TOKYO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- World-famous Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami will open an archive at his alma mater that includes manuscripts of his works and his massive collection of music, the writer announced here Sunday.
At his first formal news conference in Japan in 37 years, the writer revealed his "dream" plan to open a "Murakami Library" at Waseda University in Tokyo, to store drafts of his best-selling novels, his translation work as well as his collection of vinyl records, according to Japanese local media the Mainichi.
"I'm more than happy if those materials can contribute in any way for those who want to study my works," Murakami said.
"I hope it would be a place for cultural exchanges with positive and open atmosphere," he said.
The writer came up with the idea of donation when he realized that his collection of materials has grown so much over the past 40 years and there was not enough storage space at his home and office.
"I have no children to take care of them and I didn't want those resources to be scattered and lost when I die," he said, adding that he "considered various places" and felt that his alma mater "is the best place."
Born in 1949, Murakami started writing after graduating from Waseda University in 1975. He has published more than 10 novels, a number of collections of short stories and collected essays. His works have been translated into more than 50 languages, among which is his best-known novel, Norwegian Wood, whose drafts will be included in the archive.
