Yoko Ogawa

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.

A novelist who brought a fresh breeze to Japanese literature with her debut 'Kitchen.' Her transparent prose themed on loss and healing won passionate support especially among young readers. Translated into over 30 languages, she continues to represent Japanese contemporary literature globally alongside Haruki Murakami.

The most widely read Japanese author. Works like 'Norwegian Wood' and '1Q84' are translated into 50+ languages. A perennial Nobel Prize in Literature candidate.

Japan's first Nobel laureate in Literature (1968). Works like 'Snow Country' conveyed Japanese aesthetics with delicate prose, presenting 'Japan, the Beautiful and Myself' to the world.

Debuted brilliantly with 'Kitchen.' Her unique style depicting loss and healing in everyday life is passionately supported in Italy especially, translated into over 30 languages.

A collection of novels by Ryu Murakami, active since the 1970s. He won the Akutagawa Prize for 'Almost Transparent Blue' and subsequently published diverse works including 'Coin Locker Babies' and 'Musical Floating.' His counter-establishment ideology and experimental style opened new horizons in contemporary Japanese literature.