Tamao Ariyoshi was born in Tokyo. In 1990, she received the Tsubota Joji Literature Prize for Migawari, a story recounting her experiences with her mother Sawako that she published while she was a graduate student at the University of Tokyo. In 1992, she graduated from New York University’s graduate drama program. Her works include Kyabetsu no Shinseikatsu, Hina wo Tsutsumu, Bokutachi wa Kitto Sugoi Otona ni Naru, Koi Suru Ferumeeru, Utsukushiki Ichinichi no Owari, and Sobo-chan. She also works as a film critic and writes scripts for dance dramas.