Osamu Dazai

A literary giant of the Meiji era who left masterpieces including 'I Am a Cat,' 'Botchan,' and 'Kokoro.' He laid the foundation of modern Japanese literature and was featured on Japan's thousand-yen bill. His works fusing Western literature with Japanese sensibility continue to be widely read today.

The father of modern Japanese literature. 'I Am a Cat,' 'Botchan,' and 'Kokoro' are universally known in Japan. A national literary icon who appeared on the 1,000 yen note.

A quintessential modern Japanese author who produced numerous masterpieces including "I Am a Cat" and "Kokoro." Influenced by Western literature, he explored distinctly Japanese literary expression. His thought and methods profoundly influenced Japanese culture, continuing to inspire research and readership. Internationally recognized for depth of psychological portrayal.

A representative writer of modern Japanese literature, born in 1892 and active during the Taisho period. Known for masterpiece short stories like 'Rashomon' and 'The Nose,' he is one of the most important figures in Japanese literary history. He demonstrated the pinnacle of short story expression. The annual Akutagawa Prize bears his name.

A psychological novel by Natsume Soseki published in 1914. Through correspondence between an elderly man called 'Sensei' and a university student protagonist, it explores alienation in relationships and spiritual conflict caused by modernization. A masterpiece in Japanese literary history, it continues to provoke deep reflection in readers and remains widely taught in schools.

One of Japan's foremost contemporary novelists. Known for his distinctive style blending reality and fantasy in works such as 'Norwegian Wood,' '1Q84,' and 'Killing Commendatore.' His works have been translated into over 50 languages, and he is perennially mentioned as a Nobel Prize in Literature candidate.