The Naoki prize-winning author Kazufumi Shiraishi wearing traditional attire, chan-chanko, at his kanreki 60th birthday event. Photo: Red Circle Authors.In Japan 60th birthdays are a major milestone known as kanreki. At 60th birthday celebrations it is traditional to wear a red vest and hat known as chan-chanko since red is said to offer protection. And this is something that Shiraishi did this month before a larger number of editors, authors and friends.
A video with highlights from Shiraishi’s life and career was shown; covering events from his childhood to his winning of the 142nd Naoki Prize, one of Japan’s most prestigious literary awards, in 2010.
Messages of congratulation were shared from both international publishers and Japanese publishers who have published his works.
Display of books by Kazufumi Shiraishi at his 60th birthday event. Photo: Red Circle Authors Limited.The event coincided with the publication of Shiraishi’s latest novel 100 Million Yen Sayonara, which is receiving excellent feedback from readers and reviews.
One reader commented on Twitter that it was the first book by the author he had read and he was grateful, as it had reminded him that reading novels could be so much fun.
Another commented that her neighbour had told her that it had been a long time since she had read a novel, and on top of that one that moved her so much, so she decided to buy a copy.
Below is a list of some of the many reviews in the Japanese media of Shiraishi’s latest book 100 Million Yen Sayonara.
Shimirubon
Bunshun
Nishi Nippon Shimbun
Nikkan Gendai
Kadobu
About Red Circle:Red Circle Authors Limited is a specialist publishing and communications company that conducts bespoke projects on behalf of a carefully selected and curated group of leading Japanese authors. Red Circle showcases Japan’s best creative writing. For more information on Red Circle, Japanese literature, and Red Circle authors please visit: www.redcircleauthors.com.-
About Kazufumi Shiraishi:Kazufumi Shiraishi had a successful career, spanning two decades, as a journalists working for one of Japan's highest profile monthly magazines, Bungeishinju, before following in the steps of his father and twin brother becoming a full time author. He is a deeply thoughtful author who writes about love, life and the human condition and is unique in being the only Japanese author to follow in his father’s footsteps by winning the same major Japanese literary prize.
