The Japanese author Haruki Murakami was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in Japanese literature by the Faculty of Languages and Cultures at the University of Iceland. Murakami, born in 1949, is known worldwide for his writing and is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most widely read authors of all time.
Murakami has published numerous works since his first novel was released in 1979, and they have garnered international acclaim. His books have been translated into more than 50 languages, including six into Icelandic. Kristján Hrafn Guðmundsson translated What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (2016); Ingunn Snædal translated the novel Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage (2014) and Uggi Jónsson translated the novels South of the Border, West of the Sun (2001), Sputnik Sweetheart (2003), Norwegian Wood (2006) and the short story collection After the Quake (2004). Murakami’s latest novel was published in Japan in 2023.
In the nomination letter from the Faculty of Languages and Cultures, Murakami’s significant contribution to literature is emphasised. He is described as one of the most influential writers of his generation, as well as a renowned translator. His novels, essays, and translations have received well-deserved attention around the world. His works are held in high regard by Icelandic readers, and they have enriched Icelandic society.
In the autumn of 2003, Murakami was a guest at the Reykjavík International Literary Festival, where he discussed his works to great acclaim. During his visit, he also gave a well-attended public lecture in the Main Hall of the University of Iceland, organized by the Literary Festival and the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute of Foreign Languages. The event attracted such an overwhelming number of attendees that the venue was filled beyond its limits. Murakami has since written a travel essay about his visit to Iceland. In autumn 2003, the University of Iceland also launched an undergraduate programme for Japanese language and culture, so the year marks an important milestone for Icelandic-Japanese relations.
Unfortunately, Murakami was unable to travel to Iceland for this occasion, but at a ceremonial meeting held at his office in Tokyo on May 30, he received the honorary doctorate certificate from Ólöf Garðarsdóttir, Dean of the School of Humanities, who represented Rector Jón Atli Benediktsson on this special occasion. Kristin Ingvarsdóttir, assistant professor in Japanese studies, and Geir Sigurðsson, professor of Chinese studies, were in Tokyo and participated in the meeting as representatives of the Faculty of Languages and Cultures.
An event to honour Murakami´s work will be held in the new academic year 2025-2026.
