Author Kaori Ekuni has won the esteemed Naoki Award for achievement in popular fiction! Celebrated for works that delve into the curious everydays of urbanites, Kaori Ekuni has been a prolific popular fiction writer since her debut novel Twinkle Twinkle. The Naoki Award is the highest honor paid to Japanese writers of popular fiction, and Ekuni, who has now seen success on both sides of the Pacific, is finally reaping the rewards of a celebrated career in her native Japan. Vertical congratulates our literary sweetheart!
Twinkle Twinkle author Kaori Ekuni wins Naoki Award!
Tuesday, January 20th, 2004Kaori Ekuni a huge hit at Toronto Festival
Thursday, October 23rd, 2003Professor Ted Goossen of York University introduced Ms. Ekuni to a large audience at the 24th annual Harbourfront International Festival of Authors , and commented, “I’ve done this event many times, but I’ve never seen this many people show up to a Japanese interview!” Fans of Twinkle Twinkle left moved by Ekuni’s final words on love. “It is reckless to love and trust somebody.”
Ms. Ekuni shared the reading stage with Virginie Despentes, the controversial French author of Baise-Moi, and “literary brat-pack” member Tama Janowitz, author of Slaves of New York. With The Japan Foundation of Toronto and The Harbourfront Reading Series’ generous donations, Ms. Ekuni was able to enjoy a very busy but worthwhile stay on Toronto’s beautiful lakeside.
Kaori Ekuni at Harbourfront; click for more photos.