Japanese comedian, Matayoshi Naoki, won the Akutagawa prize.
He won it jointly with another writer, but this story is making waves as it is the first time a comedian wins the award.
Akutagawa prize is the most respected literally prize in Japan, awarded twice a year to the best “serious” literary work. By “serious” meaning a literary work which is usually less accessible to the wide audience. The Japanese language, its beauty and complexity is one of the goals of this prize.
As a side note, Naoki prize is also coveted and it is more “readable” or easier (language wise) than Akutagawa prize.
I am currently reading his book, “Spark”, (Japanese “火花”）but did not form my opinion on it. One thing is for sure, it is not easy for me to read it.