Japanese Literary Awards

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Ryoko Sasa

ササ リョウコ

Sasa Ryoko

Profile

Gender
Female
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
non-fiction writer

Awards

Kaikō Ken Nonfiction Prize
2012
Work: Angel Flight
Result: winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Angel Flight

2012 non-fiction 288 pages

A nonfiction reportage on international repatriation of the deceased: it follows professionals who transport bodies across borders and reflects on death, grieving families and the ethics of the work.

death and dyingfunerary practicesinternational repatriationprofessional ethics
Adaptations
  • [streaming TV drama] Angel Flight / 堀切園健太郎 (2023)

Bibliography

  • Ryoko Sasa, Angel Flight (hardcover), Shueisha, 2012, 288 pp., ISBN 978-4-08-781513-9
  • Ryoko Sasa, Angel Flight (bunkoban/ paperback), Shueisha Bunko, 2014, 288 pp., ISBN 978-4-08-745252-5

Adaptations

  • TV/drama adaptation 'Angel Flight' (Amazon Prime Video release, later broadcast on NHK, 2023–2025)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
reportageobjective narrative
Recurring Motifs
deathfunerary ritesoverseas contextsweight of professional duty

Legacy

The book shed light on the specialized work of international repatriation of the dead and its practitioners, provoking discussion about death and funerary practices. Its adaptation into a drama broadened its audience.

In Popular Culture

  • Adapted into a streaming drama (Amazon Prime Video) and later broadcast on NHK, increasing public recognition.

Trivia

  • The book won the 10th Kaikō Ken Nonfiction Prize (2012).
  • Both the hardcover and paperback editions are 288 pages.
  • The title refers to the symbol 'Angel Flight' of the international repatriation company Airhearse International, which is a subject of the book.
  • Adapted as a streaming drama in 2023 and later broadcast on NHK in a re-edited form.