A Non-Japanese Writer from Japan: Haruki Murakami

by Barbara Yakimchuk

A Non-Japanese Writer From Japan: Haruki Murakami

20 Nov 2024

Haruki Murakami is a contemporary Japanese author with over 190 books to his name. His works have been translated into more than 50 languages and are popular all over the world. In 2015, TIME magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. At 75, he continues to write — his most recent book was published this year, and in his latest interview, he hinted that he is already working on something new.

Murakami's style is a distinctive blend of Japanese and Western influences. Through his descriptions of small cafes, bustling streets, and quiet corners of different cities in Japan, he has sparked an interest in Japanese culture for countless readers around the world. At the same time, Murakami is often criticised for being a "non-Japanese author," because of the strong influence of western flow in his books.

So, what is the secret to his success? How did a Japanese writer become a global phenomenon in literature?

Photo: Wikipedia

Blended culture

The main strength — and at the same time, a drawback (especially for some of his Japanese readers) — of Murakami's work lies in its cosmopolitanism. While the events in his novels almost always take place in Japan, culturally, they feel very Western. Some critics argue that if you were to change the setting or the characters' names, it might seem like the main characters could easily be Americans or Europeans.

This is not surprising, given that Haruki Murakami was born in 1949, after World War II, and grew up deeply influenced by American culture. He is also well-known for his books translations of the famous American authors (such as J. Salinger). In addition, after achieving his first major success with his first book, he moved to Europe and later to the United States (although he continued writing about his homeland during that time), only returning to Japan in the early 21st century.

Instagram: @haruki_murakami_

The reasons behind success

The main idea of his novels is the search for one’s place in life. This theme evolves from book to book and can take various forms — the search for a calling, for love, or for meaning. Murakami himself has said that the main idea in his works is that "you have to go through darkness before you can reach the light."

Many critics ponder on what exactly brings readers' love to Murakami. No one has yet provided a clear and definitive answer to this question. However, certain distinctive features of Murakami's writing that could be the key to the answer:

Postmodernism

Murakami's works have a distant style, a playful take on reality, and a sense of things left unsaid. He gives readers space to reflect, fill in the gaps in the plot, and imagine what is not spelled out, breaking away from the usual storytelling norms.

The blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary

Murakami has a way of making the magic feel normal. He mixes everyday routines with surreal elements, but it never feels like a leap into a fairy tale. Instead, these touches of fantasy guide the story gently, without shocking or overwhelming the reader. It is like stepping into a dream that feels real. And who does not enjoy believing in something a little extraordinary?

A blend of cultures

In sociology, there is a concept called the "imagined community" (introduced by Benedict Anderson), which explores how people form a sense of belonging to a group, often dividing themselves into "us" and "them." This idea highlights the way we identify with certain groups while perceiving "others" as different.

Murakami’s stories break down these barriers. By mixing elements from different cultures, he creates a world where anyone can find a piece of themselves. His characters show us that, at our core, we are all more alike than we think.

A unique sensory experience

Murakami’s works are known for their detailed descriptions of music and food. These sensory details allow readers to disconnect from reality and fully immerse themselves in his world.

Instagram: @haruki_murakami_

Mystical elements

Mythical creatures (often animals) have become a defining element of Murakami’s books. In interviews, he shares that these creatures often appear to him naturally, through dreams or deep thought.

However, looking more closely at Japanese culture, some critics see a connection between the mystical aspects of Murakami's books and Shintoism, Japan’s ancient polytheistic religion. Shintoism is based on animistic beliefs, where the word "kami" refers to various spirits, including animals and birds. "Kami" are believed to reside in the objects around us, giving them life and spirit. In this sense, the creatures that accompany Murakami's characters can be seen as representations of Japanese religion, especially considering their role — they often act as silent observers or guides, offering direction without interfering.

What to read

You can find a lot of lists of Murakami's best books online — each with its own take. When I picked my first book, I did not look at any and just chose based on the title (a specific method, but it worked quite well). However, if you need a recommendation, here are some:

Norwegian Wood

One of Murakami’s most famous books and probably the only one without any mystical elements. The story follows Toru, a student navigating the ups and downs of growing up while dealing with the loss of a friend. Murakami takes you deep into the struggles of a young man — loneliness, love, and searching for meaning in life.

Photo: Onlyifiknow

1Q84

This novel is the complete opposite of Norwegian Wood when it comes to mysticism. It blends magical realism with a love story. The main characters find themselves in a world that feels like reality but is full of strange differences. They are determined to find each other and be together, no matter what hurdles they have to face.

Instagram: @haruki_murakami_

Sputnik Sweetheart

This novel is about a student who dreams of becoming a writer but keeps putting it off, choosing a safer, more stable life instead. She crosses paths with a woman who is organized and influential, offering her wisdom from years of experience and her position in life. It is a story about love, friendship, sacrifice, and the courage to pursue your dreams. Not the most popular, but definitely my personal favourite.

Instagram: @haruki_murakami_

by Barbara Yakimchuk