Takehiko Fukunaga (1918~1979) was born in Fukuoka, graduated from Department of French Language and Literature, University. Of Tokyo. In 1948, he published his poetry collection Aru Seishun (An Adolescence) and short stories To (Tower). In 1952, he published a full-length novel Fudo (Climate). He continued writing while teaching at university.

1961 Mainichi Publishing Culture Award, for Gauguin no Sekai (Gauguin's World)

1972 Grand Prize for Japanese Literature, for Shi no Shima (Island of Death)