Murakami’s Genius Philosophy 

Just reading Norwegian Wood and I get why he is so famous. The way he describes every subtle detail, the way he paints each scene makes me feel to be living with the characters.

This video really helped me understand 1Q84. After reading Kafka on the Shore I kept looking for a similar meaning in 1Q84 but like you said I got frustrated when I could barely even remember the plot. Once I returned to the book and read it just to enjoy it scene by scene and moment by moment I finally realized what made the book so compelling. When you let the strange and lucid world of Murakami play out in front of you and evoke your own feelings you walk away with a thousand personal meanings entirely irrelevant to the book itself.

Terrific perspective, well put. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of winning a Nobel than Murakami. His voice is singular.

Wind Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore are both utterly fantastic, meandering, masterpieces. He really nails the feeling of a dreamlike narrative. Things are utterly strange and alien, but somehow always follow a logic that makes impeccable sense in the moment, but then trying to recapitulate the true weight and fullness of meaning in the narrative when you 'wake up' is equally difficult.

I love him. He's been my preferred writer for the last, I think, 6 years. No one can rival the atmosphere he creates in his books. From Russia, Saint Petersburg with 💚

Although Murakami was born in Kyoto, he was raised in Kobe and spent most of his childhood there, not Kyoto. Kobe was a busy port and so there were many Americans coming in and out of the city. Book stores would therefore stock books in English and that's where he got his introduction to Western literature.

I think the point of reading Murakami’s novels is to not look for a point, but to let the characters and stories evoke your emotions and curiosity. I always likened reading his novels to listening to a music album. While his works are musical indeed, I also think that when you’re listening to music, most times you’re not necessarily looking for the “point.” You’re just opening yourself up to the experience. When I finish reading a Murakami novel, I’m filled with a lot of emotions, but usually not some new insight about society or the human condition. I think that’s maybe also why the Nobel prize has eluded him. If his novels do not have a prominent social impact or display some technical mastery/innovation, what do you give him the prize for? For being incredibly good at somehow evoking feelings in a lot of people? But that’s also why I don’t really think a Nobel is not really necessary for Murakami either.

Great job, this was a good and competent summary. He's been my favorite writer for years, but I noticed I never tried to actually categorize his writing in some way

Fantastic persepctive on Murakami. I'm quite new to books and I was initially conflicted to pick which one is the best book to start. One of my friends recommended Murakami and I started with Wind-up Bird Chronicle. It was a daunting task at first for me to read a 500+ page book, literally never done that in my whole life. But after I started to read, it was really hard to stop. I simply love how he writes about life, how even a thing as simple as making a coffee in the morning can make you appreciate the little things as you move on with bigger things in life. We are so caught up with this rapidly changing world that gets more complicated everyday, but there is always beauty in simplicity. His writing style of not using bombastic words is something I appreciate. I've also finished reading Kafka on the Shore which were equally brilliant and I look forward to read more of his work!

I've stopped LOOKING for anything in murakami's books. I simply read to friggin enjoy and COOK delicious meals and probably sip some wine(cheers to all the dining table scenes from his books). I've been reading 1q84 for the past few months, and unending mf story, but still continuing it cuz i enjoy it knowing fully that the end won't be satisfactory. Awesome video man, I loved the content along with everything running the background.

I wholeheartedly agree that Murakami works are for everyone. I'm not quite a reader, but I wanted to try something new and my first "big book" or hard-to-read book was Murakami's Hard-boiled Wonderland and The End of The World. I was blown away by his lifelike writing. For the first time ever I sat down and finished a 600+ pages book. Quite an achievement for me. The disorienting parallel narrative and the perplexing concepts pushed me away but the story and the characters pull me right back in. The whole journey felt like a film noir that focused on some random side character yet I couldn't help but to follow along him and his misadventure.

Thank you for a hands-on, coherent story about one of my favourites. When I think about his writing, I picture a person, who easily could be myself but in a dream, being in some everyday, concrete reality, maticulously described, but suddenly glimpsing the other, random, surreal realms that are equally real, but just in the wonderful world of true imagination; unfiltered dreamscapes. And lo and behold, it becomes even more real than just the normal, possibly superficial way of experiencing this fantastic world. Fun too, in many cases, and very poetic. It’s as if he invites true but hidden parts of who we are to come out and play.

Thank you so much for this video, I learned a lot about one of the writers that I love so much, this is the first video I've seen from you and I got to tell you from the first minute to the end of the video I didn't feel bored at all, your way of talking and choosing words is what made me completely comfortable through out the video without even noticing, definitely going to check the rest of your videos, thanks again.

This is a good introduction to Murakami. His work was introduced to me by a friend. Tony Takatani and Wind Up Bird. Through Murakami I discovered other writers like Pablo Amarna, Kazuo Isheguro, Taichi Yamada, and Bulgakov.

Thank you for your down to earth, thoughtful analyses. Your work invites the person who has left literature behind (myself) to reenter and explore new/old worlds. Your love of literature and your care for your work is evident.

