Kōbō Abe was a prominent Japanese writer and playwright, born on March 7, 1924, in Tokyo. He is best known for his surreal and existential works, which often explore themes of identity, alienation, and the human condition. His most famous novel, The Woman in the Dunes, has been adapted into films and is considered a classic of Japanese literature. Abe was also a skilled playwright, with many of his plays performed in Japan and internationally. His unique style blends elements of absurdism and modernism, making him a significant figure in 20th-century literature. He passed away on January 22, 1993, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.