Shotaro Yasuoka (1920-2013) was born in Kochi. He is an author of the so-called ‘Daisan no Shinjin (Third Generation)' group. After the 2nd World War, while he was suffering from vertebral tuberculosis, he started writing novels. Then he received the Akutagawa Prize in 1953, for Inki na Tanoshimi (A Melancholy Pleasure) and Warui Nakama (Bad Company). In 2001, he was appointed as Persons of Cultural Merit.

1953 Akutagawa Prize, for Inki na Tanoshimi (A Melancholy Pleasure) & Warui Nakama (Bad Company)

1959 Ministry of Education Award, for Kaihen no Kokei (A View by the Sea)

1960 Noma Literary Prize, for Kaihen no Kokei

1991 Kawabata Yasunari Literary Prize, for Oji no Bochi (Uncle's Grave)

2000 Osaragi Jiro Prize, Kagamigawa (Kagami River)