Japanese author and filmmaker Ryu Murakami dies aged 74

Japanese author and filmmaker Ryu Murakami died at his home on October 17, 2026, at the age of 74. UPI and The Guardian Books both reported that his death was announced by his literary office and Japanese publisher Gentosha. UPI noted that a cause of death was not disclosed, and Gentosha confirmed that a private funeral has been held for family members. [1][2][7]

The Guardian Books reported that Murakami wrote more than 40 works of subversive fiction, exploring the dark underbelly of Japanese society and reaching millions of readers. UPI reported that Murakami was born in Nagasaki prefecture in 1952 and rose to prominence in 1976 with his award-winning debut novel, Almost Transparent Blue. [1][2]

Murakami was also a filmmaker. The Guardian Books noted that his novel Audition was adapted into a landmark indie horror film. Murakami was a essayist whose novels explored human nature through themes of disillusionment, drug use, surrealism, murder, and war, with Coin Locker Babies and In the Miso Soup among his best known works. [2][13]

In a joint statement, Gentosha and his literary office offered prayers that he may rest in peace after spending his life at the forefront of his era. UPI reported that the publisher has requested the public to respect the privacy of his family. [1]