Mieko Kawakami is a Japanese novelist and short story writer. She was born in Osaka in 1973 and graduated from Kansai University. Her debut novel, Breasts and Eggs, was published in 2008 and won the Akutagawa Prize. Her other works include Heaven, Ms Ice Sandwich, and The Ten Loves of Nishino. Kawakami is known for her unique writing style, which combines elements of realism and surrealism. She has been praised for her ability to capture the nuances of everyday life and her exploration of themes such as gender, family, and identity. Kawakami has been awarded numerous literary prizes, including the Noma Literary Prize and the Yomiuri Literary Prize. She is one of the most acclaimed contemporary Japanese authors.