NOMA PRIZE FOR LITERATURE

The Noma Prize for Literature (Noma bungei sho), for new works in a wide variety of genres, including nonfiction, was formed by the Noma Service Association in 1941 after the death of Noma Seiji (1878–1938), founder of the Kodansha publishing house. In 1989, the outstanding translation of modern Japanese literature into foreign languages was added to the genres covered by the prize. Winners receive a medal, three million yen, considerable media attention, and often go on to fill the ranks of the bundan (writers’ guilds). Notable recipients include Kawabata Yasunari, Hirotsu Kazuo, and Sata Ineko.

See also LITERARY AWARDS.