The Most Famous Writer in Asia, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the writer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 18, 2024 08:23

In the rich tapestry of Asian literature, countless authors have shaped the cultural and intellectual landscapes of their respective countries. From weaving intricate tales that capture the essence of historical epochs to penning contemporary works that challenge societal norms, these writers play a pivotal role in defining the literary heritage of Asia. By participating in the ranking of these influential figures, readers and literary enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to highlight and acknowledge the contributions of these storytellers. Voting not only elevates the visibility of these writers but also fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of Asia’s diverse literary scenes.

Who Is the Most Famous Writer in Asia?

1

69
votes
Galoren.com · CC BY-SA 4.0

Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami is a Japanese author known for his surreal and thought-provoking novels, such as "Norwegian Wood" and "Kafka on the Shore." He has won several awards and is considered one of the most influential writers of modern Japanese literature.
Haruki Murakami in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Japan
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Japanese person
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous living author
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person that nobody knows
2

34
votes
Original: © Ed Lederman/PEN American Center Derivative work: Danyele · CC BY 2.0

Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie is a British Indian novelist who gained worldwide acclaim for his novel "Midnight's Children." He has won numerous awards, including the Booker Prize, and is known for his bold and politically charged writing.
Salman Rushdie in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous writer in India
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous living author
3

31
votes
Augustus Binu/ facebook · CC BY-SA 3.0

Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy - an Indian author known for her novel "The God of Small Things," which won the Booker Prize in 1997. She is also an activist and has written extensively on politics, social justice, and environmental issues.
Arundhati Roy in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous writer in India
4

13
votes
Ken Domon · Public domain

Yukio Mishima

Yukio Mishima is a Japanese author and playwright known for his avant-garde and controversial works, such as "Confessions of a Mask" and "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion." He is also known for his public suicide in 1970, which shocked Japan and the world.
Yukio Mishima in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Japanese person
5

13
votes
David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0

Orhan Pamuk

Orhan Pamuk is a Turkish author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006 for his novels, including "My Name is Red" and "Snow." He is known for his exploration of Turkish identity and culture.
Orhan Pamuk in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Turkish person
6

10
votes

Mariusz Kubik, http://www.mariuszkubik.pl · CC BY 2.5

Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro is a British author of Japanese descent who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017 for his novels, including "The Remains of the Day" and "Never Let Me Go." He is known for his subtle and nuanced explorations of memory, identity, and loss.
7

6
votes
Generalstabens litografiska anstalt · Public domain

Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore - an Indian poet, writer, and philosopher who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, "Gitanjali." He is known for his contributions to Bengali literature and his advocacy for Indian independence.
Rabindranath Tagore in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous poet in India
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous writer in India
- Position 2 of 10 in Most brilliant person in India
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in Bangladesh
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous artist in India
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous historical person in India
8

10
votes

S19991002 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Jin Yong

Jin Yong is a Chinese author and martial arts novelist who is known for his bestselling series of novels, such as "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and "The Return of the Condor Heroes." His works have been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and video games.
9

6
votes

Tosa Mitsuoki (1617 - 1691) · Public domain

Murasaki Shikibu

Murasaki Shikibu is a Japanese author and lady-in-waiting who wrote "The Tale of Genji," a classic work of Japanese literature that is often considered the world's first novel. She is known for her poetic and lyrical prose, as well as her insights into Japanese court life in the Heian period.
10

8
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Lu Xun

Lu Xun is a Chinese writer and social critic who is considered one of the founders of modern Chinese literature. He is known for his essays and short stories, such as "The True Story of Ah Q" and "Diary of a Madman," which critique traditional Chinese values and advocate for social and political reform.

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Ranking factors for famous writer

Literary Impact

Consider the writer's literary contributions in terms of their influence, originality, and lasting significance within the Asian literary tradition.
Global Recognition

Evaluate the writer's international recognition and impact, including awards, translations, and their reception among readers and critics worldwide.
Cultural Influence

Assess the writer's impact on Asian culture, including how their works have shaped or reflected societal, political, or historical developments.
Popularity and Readership

Consider the writer's popularity and the size of their readership, both in their home country and globally, as indicated by book sales, readership figures, and online presence.
Critical Acclaim

Consider the writer's critical reception, including reviews, literary prizes, and scholarly analysis of their works.
Duration and Consistency

Assess the writer's career longevity, the number of works produced, and their consistency in delivering quality literature over time.
Transcultural Appeal

Evaluate the writer's ability to cross cultural boundaries and resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds, both within Asia and beyond.
Translation

Consider the number and availability of translations of the writer's works, as this can indicate their reach and impact on a global scale.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous writer in Asia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Author is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1328 views
201 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Author once every 24 hours. The rank of each Author is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous writer in asia

Asia is home to some of the most influential and celebrated writers in the world. From Nobel laureates to bestselling authors, the region has produced a diverse range of literary greats whose works have left an indelible mark on global literature. The question of who is the most famous writer in Asia is a complex one, as it depends on a number of factors such as cultural significance, critical acclaim, and popularity. Some of the names that frequently come up in discussions on this topic include Haruki Murakami, Salman Rushdie, Yukio Mishima, and Orhan Pamuk, among many others. Regardless of who takes the title, there is no denying the immense impact that Asian writers have had on the literary landscape and their continued legacy for generations to come.