Japanese Reaction to Han Kang’s Nobel Literature Prize Win: “An Era Where Asians Receive Nobel Literature Prize”
“The 2024 Nobel Literature Prize is awarded to South Korean author Han Kang.”
On the evening of the 10th, during the live broadcast of the Nobel Literature Prize announcement from the Kinokuniya bookstore in Tokyo’s Shinjuku, when the name ‘Han Kang’ was announced by Mats Malm, the secretary of the Swedish Academy, the bookstore erupted with applause and exclamations.
Annual discussions around the Nobel Literature Prize in Japan have often focused on whether author Haruki Murakami will win. However, this year’s laureate was neither Murakami nor the strong candidate from China, Can Xue, but Han Kang.
Already known in Japan, Han Kang
Bookstore personnel quickly set up a special area to commemorate Han Kang’s Nobel win, and all of her books in the Korean literature section and storeroom were moved to the special sales area. Customers eagerly reached for the books as soon as they were displayed.
A Kinokuniya bookstore employee holds a paper sign congratulating Han Kang on her Nobel Literature Prize win.
According to an interview with a bookstore employee by Kyodo News, “As a fellow Asian, I am delighted that a South Korean author received the prize. There has been growing interest in Korean literature, and I hope Han Kang’s win will lead to more works being introduced and loved in Japan.”
A woman who confessed to being a fan of Han Kang said, “I came to the bookstore with a joyful heart after hearing about her prize. There are many of my friends who love her works as well, and I want to share the joy with them.”
NHK extensively reported on Han Kang’s win with a special article detailing her career, previous awards, and the reasons for her Nobel selection, alongside reactions from Korean and Japanese citizens.
Han Kang has already made a name for herself in Japan, with her works being translated and published there since 2011. Starting with her iconic book , other works like , , and have been translated and published by four different publishers in Japan.
Professor Tokou Kouji from Waseda University’s Department of Literature remarked to NHK, “Han Kang’s won the prestigious Man Booker International Prize, and her Nobel Prize win was expected. It’s groundbreaking that a Korean author, and especially an Asian woman, has won the Nobel Literature Prize.”
Editor Takehana Susumu of Kawade Shobo Shinsha, who published Han Kang’s under the title , also introduced her as one of the most popular Korean authors in Japan during an NHK interview.
He added, “When Han visited Japan, she mentioned that delving deep into an individual’s inner world ultimately leads to universality. I always believed she would win the Nobel Prize, and I am very pleased with this result.”
Increasing Demand and Resale Market for Han Kang’s Works
Han Kang’s Nobel win has invigorated Japan’s publishing industry. On October 15, five days post-announcement, her major works like and were sold out at the Shinjuku Kinokuniya bookstore.
A special corner in the bookstore dedicated to Han Kang’s award showcased the French-translated and a collection featuring the short story ‘Kyoto, Façade.’ Empty spaces on the table were filled with works by past Nobel laureates like Jon Fosse and Yasunari Kawabata.
A bookstore official noted, “What you see on the table is all the stock we have of Han Kang’s books, and we are sold out of what we had secured before the prize announcement. We do not know when we will restock.”
Online book platforms have started taking pre-orders for her books, with four publishers of her Japanese editions quickly moving into reprints. By the end of October, Japanese readers will be able to obtain Han Kang’s books.
Netizens’ reactions are enthusiastic. Han Kang’s works have swiftly sold out on platforms like Amazon, with her book ranking 4th and 11th (in paperback) in their bestseller lists.
The demand extends to secondhand trading platforms. One of her major works, , is being sold at prices significantly above its original cost, with some listings as high as 74,890 yen (about 68,000 Korean won).
Many are sharing reviews and discussing her works on social media and blogs. A netizen who identified as a working woman in her 30s commented, “I could relate to as a woman in her 30s. Despite its heavy theme, it was an interesting read.”
Other comments include hopes for a trend akin to “K-literature following K-pop,” recognition of a new era where Asians receive the Nobel Literature Prize, and first-time readers expressing interest in Han Kang’s books due to her award.
This year’s surprising Nobel Literature Prize win is both a delightful and astonishing development for Korea and Japan. As interest in Korean literature swells in Japan, many are keenly observing whether this curiosity will create a “great wave” of enthusiasm for Korean literature.