Shitoko Kosagawa's 'Zombie Collector' (published in the May 2026 issue of Gunzo and also available as a standalone book) has won the 175th Akutagawa Prize.

Gunzo May 2026 issue: Shitoko Kosagawa's 'Zombie Collector'

Author Shitoko Kosagawa made her literary debut in 2022 after winning the 65th Gunzo Prize for New Writers with 'Household Reassurance Pit Husband.' Her debut work was shortlisted for the 167th Akutagawa Prize, her second work 'The Ape's Coronation Ceremony' was shortlisted for the 170th Akutagawa Prize, and now her third work 'Zombie Collector' has won the 175th Akutagawa Prize.

Since her debut, her talent has drawn widespread attention, with all of her works nominated for the Akutagawa Prize.

'Zombie Collector,' published in the May 2026 issue of Gunzo, is currently selling well as a standalone book.

Work Introduction

An immersive, overwhelming fictional world: <Real Life>

I am the sole cleaning woman in this hotel. I collect the remains of murdered zombies to keep the world beautiful. In a world invaded by AI <them>, another reality emerges before me and my husband, who have both lost our jobs. Having been a good girl for over thirty years, I continue to diligently and earnestly fulfill my role, just as before. I am neither thanked nor praised. Am I not just like a '　　'?

Author Profile

(Photo by Naoto Ohtsubo)

Shitoko Kosagawa (Kosagawa Shitoko)

Born in Iwate Prefecture in 1990. Graduated from the Faculty of Letters at Keio University, and completed the psychology program in the Graduate School of Sociology at the same university.

In 2022, she won the 65th Gunzo Prize for New Writers with 'Household Reassurance Pit Husband.'

That work was shortlisted for the 167th Akutagawa Prize. In 2024, 'The Ape's Coronation Ceremony' was shortlisted for the 170th Akutagawa Prize, and the published book version was shortlisted for the 37th Mishima Yukio Prize and the 46th Nozawa Onkyo Prize for New Writers. In 2026, 'Zombie Collector' won the 175th Akutagawa Prize.

Book Information

Shitoko Kosagawa: 'Zombie Collector'

[Release Date] July 9, 2026

[Specifications] B6 hardcover, 160 pages

[Publisher] Kodansha

[Price] 1,980 yen

[Design] Kaori Okamoto

[Cover Art] Mayuko Kubo

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  • Source: PR TIMES
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