Michiko Kakutani is a distinguished American literary critic renowned for her influential tenure at The New York Times, where she served as the chief book critic from 1983 until her retirement in 2017. Known for her incisive and sharp critiques, Kakutani has shaped the literary landscape with her thoughtful and often candid evaluations of contemporary literature. A graduate of Yale University, she is a Pulitzer Prize winner in Criticism, solidifying her reputation in the literary world. Post-retirement, Kakutani has authored books exploring societal themes, reaffirming her role as a critical voice in both literature and cultural commentary.