I'm reading Norwegian Wood and I'm just delighted, love his writing style. Best regards from DR. ❤🇩🇴

I loved your perspicacious analysis of Murakami's writing style !

Thanks for the summary that gave me a very good insight into the style and content of the author. In terms of details, he reminded me of Anita Desai where in her novels not much goes on except for the minute description of characters and places.

I can't thank you enough for this video❤️... Totally Loved it

i like your reviews and description of Haruki Murakami, i felt as though finally somebody understood how likeable and an amazing author he is ❤️ thank you so much

Enjoyed your summary immensely, also now have a place to return for a list of his works to get through ❤

I’m glad I found your channel. Thank you for your work on these videos.

I enjoy reading Haruki Murakami because he has a different viewpoint and perspective about ideas that to me are interesting to read and to discover. I have learned a lot of new things from his writing like the different periods in Japanese History, the different wars that took place, etc. He is a good writer because he makes me see things from a different angle.

Thanks so much for this. Extremely informative and interesting 🙏

I was searching a lot about him and found this video. Thank you 😊

Murakami is what you get when trying to depict logical, rational world with the Ghibli-esque randomness and happenstances throughout your story. His novels most do not have resolutions so you really need to enjoy what to read and not build a list of mysteries that you hope will be solved later. For example, if his character suddenly is able to speak to a cat, then that is. Do not think that he will give a coherent explanation about that later.

Great video! As a south american, I would add the influence of magical realism to your explanation of murakami's style

This was a very good essay... Very well researched

this video is really amazing. i enjoyed every moment of it like I enjoy every moment of a Murakami novel :)

Such an awesome analysis of my favourite author! Thank you :)

You are amazing! Thank you for this wonderful video❤

Great post - love Murakami and I appreciate your insights!

H.Murakami translated his favourite American novels too. He has always written his own world and all the world loves him.

Wow the last line of your summary is very deep and meaningful.

Beautifully explained with points. Thank you so much.

Keep going, you deserve more subscribers. The content is great.

The video was on point. I simply cannot escape from liking Murakami, as his style comes across to me as deeply honest and yet mesmerizing...

I have read most of his works. Wonderful works. My favorite.

a salute to your essay video to Murakami writings!

It is quite rewarding to get to know more about my dear friend, my brother Murakami, in what you would call "Real" time...

Thank you, Matt. Another great video. I've read "The Wind-up Bird Chronicle" once and "Kafka on the Shore" twice. A few times, I remember stumbling over words trying to convey to friends why I like Murakami so much. One thing I love is how much culture his books are infused with. Kafka reading the Burton edition of 1001 Nights (and a Night) is only one of myriad examples. And any author tipping his hat to this specific edition reminds me of Borges. Where Borges is super rational in his approach to the intersection of the finite and the infinite, Murakami, in my humble opinion, reaches further in infusing his stories with higher-than-rational mind consciousness, not an easy task. His work in the little I've read, reminds me a bit of what David Lynch attempts with his films. Since I read "The Wind-up Bird Chronicle" in '05, I've suspected that he will be due for a Nobel in Literature.

I love this guy. I just finished After The Quake. Very good collection of short stories.

Gorgeous explantion!

How wonderful is this; thank you.

This was very well done, thank you.

A fine job and excellent survey of this writer’s work.

Will be back soon, Murakami rocks ☘

Earned a subscription! Great essay

Superb summary analysis of one of the greatest writers of his generation.

For me his novels and stories especially invoke almost a religious feeling exactly because of “lack” of emotions or rather presence of temperance is what makes his writing appealing to me.And I can sense in the undertow a sort of nostalgia for innocence, beauty and peace. Yes there is a sense of meaninglessness and absurdity of life but it is not hopeless. There’s peace in the knowledge that we can do only as much as we can.❤

amazing analysis!

Hi, thanks for this insight into Murakami. I read 'The Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki' and enjoyed it. It was followed by 'Kafka on the Shore'. I realised that what I enjoyed so much was the small details that alight on the page like a butterfly and then are gone before you quite know what they are.

Maurakami.s style practical and beautiful explained! 🙏🙂

A really interesting analysis that will inform my re reading of his novels I think Im overdue a re reading of 1Q84! Thanks

This was sooooo good.

Great video, thanks! For everybody who likes Murakami, I suggest Serbian writer Zoran Živković - they both leave you wondering about not just the book you read, but also your life and it's wonders. Cheers!

great content. crisp

I return to rewatching this video periodically as I get my hands on another Murakami novel, right now with the anticipation of The City and Its Uncertain Walls being translated into English

Excellent , thank you

You are underrated, underviewed, but thank you.

Your insights put a nice frame of context and perspective on the Murakami vision. Especially the music analogy and the reminder of the stifling social culture of rich tradition. I think of wabi sabi as more about the appreciation or contemplation of imperfection, impermanence that is forever never overcome.

