Peter Cat is an independent blog about Haruki Murakami: his life, the food in his novels, the music he loves, and the books and writers that shaped him.
The blog takes its name from Peter Cat, the small jazz bar Murakami ran in Tokyo before he became a novelist. One spring afternoon at a baseball game, he decided to write a novel. That moment, and the quiet daily habits that followed, are a big part of why we started writing about him.
What you'll find here
- Murakami Kitchen: recipes inspired by meals in his novels, from cucumber sandwiches to spaghetti, with step-by-step videos on our YouTube channel.
- Novelist Lifestyle: his routines, running, and the habits behind his writing.
- Music Room: the jazz, classical and pop records that run through his books and his radio show.
- Murakami's Friends: the writers he translated and admired, like Raymond Carver and Kazuo Ishiguro.
- Opinion: our own essays and reflections on his work.
A note on independence
Peter Cat is a fan blog. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Haruki Murakami, his publishers, or the original Peter Cat jazz bar. Quotes are kept short and credited, and all commentary is our own.
Peter Cat has been sharing Murakami content since 2020. You can also find us on YouTube. Questions or ideas? Visit our Contact page.