| Author | Profession |
|---|---|
| Yakov Smirnoff | Comedian |
| Yamamoto Kansuke | Motivational Speaker |
| Yamana Ayō | Author |
| Yamazaki Ansai | Philosopher |
| Yasmin Bannerman | Actor |
| Yasunari Kawabata | Author |
| Yma Súmac | Singer |
| Yorozuya Tetsugaku (Kaiho Seiryō) | Philosopher |
| Yoruba poet Babalola | Author |
| Yosano Akiko | Poet |
| Yoshida Kenkō | Author |
| Yu Xuanji | Poet |
| Yugen Blakrok | Rapper |
| Yukari Oshima | Comedian |
| Yukichi Fukuzawa | Author |
| Yulgok Yi I | Philosopher |
| Yvon Chouinard | Entrepreneur |