https://www.openculture.com/2018/10/haruki-murakami-became-a-dj-on-a-japanese-radio-station-for-one-night.html
In researching Murakami's relationship with music for my presentation, I've become infatuated with the way he downplays his relationship with music. Much like boku, he is humble about his own musical knowledge. While he does not play an instrument, he has musical knowledge one could only dream of. He really is a one percenter in terms of musical knowledge. His 10,000 record collection speaks for itself.
Murakami has expressed a sense of guilt over enjoying music alone, which is curious given his writings' popularity and his owning of a jazz bar. He also considers his writing to be inspired by elements of music such as rhythm and compares it to dancing, another art form for which he is quick to remind us that he is untrained with.
What's even more surprising to me is his pop sensibilities. He considers himself a jazz and classical enthusiast, and while he doesn't dismiss pop music, he certainly has more knowledge and appreciation for it than he initially lets on. I admire how he is able to simultaneously enjoy music in his lonesome and as a social tool. He recognizes the value in both, much as he does with writing.
His synthesis of the writing process and elements of music is inspiring. He doesn't allow his writing prowess nor his musical knowledge and fanaticism get in the way of the fact that he is an everyday person. While he may be more intelligent, skillful, interesting than your everyday man, he is indeed just that. He uses these skills and this knowledge to connect with people in a genuine, uncondescending way.
-John Spaulding
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