AP reported on 3/7 that the scene outside Kinokuniya bookstore was bustling at night with the release of author Haruki Murakami's new novel.
Takumi Hashimoto, a 33-year-old office worker, attended with three other members of his Murakami reading club. He hoped to read a story from a female character's perspective and observe how the author developed content from a short story series into a novel. After buying the book, he and his friend, Mizuki Shirota, also 33, went to an all-night cafe to read.
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Fans queue to buy "The Tale of Kaho". Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
According to Guardian, the 352-page book, based on Haruki Murakami's four-part series, was published in Shincho literary magazine from 6/2024 to 3/2026. Translator Philip Gabriel previously translated the first part for The New Yorker in 2024.
"The Tale of Kaho" is an edited and expanded version by the author, centering on Kaho, a 26-year-old picture book author. The story begins when she goes on a blind date and is insulted by the man, who says, "I've dated all kinds of women in my life, but I must say I've never met anyone as ugly as you."
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Inside Kinokuniya bookstore at midnight on 3/7. Photo: AP/Hiro Komae
Information from Shinchosha publishing house indicates this is the author's first full-length novel with only women as main characters. Previously, he often placed female characters at the center of many short stories or as co-protagonists with men, such as in the novel series "1Q84" (2009).
The author stated, "Kaho, a picture book author, is just a normal young girl. However, strange things begin to happen around her. I wrote this novel by putting myself in Kaho's position."
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The Japanese edition of the novel "The Tale of Kaho", published by Shinchosha. Photo: Shinchosha
Haruki Murakami, 77, is one of the world's most beloved Japanese authors. Murakami's literature is characterized by depicting solitary individuals in the modern world, 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 age 38, his books were described as "pop culture" for creating a sensation across Japan and globally. His most recent work, "The City and Its Uncertained Walls", was released to Vietnamese readers in 10/2025.
His novels have been translated into more than 50 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. Murakami is also a translator, having rendered many international literary works into Japanese.
By Phuong Linh (according to AP, Guardian)
