Haruki Murakami: Storytelling and Productive Distance

Book Details

• Author: Chikako Nihei

• Publisher: Routledge

• Edition: 1

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 171

• Release Date: 14-05-2019

• ISBN: 9780367256418

• Package Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches

• Languages: English

About the Book

Haruki Murakami: Storytelling and Productive Distance explores the evolution of monogatari—narrative and storytelling—through the works of acclaimed author Haruki Murakami. In this insightful study, Chikako Nihei argues that Murakami’s unique storytelling power lies in his ability to create distancing effects. Through his monogatari, Murakami invites readers to cross into different contexts, allowing them to effectively observe both themselves and the realities around them.

Nihei’s exploration is deeply rooted in Murakami’s belief in the importance of storytelling—an art that not only allows for reflection but also helps individuals interact with the world and shape their own identities. This belief is intricately tied to significant events in postwar Japan, particularly the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s and the 1995 Tokyo Sarin Gas Attack, a tragic incident carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult. These events highlight a widespread desire among individuals for a stable narrative to guide their understanding of the world and contribute to personal identity formation.

In this book, Nihei connects Murakami’s storytelling techniques with these societal shifts, shedding light on the broader cultural and historical forces that have shaped Murakami's works. The study offers a fresh perspective on how narrative distancing plays a crucial role in both the literary and personal spheres.

About the Author

Chikako Nihei is a scholar with a focus on contemporary Japanese literature and cultural studies. Her research interests include the narratives of postwar Japan, storytelling techniques in modern literature, and the intersection of historical events with literary expression. Through her work on Haruki Murakami, Nihei provides valuable insights into the role of narrative in forming identity and understanding the world, particularly in the context of Japan's complex postwar experience.