Spark by Naoki Matayoshi | Pushkin Press | 9781805332251

Spark

Translated by Alison Watts

ISBN

9781805332251

Published

27th February 2025

Format

Paperback

Pages

160

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.

Reviews

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

Vogue

Edgy… the familiar story of the apprentice surpassing his master

Sunday Times

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