The Waseda International House of Literature (The Haruki Murakami Library)Waseda University

Facilities

Facilities

B1

  • Stair Bookshelf:Read Murakami’s books—and many others—in the STAIR BOOKSHELF, symbol of WIHL
  • Cafe:Grab a drink in the student-run CAFE with a menu based on Murakami’s work
  • Lounge/Pocket Park:Take time to relax with a book in the LOUNGE and POCKET PARK
  • Author’s Study:Look inside a detailed replica of the AUTHOR’S STUDY
  • Nameplate those who make donations to The Haruki Murakami Library Fundraising Campaign

Free area

1F

  • Gallery:Surround yourself in Murakami—in more than 50 languages—in the GALLERY
  • Audio Room:Hear what Murakami is listening to in the AUDIO ROOM
  • Reading Space:Come see Haruki Murakami’s bibliography in the READING SPACE.

2F

  • Exhibition Room:Visit the EXHIBITION ROOM for displays that venture beyond Murakami’s literature
  • Lab/Studio:Organize a workshop in the LAB, or broadcast to the world in the STUDIO

3F

  • Research Stacks:Use the RESEARCH STACKS to find and request WIHL holdings

Must See

Saturn, From the Set of Kafka on the Shore Stage Adaptation

Haruki Murakami’s 2002 novel Kafka on the Shore was adapted for the stage in 2012. The play was directed by Yukio Ninagawa (1935-2016), produced by HoriPro, and featured a script by Frank Galati. In addition to dates in Japan, the production travelled to five cities: London, New York, Singapore, Seoul, and Paris. Kafka received positive reviews from theatre circles around the world. This prop, a neon sign designed as Saturn, appeared on stage at a pivotal moment in the play.

(Generously donated by HoriPro and Bunkamura’s Theatre Cocoon)


Aquarium, From the Set of Kafka on the Shore Stage Adaptation

This aquarium was used in the opening scene of Kafka on the Shore. The character Saeki first appeared on stage inside this aquarium, backed by an impressive score. Saeki was first played by Yūko Tanaka in Kafka’s original run at the Saitama Arts Theater. Later, Rie Miyazawa played the character from 2014 to 2015, including when the play travelled overseas to London, New York, Singapore, and Seoul. In 2019, Saeki was played by Terajiima Shinobu during the production’s Paris and Tokyo runs.

(Generously donated by HoriPro and the Saitama Arts Theater)


Grand Piano

This grand piano was used for live performances in Haruki Murakami’s jazz café, Peter Cat.


“The Sheep Man picked up his boots with both hands and, with practiced technique, whacked them solidly together. A shower of hardened mud fell to the ground. Then demonstrating consummate knowledge of the lay of the house, he put slippers on and padded over to the couch and sat down.
Just great, I thought.”

A Wild Sheep Chase, translated by Alfred Birnbaum


“The T-shirt arrived in the afternoon mail three days later.
It looked like this.”

Hear the Wind Sing, translated by Ted Goosen

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