Haruko Ichikawa’s critically acclaimed manga series, Land of the Lustrous (Houseki no Kuni), has been honored with the top prize at the Sense of Gender Awards by the Japanese Association for Gender, Fantasy, & Science Fiction. The award recognizes works of speculative fiction that profoundly explore and deepen the concept of gender.
Honoring Gender Exploration in Speculative Fiction
The Sense of Gender Awards, established in 2001 by the Japanese Association for Gender, Fantasy & Science Fiction (G-Ken), celebrate science fiction and fantasy works published in Japanese that “explore and deepen the concept of Gender.” Often referred to as the “Japanese version of the Tiptree Awards” (now known as the Otherwise Award in the United States), the accolade highlights narratives that push boundaries in understanding gender and identity. The awards were founded by science fiction critic Mari Kotani, professional SF reviewer Reona Kashiwazaki, and Noriko Maki, chair of the Japanese science fiction fandom confederation, emphasizing a “Sense of Gender” in speculative fiction, akin to the “Sense of Wonder” often associated with the genre.
Land of the Lustrous: A Deep Dive into Identity
Land of the Lustrous is lauded for its unique premise, set in a distant future where immortal, gem-bodied beings, referred to as “Lustrous,” defend themselves against the Lunarians who seek to harvest their bodies. A core aspect of the narrative is the inherent genderlessness of the Lustrous, a theme Haruko Ichikawa deliberately emphasized. The characters are not assigned traditional gender roles or pronouns, which provides a fertile ground for exploring identity, purpose, and existence beyond conventional binary understandings. Indeed, creator Haruko Ichikawa specifically instructed the English translator of the anime adaptation to use gender-neutral pronouns for the characters to maintain this crucial aspect of their design. This intentional approach to characterization and world-building has resonated deeply with readers and critics, making the manga a compelling choice for an award focused on gender exploration.
Previous Accolades and Broader Impact
The Sense of Gender Award adds to a growing list of significant recognitions for Land of the Lustrous and Haruko Ichikawa. The manga previously won the grand prize at the 45th Nihon SF Taishō Awards (Japan Science Fiction Grand Prize) and also the Best Comic Category at the 56th Seiun Award. These accolades underscore the series’ impact not only within the realm of gender studies in fiction but also within the broader science fiction landscape. Critics have widely praised Land of the Lustrous for its stunning artwork, philosophical depth, and imaginative storytelling, often citing it as one of the most inventive and fresh anime and manga of its time.
The recognition from the Sense of Gender Awards further solidifies Land of the Lustrous‘s standing as a pioneering work that thoughtfully engages with complex themes of identity and existence, offering a unique and reflective perspective on what it means to be.
