I really like the way the artist portrays how one feels totally isolated even when surrounded by friends and coworkers. After a certain point you have nothing in common with your old friends as everyone moves on a different path, while your coworkers remain just that - your coworkers.
Shouldn't they be able to make an okay living even if they don't win the Akutagawa prize? If their works are good enough to be nominated multiple times I can't imagine publishers not reaching out for even a modest book deal.