*This article includes possible spoiler “Cream” is a story based on the protagonist’s memories and begins with a scene in which “I” am telling a younger friend about an old experience “I” had when “I” was 18. At the beginning of October that year, I received an invitation to a piano recital As soon as […]
I know that some people do not like Murakami’s work because of the sexual scenes and the way the characters (especially the female characters) are portrayed. It is the same in his home country, and some people do not buy his novels for the same reason. However, few people criticise a novelist, whereas politicians and […]
“I want you to understand one thing,” said Kumiko. “That cat is very important to me. Or should I say to us. We found it the week after we got married. Together. You remember?” (The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Book 1 Ch.4) I was dying to have a cat. But they wouldn’t let me. My mother hated […]
This post is for those who loved Kafka on the Shore and miss travelling abroad and includes a spoiler. When I wrote someplace in my novel, I always thought “there should be this place somewhere” “this place should exist somewhere”. So, I would be grateful if that place exists inside your brain, as the place […]
Music takes an important role in Murakami’ life and novels. Last week, Murakami gave an interview on Shukan Asahi Magazine and said “This is a difficult time, as the world faces the pandemic. However, at any time, people need something they can enjoy.” and noticed that he would host a live radio show on this […]
Murakami’s short story, Barn Burning (included in The Elephant Vanishes), gives unusual elements in usual life. Its surrealism does not exist in the setting but does in the way that the characters behave. Like many great literature pieces, the story provides a clue to investigate the reader’s own insight, but there is no correct answer. […]
Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (1886-1965) is one of the most appreciated novelists of Japanese literature. The award named after Tanizaki is one of the most prestigious ones and was given to Murakami for Hard–Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World in 1985. Murakami highly respects Tanizaki. He met Mrs Matsuko Tanizaki (1903-1990), the maestro’s wife, at […]
I trace it back to February 1990, when Aum stood for election in the Lower House of the Japanese Diet. Asahara was running in Shibuya Ward, the Tokyo district where I was living at the time, and the campaign was a singularly odd piece of theater. Day after day strange music played from big trucks […]
In 2020, Murakami published five books in Japan; two essays, one short stories collection and two translations. Considering his age of 71, he is impressively productive. He also saved the readers and the book industries at the time of pandemic by the way that only he could do in 2020; he published the five books […]
[SPOILER ALERT] This article includes information about Haruki Murakami’s “A Wild Sheep Chase”. I hope it helps you to extend your imagination to the scenes that appeared in the novel. A Wild Sheep Chase is set at three areas Tokyo: “I” lived, dated, married and divorced, and “Boss” lived Hokkaido: The Dolphine Hotel and the […]