A library celebrating the work of Haruki Murakami was unveiled this week at the acclaimed author's alma mater, Waseda University, ahead of its official opening on Oct. 1.
"I hope it becomes a hub where new forms of culture are developed," Murakami said at a press conference at the university on Wednesday.
The Waseda International House of Literature will house and display about 10,000 items, including books, music records and personal items Murakami has donated or loaned to the facility.
Dubbed the Haruki Murakami Library, the facility is located on the university's campus in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, near a museum the author often visited during his student days.
The building was renovated under the direction of architect Kengo Kuma and Fast Retailing Co. Chairman and President Tadashi Yanai donated the about 1.2 billion yen required to renovate the building, which has five stories above ground and one basement level.
At the press conference, Murakami recalled an anecdote from his university days, which coincided with a time when student movements were active in Japan.
Jazz pianist Yosuke Yamashita performed in the building that is now the Murakami Library, and students holding all manner of political beliefs found themselves together in the crowd enjoying the music.
"At the time, our slogan was 'tear down the university,' but what we envisaged was creating a more open university by ending the one-sided system in which teachers teach and students listen," said Murakami, 72. "I hope this new library becomes a place where students can freely share ideas and transform them into something tangible."
Murakami said the library would initially be focused on his books and items related to him, but works and items of other people would gradually be included. "I hope it becomes a fluid research facility covering a wide range of fields," Murakami said.
Students and the general public will be able to access three of the library's six floors, which will feature Murakami's books in Japanese and foreign languages, and shelves showcasing many items related to Murakami and his work.
The facility also has a cafe run by Waseda students, an audio room and a replica of Murakami's home study.
Waseda University is aiming to become a research hub for literature from around the world. Accordingly, the new library also will be a venue where students and researchers from overseas can interact.
For the time being, reservations are required to access the library during set time slots as part of COVID-19 measures.
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