Ryo Asai's "In the Megachurch" Wins 2026 Japan Booksellers' Award, Captivating Readers with its Fandom Exploration

The 2026 Japan Booksellers' Award has been announced, with Ryo Asai's full-length novel, "In the Megachurch," taking the top honor. Since its release last September, the book has become a bestseller, selling over 230,000 copies in just five months and receiving rave reviews from many readers.

The work weaves its narrative from three distinct perspectives, representing different generations and positions: those who orchestrate the "fandom economy," those who are passionately immersed in it, and those who were once deeply involved. It has garnered significant attention as an ambitious work that deeply explores the merits and demerits of "stories" that profoundly move people's hearts. Many readers reportedly empathize with the protagonist involved in idol management. It is also known for being serialized in the evening edition of the Nikkei (Japan Economic Shimbun), with many readers having eagerly anticipated its development since its serialization.

Immediately after the award announcement, a flurry of joyful and empathetic reactions appeared on social media, such as "So, 'In the Megachurch' truly was the Grand Prize winner!", "My best book of last year!", "Unbelievably good!", and "Absolutely deserved!". Comments also included "a breathtaking climax that made me forget to breathe" and "as someone with an 'oshi' (favorite), this book, which depicts supporting someone, resonated deeply with me." The novel's realistic portrayal of "oshikatsu" (fandom activities) in modern society and the human desire for "stories" has captivated many readers.

Many readers who haven't yet read the book expressed anticipation, with comments like, "I was waiting for the paperback edition, but with the award, I'll read the hardcover now," "It's on my to-be-read pile, so I'll pick it up now," and "I'm looking forward to its release on Audible." The award is expected to further expand its readership. Special sections have also been set up in bookstores nationwide, once again showcasing its appeal.

The Context

The Japan Booksellers' Award (Honya Taisho) is one of Japan's most prestigious literary awards, unique because the winners are chosen by booksellers across the country, not by literary critics or authors. This often means the winning books have broad appeal and commercial success, making the award a significant indicator of a book's popularity and cultural impact.

Ryo Asai is a highly acclaimed contemporary Japanese author known for his insightful explorations of modern society, youth culture, and psychological themes. He previously won the Akutagawa Prize (another major literary award) in 2013, making him the youngest male recipient ever at the time. His works often resonate deeply with younger generations.

The terms "fandom economy" and "oshikatsu" are closely related and represent significant cultural phenomena in Japan. The "fandom economy" refers to the economic activities driven by fans' devotion to their favorite idols, artists, characters, or brands. "Oshikatsu" (derived from "oshi" meaning one's favorite person/thing, and "katsu" from "katsudo" meaning activity) specifically denotes the activities fans undertake to support their "oshi," which can range from buying merchandise and attending events to promoting them on social media. The novel's exploration of these themes clearly struck a chord with a wide Japanese readership.

The Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shimbun) is Japan's leading financial newspaper, similar to The Wall Street Journal or Financial Times. Serialization in such a prominent newspaper indicates that the work reaches a wide and diverse readership beyond typical literary enthusiasts, suggesting its relevance to broader societal discussions.