Hilarious, strange and moving in equal measure - a Japanese multi-million-copy smash hit about the struggles of a pair of young manzai stand-up comedians
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.
"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
"Excels as a comedy of the absurd... a Japanese Withnail and I... Immensely satisfying" - Japan Society