Murakami has been on my radar for a while but I haven't picked him up. I think I'm going to soon.

Great job!! I recently finished wind up bird chronicles 😁

...so beautifully narrowed, Matt... I was, like so many others, completely hooked into Murakami for years... had to read one book after the other, almost like a sugar addiction, where you can't stop... its particularly his attention to 'small' and the unexpected magic, that you feel lurking behind every next bend of the story, that forces you to continue breathlessly til the end is reached... the end then is more often then not quite flat, as if he ran out of letters, and had to stop... and so you stop together with him, and start fingering already his next novel...

Very good explication! I read murakamy and i just can say that he is a fantastic writter and i recomend him! 😊

He's an underrated author.

Thanks for this video on Murakami. I recently purchased Kafka on the Shore.

When I saw the title, I thought that Murakami is connecting to Victor Frankl’s book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankl is an Austrian neurologist who survived the Holocaust camps and the book reflects his philosophy of life. Well, your video reflects Murakami’s philosophy of life. Fantastic encapsulation of his books. Thanks.

I still hope that Murakami will one day, soon, be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Many think he deserves it, and I do too.

Thank you

Murakami has been one of my favorite authors since i was a teenager. However, i honestly feel that he could've skipped every soft core porn scene in each of his novels, and they would not be any worse for it 😅

Very direct about the obscure life where achievements is like Kafka, A Joke. Where life based on the dependence on life's high emotional values are perceived as passing clouds. JamesWhiskey

My friend brought me a book ( a wild sheep chase ) my friend a scavenger found this book at the trash. This he gave it to me and this is my first murakamis book I fall in love. A wild sheep chase. I'm encourage to read all murakamis books.

As a fan every year I await to see if he is on the Nobel Prize list, then sigh when he's not called out again.........

thank-you.

Thank you for this video. Murakami is one of my favourite authors and an interesting personality.

im big fan of haruki murkami and i have a collection of his book with english and persian translation ....

Thank you. I think I understand Murakami better now and I like very much so your remarks on unique features of his writing. I'm in the middle of Killing Commendantore, previously read 5 or 6 previous novels and some short stories. I find I like novels better, as they give more room for the story to tell itself, unravel, unfold, flow somewhere. I am curious about one painting of a corridor used in about the middle of the film. Can I have a title or the author, please?

Wabi Sabi is not about ‘simple is beautiful’ but rather, about accepting life’s imperfections and transience.

Interesting.

Murakami is great

Recomendo mil vezes literatura japonesa pós-segunda guerra. A visão que o Brasil tem do Japão é mais exótica. É bem parecido com a gente na questão pós-guerra. Eles se isolaram em outros conflitos futuros. Acertaram bastante.

i read sputnik sweetheart and certain lines made me stop and reflect myself. i still cant say i have actually thoroughly understood the whole book

life gives us meaning. Everything else is our refusal to accept reality.

Kafka on the shore is a bit small but it burns well on the fireplace

A favorite --

9:05 Interesting 13:00 Interview other people to make a book around it

when there's chinese bg music playing in a video about a japanese novelist:

This was great. Thanks for making it. But one small thing - he does NOT write whilst listening to music. He has explained in interviews that he listens to music most of the time but then stops and just writes. No music.

A Wild Sheep is his best one, in my opinion. Great video, anyway! His most enjoyable one was South Of The Border।

Gotta love all the discussions of Murakami Haruki by people who have never read a word of his prose, only the translations of Jay Rubin et al. Murakami has written some material in English, but...

Just out of curiosity, do you remember when he said he listens to music while writing (around 5:28)? In this Interview (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lA5R68o9wTI.html) he claims that he used music as a tool, but not while writing (around 1:04 in the linked video). I´m NOT trying to nitpick, I´m just curious about the writing process of different writers and the atmosphere they write in. Great Video overall, I really enjoyed it!

he deserved nobel literature award. I don't know why Bob Dylan was got it first than him

so true about not being too intelligent. Most of the people who own Infinite Jest never finished it. You can be smart and still be accessible to most people.

I have read a lot of his books, and each time I promise I won’t read any more of them. I have only enjoyed the novellas. The longer works are tediously silly.

Now realizing I've read all of his novels except South of The Border.

Interesting……it’s like everyone can write like Murakami, isn’t it? it’s what’s flowing inside of us and we bring it to the surface with the pen. To this sense, it flows like music. However, the music is structured and has its set of principles to compose. I wondered what it is like to Murakami’s writing as to the music, can I guess as I haven’t read his work: New Age, Modern? Jazz? Or the sound of Nature, classical, soothing? Or mysterious……

12:00-13:00 is a fantastic view! But it’s not a part of Kyoto, is it?

His writing is magical realism, surrealism. Such writings were all ready there in western literature, even long before murakami. So to say western follow certain rules is an age old childishness..... infact it is western and Russian literature that has shaped his imagination and writing....

Try visiting the town of Chillingbourne for meaning.