Toshiaki Kasuga congratulated his comedy partner Masayasu Wakabayashi after a novel by Wakabayashi was nominated for the 175th Naoki Prize [3].
The nomination marks a significant crossover between the Japanese entertainment industry and the literary world, highlighting the versatility of the 47-year-old comedian [1].
Kasuga said this during an opening event for a new area at Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama [4]. The event served a dual purpose, allowing Kasuga to promote a new attraction while acknowledging the literary milestone of his partner. The Naoki Prize candidates were officially announced on July 15, 2026 [5].
During the event, Kasuga joked about their shared history as middle school classmates. "It would be interesting if a middle school classmate became a Naoki Prize author," Kasuga said [6].
Beyond the literary news, the event featured a promotion for a new attraction involving "Mini Kasugas." More than 50 people participated in the activity [7]. Kasuga emphasized the importance of capturing the moment on camera for the participants' families. He said that parents would be happy to see the footage and might complain if their children were not pictured.
Both members of the duo Audrey are 47 years old [1]. While Kasuga focused on the festivities at the theme park, the nomination of Wakabayashi's work brings national attention to the comedian's writing capabilities as the industry awaits the final prize decision.
“"It would be interesting if a middle school classmate became a Naoki Prize author,"”
The nomination of a mainstream comedian for the Naoki Prize, one of Japan's most prestigious literary awards, signals a blurring of lines between celebrity culture and high literature. By leveraging a commercial theme park event to discuss the nomination, the duo demonstrates how contemporary Japanese entertainers integrate diverse professional identities—comedian, author, and brand ambassador—into a single public persona.
