In recent years, several intriguing trends have emerged in the realm of literary awards. The number of literary prizes has surged to around 200 nationwide, reflecting a movement to invigorate the literary world and discover new talents. Notably, "stealth literary awards," which uncover hidden gems, have gained attention. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to a significant increase in submissions for literary magazine contests, with some receiving up to 2,500 entries annually, the highest on record. However, the rise in submissions has posed challenges, making it difficult to thoroughly evaluate all entries, prompting some awards to consider changing their selection rules. Winning a literary award can have a substantial impact on authors and publishers, with major awards like the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize boosting book sales by nearly 100,000 copies. Historically, the oldest literary award dates back to 1893, initiated by the Yomiuri Shimbun for historical novels and scripts. The Yomiuri Literary Prize, established in 1949 to revive post-war literature, remains a significant comprehensive literary award in Japan. These trends highlight the ongoing importance of literary awards in promoting diversity and discovering new talents in the Japanese literary scene.