On February 16th, the selection meeting for the 70th Kishida Kunihiko Playwright Award, organized by Hakusuisha, took place in Tokyo. Emi Oishi, aged 33, earned the award for her play 'Yodare Kankansen' while Sho Hasumi, 28, won for 'Romance.' Each awardee will receive a prize of 300,000 yen, and the award ceremony is set to be held in May in Tokyo.

Emi Oishi founded her theater unit 'Dadaruzu' in 2018 and has been actively creating, directing, and acting in plays since around 2023. Her works, including the award-winning piece, reflect a deep engagement with contemporary themes and innovative storytelling, contributing significantly to Japanese theater.

Sho Hasumi initiated an eight-member group called 'Dow90000' in 2020, where he takes on multiple roles including scriptwriting and directing. His performances transcend the boundaries of traditional theater and comedy, showcasing a diverse range of activities and themes that resonate with modern audiences. This recognition highlights the rising influence of newer playwrights in Japan's theatrical landscape.