Archive · 15 Dec 2025
Haruki Murakami Honored with Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award
Haruki Murakami, a famous writer from Tokyo, was honored in New York last week.
He received two big awards: one for his excellent fiction writing and another for bringing the U.S. and Japan closer together.
A special event called 'Murakami Mixtape' featured music and readings from his books.
Patti Smith, a well-known singer, introduced him and shared her love for his writing.
Murakami also talked about his love for jazz and how he felt when he first visited New York in 1991.
He mentioned that Japanese culture has become more recognized over the years.
Haruki Murakami received the Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award from the Center for Fiction in New York.
He also received the Japan Society annual prize for bringing the U.S. and Japan closer together.
Patti Smith introduced Murakami at the Center for Fiction gala, sharing her admiration for his work.
A special event called 'Murakami Mixtape' featured jazz performances and readings from his books.
Murakami shared his experiences and feelings about New York, highlighting the cultural changes he has observed.
- Who
- Haruki Murakami, a 76-year-old Tokyo resident and renowned author
- What
- Received the Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award and a Japan Society annual prize
- When
- Last week in New York
- Where
- Manhattan, New York
- Why
- For his long career as a storyteller, translator, critic, and essayist
- Age
- 76
- Awards Received
- Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award, Japan Society annual prize
- Notable Works
- Kafka on the Shore, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Hear the Wind Sing
- Event Locations
- Center for Fiction gala at Cipriani 25 Broadway, The Town Hall
- Introduced By
- Patti Smith
- Jazz Collaboration
- Jason Moran, Reggie Workman
- First Visit to New York
- 1991