About Haruki Murakami’s Literature (Writing Style)

A few days ago, I wrote an article about Haruki Murakami’s works.

Therefore, I wrote that Haruki Murakami is particular about his writing style.

Furthermore, I wrote that although it seems that he is particular about his writing style, I cannot feel the energy that would move the soul of the reader.

Today, I would like to think a little more about the writing style of Haruki Murakami’s works.

I read somewhere that when Haruki Murakami made his debut, he gained acclaim for his writing style, which was different from previous literature.

I imagine that it was popular for its light, jazz-like music, and novel figurative expressions.

Actually, when I first read Haruki Murakami’s work, I didn’t find the writing style new.

I guess my sensitivity to Haruki Murakami’s works is dull.

I vaguely thought that even if the writing style was new, if the theme and content lacked substance, the work would have little value. 　

But then I suddenly remembered that Futabateishimei who was Meiji era novelist and translator, wrote “UKIGUMO(floating clouds)” in a colloquial style which is unification of the spoken and written languages.

The invention of a colloquial style has now become an important event that defines an era in literary history.

I just don’t feel the same way about Haruki Murakami, but 100 years from now he may be praised as a writer who changed the style of Japanese literature.

When Futabateishimei wrote “UKIGUMO”, he first wrote it in Russian and then translated it into Japanese.

Haruki Murakami’s writing style is the same. “Norwegian Wood” was first written in Greek and then translated into Japanese.
(Moreover, Haruki Murakami wrote this while staying in Greece.)

It seems that many of his works he first wrote in English, and were translated into Japanese.

It is no coincidence that Futaba Teishimei and Haruki Murakami’s writing methods are the same.

When inventing a new style of writing, the process of translating from a foreign language can be both exquisite and extremely powerful.