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When you step into The Waseda International House of Literature (The Haruki Murakami Library) you find yourself surrounded by literature from all over the world, in many different languages. The Haruki Murakami Library opened in October 2021 and has a very unique modern design, flourished with a wooden, awning-like structure representing a tunnel, an entrance to a different world. The construction of the library was made possible thanks to the material contributions of Haruki Murakami, monetary contributions from Tadashi Yanai, architectural design by Kengo Kuma, and numerous donations from the supporters of the library.

Library director Hirokazu Toeda is a professor of modern Japanese literature in Waseda University’s Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on renowned Japanese authors like Riichi Yokomitsu and Yasunari Kawabata. As an extension of our last article on the Mizumaru Anzai exhibit held at the library, Waseda interviewed Professor Toeda. Through his interview, he helped us understand more about the library’s past, the building itself, and the goals of the library.

First, we asked for some background regarding the process leading to the construction of the library. Prof. Toeda explained that the planning of the library originated out of the contributions of Haruki Murakami, who entrusted the library with many valuable works. After the initial support from Haruki Murakami, Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President, and CEO of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, also contributed to ensure the library’s completion. With the funding secured, the architect, Kengo Kuma, who is a big fan of Murakami’s works, went to work designing the building.

Next, Prof. Toeda talked about the history of the building. He explains that the library was a rebuilding, remodeling, and renovation of the old Building 4, which was used mainly by faculty and students from the School of Political Science and Economics. The location was ideal due to Murakami’s fondness for The Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum, which neighbors the library. Prof. Toeda praised Kengo Kuma’s innovative architectural designs, and through Kuma’s unique capabilities and innovation, a library aptly befitting Murakami’s desire for an international place of literature was constructed and tailored to individuals with interests in both literature and architecture.

When discussing the appeal of the library, Prof. Toeda talked about how the library has an unprecedented appeal that he has never seen in another library. He further explains that it is “a place where the air flows nicely” which is a phrase that refers to an atmosphere that inspires conversation, eases exchanges of opinion, and encourages the development of relationships. It is also a place where you can sit, listen to relaxing jazz, and read a book, offering a large selection of international literature, which includes an abundant selection of Haruki Mukami’s writings translated into over 50 different languages. The library also has a selection of books organized by their relationship to Murakami’s novels. The layout of the library was stylized through the meticulous planning of everyone involved, including the staff of the library.

In the last interview topic, Prof. Toeda described the different exhibits and events held in connection with the library. Commencing with a discussion about the previous exhibits, he mentions that in the past they hosted exhibits about literature and architecture, jazz, and literature, and currently an exhibit about Mizumaru Anzai, an illustrator and artist who worked closely with Murakami, where some of the over 700 items of his were presented. In connection to the exhibit, the library is also selling merchandise such as mugs and tote bags. They are currently planning a future event related to Franz Kafka, who was an obvious inspiration to Murakami, made clear through Murakami’s novel titled Kafka on the Shore.

Prof. Toeda continued on to mention the events Haruki Murakami Presents:, Authors Alive!, and other live events. Haruki Murakami Presents: has included various performances like in the events Haruki Murakami Presents: The Second Jazz Attack, A Live Performance by the Yosuke Yamashita Trio and Haruki Murakami Presents: The Tales of Ugetsu Read by Kayoko Shiraishi. The Authors Alive events are live recitations and have included readings from Yoko Tawada, Yoko Ogawa, Keiichiro Hirano, Naoki Matayoshi, and more. The most recent event featured a reading of excerpts from The Dictionary of War compiled by Ostap Slyvynsky, which details first-hand experiences of the atrocities of war and how that affects an individual’s perception of the meaning of words.

The events and exhibits held in connection with the library are all free thanks to generous donations from supporters, allowing many people to explore the world of literature. Prof. Toeda wishes not only for locals to attend the events, but he hopes more people from abroad will come and experience what the library and its events have to offer. He closes by conveying his deep gratitude for all the contributions to the library and says that they will continue to strive for improvement and work towards attracting an increasingly international and broader audience. Anyone who donates over ￥100,000 before the end of March will have their name engraved on a nameplate, and for over ￥10,000 you will receive original commemorative goods.