Haruki Murakami has designed a T-shirt collection for Uniqlo – and it's out now

T-shirts based on ‘Kafka on the Shore,’ ‘Norwegian Wood’, '1Q84' and more are available in and outside Japan

Emma Steen
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Emma Steen
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If you are anything like celebrated novelist Haruki Murakami, your wardrobe likely consists of simple jeans, sweaters and T-shirts that you wear on repeat even though you own other clothes, too. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the bare essentials when it comes to fashion, but even the most minimalist lovers of literature will be tempted to make room in their closets for Uniqlo’s latest clothing line – a collaboration with Murakami himself. 

If you're not in Japan, you'll be glad to know that the Haruki Murakami x Uniqlo collection is also available in other parts of the world, including the US and the Philippines. Those residing in Europe can also access the collection from the online store

Murakami Uniqlo
Photo: Uniqlo

There are eight graphic tees in total inspired by the novelist’s literary works and love of music. The ‘Norwegian Wood’ T-shirt is the simplest with only the author’s name and the title of the book on the front in a stylised font, while other tops are more elaborate in their designs. 

Uniqlo
Photo: Uniqlo

A navy blue top inspired by ‘Kafka on the Shore’ features a silhouette of a bird with an excerpt from the novel in Japanese, whereas the the ‘1Q84’ shirt might trigger some introspection when wearing it in front of a mirror. 

Uniqlo
Photo: Uniqlo

There are also two tops which reference the author's ongoing radio project, Murakami Radio, as well as his 2001 book of the same name. The white top features the same illustration of a cat at a writing desk used to advertise the writer’s live Tokyo FM radio show, while the second T-shirt in black includes a quote on the back from the man himself:

‘For me, the trick to writing a novel, or shall I say elements, is the same as music. First, there must be a rhythm. Then you need harmony. And improvisations. These three elements are extremely crucial for me.’ 

Uniqlo
Photo: Uniqlo

All of the T-shirts will be available in Japan for ¥1,500 from March 8. Along with the tops, three different pin badges will be available for ¥590 each, as well as a set of ‘Murakami Radio’ stickers for ¥390.

You can view the full collection here 

This article was originally published on March 2 and updated on March 24.

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