Fumiko Enchi (1905-1986) was born in Tokyo as the second daughter of Japanese language scholar, Kazutoshi Ueda. She became familiar with classical Japanese literature from an early age. She published a collection of drama script in 1935, and then turned to novels. She is famous for her sensual description of repressed women's ego. Between 1967 and 1973, she worked through her modern translation of Genji Monogatari (Tales of Genji). In 1985, she received the Order of Culture.

1957 Noma Literary Prize, for Onnazaka (The Waiting Years)

1966 Women's Literary Prize, for Namamiko Monogatari (A Tale of False Fortunes)

1969 Tanizaki Junichro Prize, for Ake wo Ubaumono (What robs Vermillion), Kizu aru Tsubasa (Wings with Blemish), and Niji to Shura (Rainbow and Frenzy)