Kafka On The Shore: The Outcome of Japan, from World War II

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Kafka On The Shore, by Haruki Murakami, is an award-winning novel about the journey of a fifteen-year-old runaway Kafka Tamura, and an illiterate elder single man Satoru Nakata, on a race between time, their identity, and their destiny. The story set its scene in modern Japan, where Kafka Tamura grew up in a single-parent family, while Nakata lives alone with government subsidy in the same neighborhood of Tokyo. While this book narrates a story taking place in current days for the most part, it rewinds back to the old and powerful imperial Japan in several aspects. With a reference to an air raid on Yamanashi prefecture during the World War II and a victim who suffered from the consequences, Kafka On The Shore shows a strong tie between modern Japan and the original imperial Japan. Therefore, Kafka On The Shore is a modern reminiscence on Japan’s perplexing involvement in World War II, as well as a metaphorical depiction of the outcome of Japan from the war. For Japan, World War II was an unpleasant experience. Back in the 1940s, Japan was a strong military power, and was one of the major axis belligerents of World War II; Though Japan did saw dramatic success in occupying and colonizing other nations at the start, by the mid-1940s, Japan was completely isolated by the allies and was massively attacked, most notably by air raids (Harper, “Japan’s Gigantic Second World War Gamble”). Haruki Murakami made a metaphorical connection between the character Nakata’s forgetful childhood and the air raids on Japan, both took place in the 1940s. In the beginning of the book, Nakata and several other elementary school mate encountered the outbreak of an air raid-dropped chemical weapon during a field trip, and eventually lose consciousness. ... ... middle of paper ... ... and people who suffered from such attack as a specific example; In addition, the book fictionalized some of history, such as the city of Kochi, to create a new story setting. Kafka On The Shore is strongly tied with the historical aspect of imperial Japan, as well as creating a sense of suspense and tragic. In addition, it is a solid novel that discusses multiple aspects of Japanese society, either in real life or in fiction. Works Cited Harper, Tim. "Japan's Gigantic Second World War Gamble." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 07 Sept. 2009. Web. 7 Apr. 2014. Murakami, Haruki, and Philip Gabriel. Kafka on the Shore. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print. United States. United States Army Air Forces. XXI Bomber Command. 21st Bomber Command Tactical Mission Report 247, 250. N.p.: XXI Bomber Command, n.d. Scribd. Scribd, 5 Aug. 2011. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

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