Beloved Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami will host a radio special next week with the purpose of lifting the Japan’s spirits amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
Screenshot from harukimurakami.com
Murakami, the author of books including Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, and a constant favorite to win a Nobel Prize, will play some of his favorite songs and answer questions in a two-hour show to air in Japan on May 22.
The program is called Stay Home Special, which is named after the Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike’s recent plea for residents to stop going outside.
“I’m hoping that the power of music can do a little to blow away some of the corona-related blues that have been piling up,” Murakami wrote.
While Japan is under a nationwide state of emergency, it is expected to last until the end of May only. Still, authorities said some regions may be able to lift some restrictions as early as this week if infections stay under control.
Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan’s outbreak, confirmed 15 new cases on Monday. This is the first time in over a month that the daily number has fallen below 20.
Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad!
