Ichiyo Higuchi was a Japanese writer who wrote short stories under the pen name Natsu Higuchi. She was one of the first important writers to emerge in the Meiji era and the first famous modern female writer in Japan.

Her stories centered on women, the poor, and were told in a way that inspired both a rapidly modernizing society and classical poetry. Although she died at a very young age (24), her breathtakingly beautiful writing style and her works that never fail to keep the reader engaged continue to influence Japanese literature. To this day, she is still highly regarded by the Japanese public. Her face can also be seen on the Japanese 5,000 yen bill.