Japan’s Science Fiction Award ceremony, hosted on February 15th, has since announced author and artist behind Land of The Lustrous, Haruko Ichikawa as its 45th-year winner. The grand prize includes a certificate of recognition, a trophy, and a generous cash prize of one million Yen.
The Japan Science Fiction Grand Prize, established in 1980, annually awards different media contributions to the genre including movies, manga, novels, and animation. During its 45th-year run, work published between September 1st, 2023 and August 31st, 2024 was considered for acknowledgement.
The full annual Science Fiction Award event commences on April 26th at Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore in Tokyo alongside an online stream via the official YouTube channel of Japan Science Fiction Writers Club.
In company with the main winner, Kenrei Miyanishi received an honourable mention Special Prize Award for his short story collection titled Sailing on Galactic Winds, where he will receive a certificate and trophy.
Finally, honouring the late for their significant contributions to the Science Fiction genre, manga artist Kazuo Umezu, translator Haruya Sumiya, and novelist Hiroshi Yamamoto will receive a commemorative Achievement Award which includes a certificate and token gift.
The judges for this event include the talented Haruna Ikezawa, known for her voice acting, Nozomi Ōmori, a Science Fiction translator and editor, Yūki Shasendō, a novelist and author, Tōya Tachihara, a literacy critic and scholar, and finally Jōji Hayashi, a Science Fiction author.
Land of The Lustrous
Land of The Lustrous made its CG animated debut back in 2017 with 12 episodes under Studio Orange. The story takes place in a distant future with unusual humanoid gem-like inhabitants who fend off celestial enemies known as Lunarians, rumoured to kidnap Gems and harvest their bodies.
Phos, a weak and young gem sets out to find her true calling amongst her more hardy peers. She’s too brittle to fight, but everything else is boring. The story reimagines what life after organic sentience may look like, and is a bittersweet and emotional tale of growth, loss, remembrance and secrets.
Unfortunately, despite receiving such a high award, there’s still nothing new on whether we will ever receive a second season.
For more competition-based news, check out what’s happening in the One Piece-inspired gym, BragMen! Or, check out today’s Source for this news.
