Kanae Minato is a Japanese author best known for her novel Confessions, which won the 2010 Naoki Prize. She was born in Tokyo in 1975 and graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in literature. She began writing in her twenties and has since published several novels, short stories, and essays. Her works often explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of confession. Her writing style is characterized by its psychological depth and insight into the human condition. Minato is a highly acclaimed author in Japan, and her works have been translated into several languages. She continues to write and inspire readers around the world.