Gunzo has been committed to identifying new talent and nurturing the next generation of writers from 1946, the year the magazine started. Many of the most respected names in Japanese literature today were first introduced to readers through our pages. You will find many eminent Japanese writers emerged onto the literary scene by winning the Gunzo Award for New Writers.


Ryu Murakami

Awarded to "Almost Transparent Blue" in 1976.

Haruki Murakami

Awarded to "Hear the Wind Sing" in 1979.

Yoko Tawada

Awarded to "Kakato wo  nakushite" in 1991.



Currently, the art director for Gunzo is Eriko Hoashi who is one of the most exciting editorial designers in Japan.

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