Spark

Naoki Matayoshi author Alison Watts translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Pushkin Press

Publishing:27th Feb '25

£9.99

This title is due to be published on 27th February, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

Preorder, due to be dispatched around 27th Feb 2025

Spark cover

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. Spark is a story about art and friendship, about countless bizarre drunken conversations and how far it's acceptable to go for a laugh. A novel about comedy that's as moving and thoughtful as it is funny, it's already been a sensation in Japan.

'A whip-smart tale that'll prove impossible to put down' Vogue

'Edgy... the familiar story of the apprentice surpassing his master' Sunday Times

'Excels as a comedy of the absurd... a Japanese Withnail and I... Immensely satisfying' Japan Society

'The seedy side of Tokyo is summoned up in tale about a comedy duo and the awkward bonds of men... Spark does the city credit' Financial Times

'Irresistible. A painfully sensitive rendering of the reality for young manzai comedians... The writing is wonderful' Akio Nakamori

ISBN: 9781805332251

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

160 pages