Proving that you're never too old to follow your dreams, an 81 year old resident of Nagano Prefecture has surprised some light novel fans online by making it past the preliminary selection process for the annual MF Bunko J Light Novel Rookie of the Year Awards, a writing competition sponsored by Media Factory (a division of Kadokawa).

(Above: Pic not related.)

Mr. Takeharu Ōtsuki has made it past the initial screening process with his entry Neko ga Mita ("The Cat Saw It"). It's too early to celebrate, though. Mr. Ōtsuki faces some stiff competition, with 488 other authors (ranging in age from 16 years old and up) competing for the same prize.

The MF Bunko J Light Novel Rookie of the Year Awards offers a total of 3 million yen (about $29,350 US) in cash prizes as well as the opportunity for winning works to be published under the MF Bunko J label. The judges are currently reviewing the applications for the 2nd phase of the screening process.

On behalf of the Crunchyroll crew, I'd like to wish Mr. Ōtsuki the best of luck going forward.

Sources:

My Game News Flash

Official MF Bunko J Light Novel Rookie of the Year Awards page

Paul Chapman is the host of The Greatest Movie EVER! Podcast and GME! Anime Fun Time.