Kōko Shirakawa is a Japanese novelist and the original creator of the light novel series Raven of the Inner Palace. Shirakawa was born on February 8 in Mie Prefecture, Japan, and is a graduate of the Faculty of Letters at Doshisha University. After winning an award in the Cobalt short story contest for new writers, she went on to receive the Romance Grand Prize in 2012.

Shirakawa is best known for the Raven of the Inner Palace light novel series. The series was published by Shueisha under their Shueisha Orange Bunko imprint, with illustrations by Ayuko. Seven volumes were released in Japan between April 20, 2018, and April 21, 2022. The series is set in a fictionalized version of ancient China and follows a mysterious consort who wields dark magic. The light novel series has been licensed for an English-language release by Seven Seas Entertainment under their Airship imprint. Shirakawa is credited as the original author for the television anime adaptation of Raven of the Inner Palace, which premiered in October 2022 and was produced by the studio Bandai Namco Pictures.

In addition to Raven of the Inner Palace, Shirakawa has written other light novel series and books. These include Shimogamo Antique, the Contract Marriage Started series, Bridie House no Oshikake Hanamuko, and Yasōshi to Kiri no Kōshaku. Her earlier works were published under the Cobalt imprint. Beyond her light novel series, Shirakawa has also been credited as the original creator for related manga adaptations of her work.