Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami was born in 1949 in Kyoto, Japan. He is one of Japan's most famous writers. Murakami writes strange and dreamy stories. His books have talking cats, mysterious wells, and secret worlds. His books are read in many languages.

His Books

Murakami's famous books include Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and 1Q84. His stories often feel like dreams. Characters may walk into another world without knowing. He mixes everyday life with magic. His fans love how his books make them think.

His Life

Before writing, Murakami owned a small jazz bar in Tokyo. One day at a baseball game, he suddenly felt he could write a book. He went home and started writing. He now runs almost every day and has even finished marathons. He also loves cats and jazz music.

Fun Facts

• Murakami wrote his first two books at his kitchen table after closing his bar each night.
• He has translated many English books into Japanese.
• He wrote a book about his love of running called What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

Did You Know?

Haruki Murakami owns thousands of jazz records and says music helps him write his stories.