Murakami's 'Ranocchio salva Tokyo' illustrated by Lorenzo Ceccotti

Einaudi has published an illustrated edition of Haruki Murakami's short story 'Ranocchio salva Tokyo', originally released in 2000. The book features drawings by Lorenzo Ceccotti (LRNZ), transforming the narrative into a hybrid graphic novel. The story opens with protagonist Katagiri finding a giant frog in his apartment, blending intimate and splatter registers. This is the third such Italian-originated illustrated Murakami project, following 'La strana biblioteca' (2015, also by Ceccotti) and 'Gli assalti alle panetterie' (2016, illustrated by Igort). Murakami, born in Kyoto in 1949, is one of the most famous living Japanese figures in Italy alongside Hayao Miyazaki. His popularity in Italy surged with 'Kafka on the Shore' (2002) and the '1Q84' trilogy (2009-10). Murakami's work is noted for its surreal elements, often embodied by animal-like creatures, linking him to Miyazaki's imaginary. His style, influenced by his translations of American authors like Truman Capote and Raymond Carver, distinguishes him from traditional Japanese narrative.