Haruki Murakami is one of the most widely read authors globally, according to The Center for Fiction, an American nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and promoting the art of fiction. Many of his works have been translated into dozens of languages, captivating readers with an accessible, realistic style interwoven with profound, inspiring philosophies that offer new perspectives.

As the novelist celebrated his 77th birthday on 12/1, several quotes from his works were widely shared across various forums.

Murakami's novels often delve into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a complex world. His unique blend of the mundane and the surreal, coupled with deep psychological insights, has resonated with millions.

**Norwegian Wood**

First published in 1987, this novel is a nostalgic recollection of youthful love, loneliness, and the sense of being lost during adolescence. Experts at The Guardian recommend it as an excellent starting point for new readers interested in Haruki Murakami's work.

The book contains many quotes about romantic relationships, expressing a profound yearning for love. "I always longed for love. Once, I wanted to know what it felt like to be completely filled by it – to be so immersed in love that I could no longer bear it. Just once," he wrote. Another passage reflects on the authenticity of love: "When we love, the most natural thing is to be passionate about it. That is what I think. That is also a form of truth."

Murakami also emphasizes the importance of cherishing every opportunity to avoid regret. He wrote: "But who dares say that only that is the best? So you need to seize any opportunity for happiness you have, and do not feel too guilty about others. My experience is that we only get two or three such chances in life, and if we miss them, we will regret it until death."

**Kafka on the Shore**

This novel, initially released in 2002, earned Haruki Murakami the Frank Kafka Literary Prize in 2006. The story follows two seemingly unrelated characters whose paths are intertwined. One is 15-year-old Kafka Tamura, who runs away from home to escape a curse his father placed upon him. The other is the personal journey of Satoru Nakata, an elderly man with an intellectual disability who can converse with cats.

Many passages from this work are beloved by readers, including: "Everything begins in imagination. Our responsibility starts with the ability to imagine them," and "Everything you are looking for will come to you at a moment you least expect." Murakami also explores the nature of existence, stating: "Each of us loses incredibly valuable things. We lose opportunities, abilities, emotions that we can never find again. That is the ultimate meaning of life."

**What I Talk About When I Talk About Running**

Murakami published this autobiography in 2007, chronicling his running journey and his reflections on the sport's significance and physical activity. Through his personal experience, the author explores the relationship between writing and running, drawing insights from his training that helped shape him as a novelist.

Book translated by Thien Nga, published by Writers' Association Publishing House in association with Nha Nam in 2021.

The book offers insights into his perspective on self-improvement and maintaining a life's purpose. "The most important thing we learn in school is that the most important things cannot be learned in school," he mused. He also addresses the nature of suffering: "Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional."

Murakami explains the deeper motivation behind running: "Most runners do not run because they want to live longer, but because they want to live fully. Even if we only intend to live day by day, it will be much better to live those years with clear and vivid purposes rather than in confusion, and I believe running helps us do that."

According to the author, the meaning of life lies in how people experience and enjoy each moment. He wrote: "The finish line of a race is just a temporary marker that does not mean much. Just like our lives. An endpoint is merely set up as an indirect metaphor for the flowing nature of existence." He also views solitude positively: "Each person is an independent individual, with distinct consciousness and the ability to fully comprehend their own soul. So, solitude is actually a wonderful state."

**1Q84**

This novel, comprising three volumes, was released between 2009 and 2010. The work incorporates supernatural elements and employs a complex narrative style, alternating between the perspectives of two characters.

Several philosophical quotes from the book offer readers new perspectives on life. "What we call the present is formed from the accumulation of the past," he wrote. Another passage suggests that "Being lonely is fine, as long as you love yourself from the heart, life will be saved."

Author Haruki Murakami. Photo: The Japan News

Haruki Murakami's works frequently depict solitary individuals in the modern world, blending reality with fantasy, music with philosophy. After gaining fame with Norwegian Wood at the age of 38, his books have been described as a "pop culture phenomenon," sparking widespread enthusiasm in Japan and globally.

Murakami received the Jerusalem Prize in 2007, an award for authors whose works address freedom, peace, and social issues. Recognizing his enduring literary output, he was awarded Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Literature in 5/2023. He is also a respected translator, having rendered many international literary works into Japanese. In 12/2025, The Center for Fiction honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

By Phuong Linh