Hideo Osabe

 was a Japanese essayist and novelist. His work focused on movies and Osamu Dazai.
He was born in Aomori Prefecture, where Dazai was also born. He also once directed a movie.
He won the Naoki Prize in 1973 for "Tsugaru jongara bushi" and "Tsugaru yosare bushi".
He was awarded a Medal of Honor (with Purple Ribbon, for contributions to education and culture) from the Japanese government in 2002.