Kobo Abe

Kobo Abe (1924–1993) was a Japanese writer, playwright and photographer, known for his works that combine existentialism, absurdity and surrealism. Born Kimifusa Abe in Tokyo, he spent his childhood in Manchuria, which significantly influenced his creativity. Although he studied medicine at the University of Tokyo, he soon devoted himself to literature.

His most famous work, the novel Woman in the Sand (1962), explores isolation and human existence, and was adapted into an award-winning film. Other notable works include Box Man, Face of the Other, and Kangaroo Notebook, which often use metaphorical stories to analyze social and philosophical themes. Abe was known for his experimental style, often compared to Kafka, and his works explore alienation and identity. He also distinguished himself as a theater director, founding his own theater troupe.