The famous Japanese novelist Murakami gets his own library in Tokyo

If books are your best friend, then you must be aware of the famous Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami. A library called the Haruki Murakami Library will be opened in Tokyo on October 1, 2021 devoted to the novelist. The library will have writings, scrapbooks, and record collection as a place for literary research, cultural exchange, and a gathering spot for Murakami’s fans.

Murakami said, “I hope this will be a place where students can freely exchange and materialize ideas—a free, unique and fresh spot on the university campus.”
The library, located at Waseda University, will also have a replica of his study with a desk, rows of bookshelves, and a record player. There will be a student-run-café too that will offer Murakami’s favorite dark roast coffee. The official name of the library is Waseda International House of Literature, which is home to more than 3000 books by Murakami and manuscripts.

There will be a tunnel-like passageway from where readers will get the entry. The five-story university building was designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma, who also happens to be Murakami’s fan. Talking to the media, Kuma said that the tunnels are his image of Murakami’s stories wherein the lead of the novel travels between the real and the surreal.
There is a lounge right next to the library, an audio room too where records are on display. Murakami jokingly said, “I wish a place like this had been built after my death, so I can rest in peace and have someone take care of it. I feel a bit nervous seeing it while I’m still alive.”

The 72 year old author further said that currently he is focusing on his future work but he will contribute as much as possible to the library. Murakami’s debut novel was published in 1979 Hear the Wind Sing but his bestseller was Norwegian Wood, published in 1987. The book established him in the literary world as a young star.