The “Norwegian Wood” that gathered a hundred special invitees from some 30 countries in the Arctic Hall of the Embassy on 8 December to the music of the “Beatles”:
“I once had girl
Or should I say, she once had me
She showed me her room
Isn’t it good Norwegian Wood”
The music created a special atmosphere in the crowded Arctic Hall immediately following a special pre-screening of the film “Norwegian Wood” based on Haruki Murakami’s best-selling novel, an atmosphere made even more special by the Vietnamese-French film director Tran Anh Hung and leading actor Kenichi Matsuyama entering to meet the viewers for a press conference, to answer questions and discuss the film.
The many people who have read Haruki Murakami’s novel know that it is not set in Norway. Nevertheless, connections between Murakami and Norway run as deep as any fjord. “Norwegian Wood” is set in a period, and describes the outlook of young people at a time, when I was about the same age as Watanabe, the main character. I testify to the fact that “Norwegian Wood” has a lot to do with Norway too, and us Norwegians, at that time.
And not only then. After “Norwegian Wood” was published, both the book and Murakami himself have had a lot more to do with Norway. Many people in Norway were introduced to Japan through Murakami. Having first read “Norwegian Wood”, they have read more of his works. And they have become more and more interested in Japan as well.
Murakami is opening new Norwegian doors to Japan – other kinds of doors than the many wooden ones made from some of the eight million cubic metres of timbre cut every year from our ample forests.
Marukami’s “Norwegian Wood” goes beyond Japan and Norway – it is more universal than that, as its success world-wide has confirmed.
Murakami spent five weeks in Norway last summer. What happened was exceptional. He could walk around, or I should say jog around in the Palace Garden and in the streets as an anonymous person, an athletic one at that. When news went out that he would speak at the “House of Literature” in Oslo, the response was overwhelming. No less than a “Murakami Festival” took place. Four consecutive days of symposia, debating sessions about his works and jazz concerts. And everyone wanted to meet the Japanese mega-star and listen to him on the final day. Tickets were not only all sold out as soon as they were put on sale. But many more tickets than seats and space were sold and people with tickets could not get in.
Murakami has said himself that it was the “coolest summer”, he has ever had. I do not know whether it was “coolest” in the sense of jazz – or just the weather. In any case, Murakami has not only an appreciative readership audience in Norway. He has more. We regard him as a family member. He has a home in our country too.
Diplomats are known for making many promises. Not all of them come true. But, I can guarantee sell-out performances when “Norwegian Wood” will be shown in Norway in a few months time. Before that, the “Team Norway” in Japan, that is the Embassy, the Scandinavian Tourist Bureau, Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Seafood Export Council wanted, in our own way, to be part of the screening also here in Japan. That is why, we have our Tie-up” campaign in co-operation with Toho. The film makes people think about Norway and, of course, also “the Beatles”. We hope that people not only will see and appreciate the film itself. But also, think a little about Norway doing so.
That is why 11 million passengers daily have been seeing “Norwegian Wood” posters at 32 metro stations in Tokyo. Posters showing scenes from the film alongside different aspects of Norway – from art and salmon to fjords and Northern Lights.
写真: Norwegian Embassy TokyoAmong the many film promos with a special Norwegian twist were ”Norwegian Wood” book covers given to book buyers at Kinokuniya and Asine bookstores all around Japan, mention of Norwegian coffee culture and the film at Starbucks, flyers in film theatres as well as ample exposure in the media.
Have a look at Norway at the “Norwegian Wood” film website
http://gyao.yahoo.co.jp/special/norway.
“Norwegian Wood” has opened new doors to Japan for Norwegians. Let “Norwegian Wood” also open new doors to Norway for Japanese people.
Arne Walther January 2011