川端康成 (Kawabata Yasunari) was a renowned Japanese author, celebrated for his lyrical prose and deep exploration of Japanese culture and aesthetics. Born on June 14, 1899, he became the first Japanese writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968, recognized for his ability to convey the beauty of nature and human emotions. His notable works include 雪国 (Snow Country), 千羽鶴 (Thousand Cranes), and 古都 (The Old Capital). Kawabata's writing often reflects themes of solitude, nature, and the passage of time, making him a significant figure in modern Japanese literature. He passed away on April 16, 1972.