Arab News Japan

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) revealed on Tuesday that the critically acclaimed Japanese author Haruki Murakami has been named the cultural personality of the year for the Sheikh Zayed Book Awards this year, highlighting his massive literary impact on Arab culture. 

Known for his best-selling novels such as ‘Kafka On The Shore’, ‘Norwegian Wood,’ and ‘1Q84,’ Murakami will be awarded during a ceremony hosted by the ALC on April 28 with a gold medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a prize of 39,976,720 yen (one million dirhams).

Murakami’s works sell millions of copies yearly and are translated into various languages, including Arabic. The ALC praised the Japanese novelist, saying that his literary works have transcended cultural boundaries as they discuss universal topics such as identity, belonging, and freedom in a unique style that blends realism and fantasy. 

“The celebrated author has truly merited this accolade for his body of literary work, characterized by its unique style: at one moment, full of fantasy and at another rooted in extreme realism,” said Ali Bin Tamim, ALC’s chairman. 

“His literature and writings have made a profound influence far beyond Japan, and his selection this year reaffirms the award’s determination to connect various cultures and civilizations through dialogue, literature, and intellectual thought. It also highlights its commitment to celebrating creative minds from around the world, cementing its pioneering role in enriching the global cultural and literary scene,” he added. 

Other winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award include Lebanese–French author Hoda Barakat, Moroccan author Latifa Labsir, and Italian translator Marco Di Branco. 

Murakami’s latest novel, ‘The City and Its Uncertain Walls,’ was published in 2023 and the English translation was published last November. 

The award ceremony will be held in parallel with the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which takes place from April 26 to May 5.