Yoshikichi Furui (1937-) graduated from the University of Tokyo in German Literature. While teaching at Kanazawa University, he translated the Austrian writers Robert Musil and Hermann Broch. He left the university in 1970 and began to establish himself as a writer. In 1970 he won the Akutagawa Prize for the novella Yoko. He includes very little social commentary in his novels, preferring to look into the heart of individual characters.

1970 Akutagawa Prize, for Yoko

1983 Tanizaki Jun'ichiro Prize, for Asagao (Morning Glory)

1986 Kawabata Yasunari Literary Prize, for On Nakayama Hill

1997 Mainichi Publishing Culture Prize, for White-haired Melody