Michiko Kakutani is an American writer and retired literary critic, renowned for her work with The New York Times, where she served as a book reviewer from 1983 to 2017. Her insightful and influential reviews have earned her a prestigious reputation in the literary world. In 1998, Kakutani was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, a testament to her significant contributions to literature and journalism.

Born in New Haven on January 9, 1955, Kakutani is considered a leading reference in American press literary criticism. Her tenure at The New York Times saw her emerge as a critical voice in literature, guiding readers through the literary landscape with her sharp analyses and commentary.