Introduction to Haruki Murakami and His Nonfiction Works

Haruki Murakami, the renowned Japanese author, has captured the hearts and minds of countless readers around the world. I, too, have been a fan of his, particularly for his nonfiction works. Among these, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running", "Absolutely on Music", and "Novelist as a Vocation" have resonated deeply with me due to their candid and insightful content.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a reflection on the author's life and his journey of transformation through the sport of running. "Absolutely on Music" delves into Murakami's unique relationship with the world of classical music through his conversations with Seiji Ozawa. Lastly, "Novelist as a Vocation" provides a glimpse into the author's personality and his creative process. Each book is well-written and entertaining, offering a window into Murakami's life and his observations on the human experience.

Exploring Murakami's Themes and Influence

In my opinion, the overarching theme of Murakami's work is the question of what individuals do when their comfortable, seemingly uneventful lives are forever altered by unexpected events. This theme is beautifully captured in his novel "Norwegian Wood", which tells the story of a young man's life turned upside down following his best friend's suicide.

In Murakami's novel, the protagonist grapples with the loss and the emotional turmoil that follows. The "Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway" mentioned in one of his other works, "Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and its Aftermath", highlights the universality of the human experience in times of crisis. The sarin gas attack and its aftermath served as a poignant reminder of how life can be irrevocably changed by traumatic events, a theme that resonates with readers worldwide.

Personal Connection and Transformation

"Norwegian Wood" was not just a book for me; it was a turning point in my personal journey. When I read it in college, it was a pivotal moment that connected the dots between literature and real-life events. My professor, Professor Iwasaki, at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), used Murakami's short stories as a practice text for translation, and it was there that I discovered the depth and nuance of Murakami's work.

Murakami's "Under the Multitude of Heaven" intrigued me further, providing a playful yet profound insight into his own life. The series, which includes works such as "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" and "Norwegian Wood", not only entertained but also offered a reflective glimpse into the author's personality and creative process.

Life-Changing Event and Murakami's Relevance

In 2010, my best friend's suicide at the age of 28 marked a definitive turning point in my life. At that time, I was on a trajectory to become a pastor, dedicating my life to changing people's lives for the better. However, after this event, my life took an unexpected turn. Four years later, I found myself working in corporate life, no longer focused on changing the world but on material success and personal stability.

This realization came when I reread "Norwegian Wood". The protagonist's journey and the uncertainty he faces in the story mirrored my own. When the main character calls his girlfriend from a payphone and she asks, 'Where the hell are you?' it encapsulated the sense of disorientation and lack of direction that I too experienced. It was a profound moment of self-discovery and realization that my life had dramatically changed, and I had no control over it.

Conclusion: Haruki Murakami's Unique Voice

Murakami's ability to explore the profound aspects of the human condition, particularly in the face of life-changing events, sets him apart. Unlike many Japanese novels that are deeply rooted in cultural context, Murakami's works resonate universally due to their relatable themes and characters who navigate through life's challenges with honesty and introspection.

In today's world, where the pandemic has turned our lives upside down, Murakami's works provide a poignant and relevant exploration of human choices and resilience. His introspective and thought-provoking writing continues to influence me, shaping my perspective on life and literature.