🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Haruki Murakami
Hear the Wind Sing was adapted by Kazuki Omori in 1981 for a Theatre Art Guild. Another classic, Attack on the Berry was released in 1982, directed by Naoto Yamakawa. In 1983, A Girl, She Is 100 Percent, was additionally directed by Naoto Yamakawa. There have been plenty of film adaptions and theatrical efforts based off of Murakamis’ unique and transcendental works. His Western influences have given him the reputation of being extraordinarily experimental. Carlos Cuaron directed The Second Bakery Attack, starring Kirsten Dunst in 2010. Granz Genman channeled elements based on the same short story for his 1998 movie, Der Eisbaer. Tony Takitanti, a short story, was adapted by Japanese film director, Jun Ichikawa. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, Haruki Murakami has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Haruki Murakami
Hear the Wind Sing
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Rat Books with Hear the Wind Sing, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Pinball, 1973
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Rat Books with Pinball, 1973, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
A Wild Sheep Chase
A Wild Sheep Chase is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Rat Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Dance, Dance, Dance
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Rat Books with Dance, Dance, Dance, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Killing Commendatore
A gripping mystery unfolds in Killing Commendatore as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Kishidancho Goroshi Books series showcases Haruki Murakami's mastery of suspense.
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Norwegian Wood
Norwegian Wood continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
South of the Border, West of the Sun
South of the Border, West of the Sun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Sputnik Sweetheart
Sputnik Sweetheart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Haruki Murakami.
Kafka on the Shore
Kafka on the Shore continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
After Dark
After Dark is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
1Q84
1Q84 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
The City and Its Uncertain Walls
The City and Its Uncertain Walls continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl on One Beautiful April Morning
On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl on One Beautiful April Morning continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Vampire Cabbie
The Vampire Cabbie continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Desire
Desire explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series by Haruki Murakami.
Kangaroo Weather
Kangaroo Weather is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Sleep
Sleep continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Tony Takitani
Tony Takitani continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Strange Library
The Strange Library is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Birthday Girl
Birthday Girl continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Super-Frog Saves Tokyo
Super-Frog Saves Tokyo continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Elephant Vanishes
The Elephant Vanishes continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
After the Quake
After the Quake is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Vintage Murakami
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Vintage Murakami, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Men Without Women
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Men Without Women, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Haruki Murakami Manga Stories 1: Super-Frog Saves Tokyo, The Seventh Man, Birthday Girl, Where I'm Likely to Find It
Haruki Murakami Manga Stories 1: Super-Frog Saves Tokyo, The Seventh Man, Birthday Girl, Where I'm Likely to Find It is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Graphic Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Haruki Murakami Manga Stories 2: The Second Bakery Attack, Samsa in Love, Thailand
Haruki Murakami Manga Stories 2: The Second Bakery Attack, Samsa in Love, Thailand explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Graphic Novels series by Haruki Murakami.
Haruki Murakami Manga Stories 3: Scheherezade, Sleep
Haruki Murakami Manga Stories 3: Scheherezade, Sleep is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Graphic Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche
Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Murakami Diary 2009
Murakami Diary 2009 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
村上さんのところ
村上さんのところ continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Haruki Murakami Goes to Meet Hayao Kawai
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Haruki Murakami Goes to Meet Hayao Kawai, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Absolutely on Music
Absolutely on Music is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Murakami 2020 Diary
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Murakami 2020 Diary, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
For Better and for Worse
For Better and for Worse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Even More Laughs
Even More Laughs continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Timeless Classics
Timeless Classics is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Falling in Love
Falling in Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series by Haruki Murakami.
Food Fictions
Food Fictions is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Travel Tales
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books with Travel Tales, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Edith Wharton
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books with Edith Wharton, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Pets!
Pets! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Tales of Betrayal
Tales of Betrayal continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Family Matters
Family Matters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Are We There Yet?
Are We There Yet? continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Touch of Magic
Magic takes center stage in A Touch of Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Haruki Murakami.
The William Hurt Collection
The William Hurt Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Whodunit?
Whodunit? is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
American Classics
American Classics continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
New American Stories
New American Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Poe!
Poe! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Monkey Brain Sushi: New Tastes in Japanese Fiction
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Monkey Brain Sushi: New Tastes in Japanese Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror Fourth Annual Collection
The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror Fourth Annual Collection continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Fourth Annual Collection
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fourth Annual Collection, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
The Campfire Collection: Spine-tingling Tales to Tell in the Dark
The Campfire Collection: Spine-tingling Tales to Tell in the Dark is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
The Vintage Book of Amnesia
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Vintage Book of Amnesia, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Sixteenth Annual Collection
Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Sixteenth Annual Collection continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Birthday Stories
Birthday Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
The Believer Book of Writers Talking to Writers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Believer Book of Writers Talking to Writers, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Read Real Japanese Essays
Read Real Japanese Essays is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Haruki Murakami have come to expect.
Great Modern Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great Modern Stories, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Short Stories: The Thoroughly Modern Collection
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Short Stories: The Thoroughly Modern Collection, another outstanding contribution from Haruki Murakami.
Stories to Get You Through the Night
Stories to Get You Through the Night continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
AQA GCSE Anthology Sunlight on the Grass
AQA GCSE Anthology Sunlight on the Grass continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Ten Selected Love Stories
Ten Selected Love Stories explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Haruki Murakami.
Writers: Their Lives and Works
Writers: Their Lives and Works continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Penguin Book of the International Short Story
The Penguin Book of the International Short Story continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Haruki Murakami's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Haruki Murakami?
Haruki Murakami is a bestselling author known for 9 book series containing over 74 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Rat Books, Publication Order of Kishidancho Goroshi Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Haruki Murakami series to start with?
For readers new to Haruki Murakami's work, the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 17 books. Begin with For Better and for Worse to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Haruki Murakami written?
Haruki Murakami has written over 74 books across 9 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Haruki Murakami books in order?
Yes, reading Haruki Murakami's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Haruki Murakami write in?
Haruki Murakami writes primarily in fiction. With 9 series across 74 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Haruki Murakami's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Haruki Murakami's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Haruki Murakami's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Haruki Murakami's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series. The first book, For Better and for Worse, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.