Haruki Murakami tells alma mater he was a 'terrible student'

Haruki Murakami receives honorary degree from Waseda University, reflecting on his rebellious past and literary achievements.

Publicity-shy Japanese author Haruki Murakami told his alma mater Tuesday (December 17, 2024) that he was far from a model scholar, as he collected an honorary degree in a rare public appearance.

"It feels kind of strange being given the award, considering what a terrible student I was," said Mr. Murakami to laughter from the audience at Waseda University.

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"I would skip classes and forget about studying. I was just doing whatever I wanted and causing loads of trouble to the university," the 75-year-old said.

The degree is therefore a "pretty generous gesture on Waseda's part," the novelist, dressed in academic regalia, told the rapturous audience of hundreds of admiring fans and Waseda students.

Awarding the honorary doctorate, Tokyo's prestigious Waseda University hailed the "cosmopolitan atmosphere" of Mr. Murakami's work and his ability "freewheelingly to zigzag between the real and the surreal".

The author of "Norwegian Wood" and "Kafka on the Shore" is known for his intricate tales of the absurdity and loneliness of modern life, which have been translated into about 50 languages.