Japanese author Murakami wins Jerusalem prize

[fastballonly]

I don't think it was the appropriate occasion for him to criticize Israeli foreign policies here. Murakami is a great novelist and he has the right to criticize anything he wants, but I think it was out of place.

If he wants to make a point in the realm of politics, he has the liberty and ability to write a non-fiction account.

I don't know why he won't do that.

[CodySnyder14]

He is a deeply private man. For many reasons. I dont know any of them. But I feel as though every single time I open Kafka, or the Wind up bird or After Dark; I feel a since of resurrection within my own soul. It's like theres this magical apparatus that has attached itself to each and every copy of his books; a soul Retrieving Apparatus. That when someone whose heart is open, reads, and reads, and reads; he begins to feel him or herself; on a level that could only be described as "Real."

[kazearaki]

What the fuck? Isn't that Shimon Peres?

[xburningheavensx]

The man is a literary mastermind.

[Prizak1]

Murakami has the rare gift of making everyday life & its little, at times insignificant events look like the most exciting adventure of all. His books are absolutely magic & I have them all at home. He's defo one of the best contemporary writers around.

[thoton9801]

Great speech, i am proud to be a japanese.

Gazans, don't desperate. we are always with you.

[ohstarrynight]

I love him.hes genius.

[jeffifp]

this man introduce me to the world of pages which reflect a life that close to mine!

admire this man!

Thanks 4 writin!!!!

[iysum]

He is awesome. One of my favorite JP authors.

[Danimop]

Well done Mucky, I thought it was well harsh people were giving you stick for accepting the award. You showed 'em :)

[3180we]

"Between a high, solid wall and an egg that breaks against it, I will always stand on the side of the egg."

Yes, no matter how right the wall may be and how wrong the egg, I will stand with the egg. Someone else will have to decide what is right and what is wrong; perhaps time or history will decide. If there were a novelist who, for whatever reason, wrote works standing with the wall, of what value would such works be?

[3180we]

Great speech... i mean, holy shit, i used to think he was just a writer who focus on romances, though the english speaking really sounds awkward, but still........great great speech!!!

[warmperson2007]

受賞をボイコットするように頼まれたから反対なことをした！Th­ank you so much!

[warmperson2007]

It was very wise of Haruki Murakami not to respond to those who asked him to boycott the prize. Boycott is a form of violence! Individuals should not be punished for the conduct of their governments. And this is also what Haruki Murakami teaches!

[michaelhypno]

I would loves to have been there but I was having plastic Surgary on my Piles in Ramat-Gan that very day