Murakami Ryu [Yonhap]
Murakami Ryu [Yonhap]

Japanese novelist Murakami Ryu, known in South Korea for works including "Almost Transparent Blue" and "Coin Locker Babies," has died.

Local media including NHK reported Friday that Murakami died at his home on Saturday at the age of 74.

Murakami's office and his publisher, Gentosha, announced his death in an obituary statement, saying the funeral was held quietly as a private family ceremony.

Born in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1952, he rose to prominence in Japanese literary circles when "Almost Transparent Blue," a novel he wrote while still a university student, won the Akutagawa Prize in 1976.

He went on to build his reputation with works including "Coin Locker Babies," "The Melancholy of Tennis Boy," "69" and "Love and Pop." He also worked as a film director, including on "Tokyo Decadence."

Murakami was acclaimed for depicting the dark underbelly of postwar Japanese society — violence, drugs and alienation — in a bold, visceral prose style. His work captured the rebellious spirit and underground culture of Japan's younger generation while offering a sharp critique of contemporary society.

"The sudden passing of Murakami Ryu, who consistently published provocative works aimed at younger generations beginning with 'Almost Transparent Blue,' fills us with profound grief," Gentosha said in a tribute. "We pray for the repose of a great writer who was always ahead of his time."


bbo@heraldcorp.com