Haruki Murakami ​

Haruki Murakami is a contemporary Japanese writer known for his surreal and dystopic themes. His works have been translated into 50 languages and his best-selling novels include Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and 1Q84.

Quick Facts ​

• His works have been translated into 50 languages.
• Over 13 million copies of his books have been sold.
• Has been decorated with the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France.
• Both Norwegian Wood and 1Q84 were adapted for film.
• Known for his blend of fiction and magical realism.
• He runs marathons and ultramarathons regularly, and this has influenced some of his writings.

Background ​

Murakami was born in 1949 in Kyoto, Japan to parents who were both teachers of Japanese literature. He grew up in the port city of Kobe and later went on to study drama at Waseda University in Tokyo. Inspired by American authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Kurt Vonnegut, he decided to try writing in a simple, conversational style that was a striking departure from the complex, often obscure literature that was popular in Japan at the time.

His first novel, Hear the Wind Sing, was published in 1979 and won the Gunzo Award for New Writers. His major breakthrough came in 1987 with the publication of Norwegian Wood which immediately catapulted him to the forefront of the Japanese literary scene. Several of his works have been adapted into films and he's received numerous awards for his works, both in Japan and internationally. His most famous works include Kafka on the Shore, 1Q84, and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Murakami's writing style is characterised by a blend of surrealism and reality. His work often explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and existential contemplation. He is credited with bringing Japanese literature to the international scene. His unique, contemporary approach to storytelling has influenced a generation of writers and captured the attention of a global audience. His work breaks down the barriers between high literature and popular fiction.

Notable Works ​

• Norwegian Wood (1987)
• The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (1995)
• Kafka on the Shore (2002)
• 1Q84 (2009-2010)
• Killing Commendatore (2017)