Literary Honors: 'Asobi no Kankei' Triumphs Alongside 'Silent Witch' in Prestigious 'This Light Novel Is Amazing! 2026' Rankings

The highly anticipated results for the annual "This Light Novel Is Amazing! 2026" awards have officially been revealed, preceding the comprehensive guidebook’s launch scheduled for November 27, 2025. This year's list showcases the immense diversity and talent currently thriving within the Japanese light novel scene.

Sweeping the general rankings, as well as securing the top spot in both the bunko and new bunko work categories, is the fresh romantic comedy sensation, Asobi no Kankei. This winning title holds a significant creative connection with the previous year's celebrated champion, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Further emphasizing this link, voice actor Hikaru Tono provided both narration and character voices for the promotional materials of both interconnected series, illustrating a unique shared universe approach in marketing.

In the highly competitive tankobon/novel category, the fantasy masterpiece Secrets of The Silent Witch claimed the number one position. Authored by Matsuri Isora and brought to life visually by Nanna Fujimi, this popular KADOKAWA BOOKS light novel centers on a deeply shy mage who possesses the extraordinary gift of silent magic.

The series' massive appeal was recently solidified by a successful TV anime adaptation that aired during the Summer 2025 season, earning both critical praise and widespread fan adoration.

Other notable titles also achieved tremendous recognition. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, a beloved series known for its warm, slice-of-life romantic narrative, secured an impressive second place in both the general and bunko ranking lists. Its success was further highlighted by illustrator Hanekoto, who individually claimed the top prize in the illustrator category, confirming the powerful visual contribution to the series' enduring charm.

Additionally, the new tankobon/novel category recognized Kentaro Honjo’s compelling isekai work, Nanji, Ankun o Aiseyo, published under the DRE Novels label and featuring illustrations by toi8. These recognized works spanning romantic comedy, high fantasy, and exciting isekai adventures demonstrate the vibrant creativity driving contemporary Japanese literature. Fans eager for deeper analysis and the full list of honorees can look forward to the forthcoming guide book from publisher Takarajimasha. The continued success and adaptation of these works into anime formats promise sustained energy and global engagement for the medium.