Spark (Matayoshi novel)

Spark (original title: 火花) is a 2015 novel written by Japanese comedian Naoki Matayoshi.^[1] The story revolves around the career struggles of and relationship between two manzai comedians. The English version of the novel is translated by Alison Watts and published in 2020.^[2][3] The novel won the 153rd Akutagawa Prize and was adapted as a Netflix original series which is accessible worldwide.

Spark

Cover of the English version of Spark.
Author	Matayoshi, Naoki
Original title	火花
Translator	Alison Watts
Language	Japanese
Genre	Novel
Published	05/03/2020
Publisher	Pushkin Press
Publication place	Japan
Pages	160
ISBN	9781782275909

Synopsis

Tokunaga is a young comedian struggling to make a name for himself when he is taken under the wing of Kamiya, who is either a crazy genius or perhaps just crazy. Kamiya's indestructible confidence inspires Tokunaga, but it also makes him doubt the limits of his own talent, and dedication to manzai comedy.^[4]

Reception

Sales

As of February 2017, the Japanese version of the book has sold more than 2.53 million copies.^[5]

Awards

• The 153rd Akutagawa Prize (2015)^[6]
• The 28th Shogakukan DIME Trend Awards "Leisure and Entertainment Category" (2015)^[7]
• Yahoo! Search Award 2015 Novel Award (2015)^[8]

Television adaptation

Main article: Hibana: Spark

A 10-episode web television adaptation, titled Hibana: Spark, premiered on Netflix as an original series on June 2, 2016.^[9]