Novelist Ryu Murakami dies at 74

The Japanese novelist Ryu Murakami, author of Almost Transparent Blue and Miso Soup, has died at the age of 74, as reported this Friday by his publisher, without making public the cause of his death.

The Japanese publisher Gentosha reported that Murakami, born in Nagasaki prefecture in 1952, died at his home last Saturday, October 17, and that his close family attended the funeral, according to a brief statement published on social networks.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Ryu Murakami, who dedicated his career to tirelessly publishing impactful works that connected with younger generations," Gentosha said.

Murakami, a figure in contemporary Japanese literature who shares a last name—but not any family relationship—with another famous author from that country, Haruki Murakami, explored sex and violence, among other themes, in his works.

His recognition came in 1976 with his first novel, Almost Transparent Blue, written while he was studying at the Musashino Art University, west of Tokyo.

Among his best-known works are Miso Soup (1997), Piercing (1994) and The Box Office Boys (1980), where he dealt with, among other topics, prostitution and child abuse, amidst criticism of the dehumanization of capitalism and the loss of identity of Japanese society.

During his career, he received numerous literary awards in his native Japan, such as the Akutagawa award—recognition from the country's most important sector for emerging authors—for his debut work when he was just 24 years old.

The spokesman for the Japanese Government, Minoru Kihara, highlighted after learning of his death that the writer "has sharply portrayed the lights and shadows of society, as well as the hopes and anxieties of the people, leaving a significant mark on Japanese literature."

"He was a writer who never stopped raising questions. I believe that his words will continue to be read by many readers and will last in the hearts of people," he added during an afternoon press conference.

His main books have been translated into dozens of languages, such as Spanish, English and French, establishing himself as a cult author at an international level. He also directed and wrote adaptations of his own novels.