"The Tale of Kaho", a new novel by Haruki Murakami, is set to be released in print and e-book formats in Japan on 3/7. An international release date has not yet been announced. The 352-page book is based on a four-part series by Murakami, which was serialized in the literary magazine Shincho from June 2024 to March 2026. Translator Philip Gabriel previously translated the first part for publication in The New Yorker in 2024.
"The Tale of Kaho" is an edited and expanded version of the series, centering on Kaho, a 26-year-old picture book author. The story begins with her going on a blind date, where the man disparages her, saying, "I've dated all sorts of women in my life, but I must say I've never met anyone as unattractive as you".
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The Japanese edition of the novel "The Tale of Kaho" published by Shinchosha. Photo: Shinchosha |
The Japanese edition of the novel "The Tale of Kaho" published by Shinchosha. Photo: Shinchosha
According to publisher Shinchosha, this is the author's first full-length novel with solely a female protagonist. Previously, he has featured female characters centrally in many short stories, or as co-leads with male characters, such as in the novel series 1Q84 (2009).
Throughout his career, Murakami has often been criticized for depicting women as sexualized objects, lacking depth in many works. In a 2004 interview with Paris Review, he drew attention when discussing his female characters: "In my stories, women act as intermediaries - heralds of a new world about to open up. That's why they always come to the male protagonist, and he doesn't seek them out".
In a February interview with an American news agency, the author stated that writing from a female perspective felt different but also surprisingly natural. He mentioned that he "became the female protagonist", noting that the new novel is more optimistic than his previous works. He did not disclose specific plot details, only describing Kaho as "a very ordinary girl, not too beautiful, not too intelligent" who experiences many strange things.
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Portrait of author Haruki Murakami. Photo: AP |
Portrait of author Haruki Murakami. Photo: AP
Haruki Murakami, 77 years old, is among the world's most beloved Japanese authors. Murakami's literature is known for portraying solitary individuals in modern society, blending reality with fantasy, music, and philosophy. His notable works include "South of the Border, West of the Sun" (1992), "Kafka on the Shore" (2002), and 1Q84. After gaining fame with "Norwegian Wood" at 38, his books were described as "pop culture" due to their immense popularity in Japan and worldwide. His most recent novel, "The City and Its Uncertained Walls", was released to Vietnamese readers in October 2025.
His novels have been translated into more than 50 languages and have sold millions of copies globally. Murakami is also a translator, having rendered many international literary works into Japanese.
Phuong Thao (according to Guardian)
