Author Haruki Murakami hosts live jam for relaxation

The show is viewable online until Feb. 21. 

Tokyo: Japanese author Haruki Murakami has a remedy for those who need relaxation from stress and worries in time of pandemic — Brazilian Bossa nova music. “As we are going through a time of anxiety, I hope to help you relax even just a little bit,” Murakami, 72, said as he hosted a live online show, “Murakami Jam — Blame it on the Bossa Nova,” bringing together renowned Japanese performers of Bossa nova and jazz.

Despite the pandemic, Murakami — known for bestsellers including A Wild Sheep Chase and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle — said he still maintains a daily routine including running and writing, but the frequent world traveler has stayed in Japan.

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During Sunday’s approximately two-hour show, he recited his 1982 short story “The1963/1982 Girl from Ipanema,” in which a narrator details his memory of his meeting with a metaphysical girl from the song, with live guitar performed by his guest Kaori Muraji. The show is viewable online until Feb. 21.