When “Norwegian Wood” – the title that obviously came from the Beatles’ song – with stunningly vivid red and green covers was out, people just jumped on it. Although Murakami’s style had little to do with the frenzy of the bubble economy, his thoroughly (but subdued) American style was considered new and cool. When the growth culminated as the “Bubble economy” in the late 80’s, Japanese were feeling euphoric, upbeat, and even invincible because it felt like their money kept doubling every year. In the 80’s, Japan was rapidly transforming from an emerging economy to an economic super power. It kept the record of the “most sold book in Japan” for more than 15 years after its release. Over time, it sold more than 4 million copies in Japan, which is a country with a population a little over 100 million. Ever since his first book, he was loved by youngsters who loved art, culture and books, but “Norwegian Wood” made him a household name: it sold like crazy. After the “Rat Trilogy,” Murakami wrote “The Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World” in 1985 and “Norwegian Wood” in 1987.
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