Born in Osaka, Yasutaka Tsutsui is particularly well known for his science fiction. After graduating from Doshisha University, he founded NULL, a science fiction magazine. His short story O-tasuke (Help) won him the recognition and respect of Rampo Edogawa, the father of Japanese mystery writing . In 1970s Tsutsui began experimenting in a variety of styles, from slapstick and black humour to various kinds of metafiction. Winner of various awards including Izumi Kyoka Prize, Kawabata Prize and Yomiuri Literary Prize.