#Japan #Tokyo #Waseda University #Jazz Festival #Haruki Murakami

Waseda University's International Literature Museum Achieves Crowdfunding Success

The Waseda International House of Literature, also known as the Haruki Murakami Library, has marked a significant milestone in its crowdfunding initiative titled "Connecting the World through Literature and Jazz - Support the Murakami Library's Challenge." Launched on November 10, 2025, the project aims to promote broader literary and cultural exchange through music and literature, specifically through the lens of jazz, which is a recurring theme in Murakami's works.

Within just five days of the crowdfunding launch, the first goal of ¥4 million was reached. The library recently announced that they surpassed their second target of ¥7 million after 39 days, showcasing strong community support and engagement. The next goal has now been set at ¥10 million, aiming to further enhance the library’s programming and support future exhibitions and events.

Support for the Women in Jazz Festival

As part of this initiative, the funds raised will significantly contribute to hosting the "Women in Jazz Festival," which aims to celebrate and spotlight female jazz artists' contributions to the genre. This exciting festival will run until April 2026, creating a platform for discussions around women's rights and artistic expression within the jazz context. It expresses the library's commitment to connecting various cultural narratives through artistic endeavors.

The festival will include:

• - Concert & Talk: Featuring the renowned jazz pianist Junko Onishi and manga artist Mari Yamazaki on March 3, 2026. This main event combines a live solo performance with an engaging dialogue, promoting introspection and celebration of artistry.
• - Exhibitions: Such as “Black Women's Literature and Jazz: Tracing Black Feminism” running until April 19, 2026, showcasing the intersection of literature and music.
• - Scholarly Symposium: Discussions on gender equality within music, featuring experts in the field. These events are central to the festival's mission and underscore the importance of diverse narratives in arts and literature.

Director Takashi Aso expressed profound gratitude for the community's generous support, highlighting how these funds will facilitate not only the festival but also continuing initiatives that introduce students and the general public to the arts. Notably, students will have free access to the March concert, ensuring that cultural experiences are inclusive and accessible.

The Role of the Waseda International House of Literature

Inaugurated in October 2021, the Haruki Murakami Library aims to be a pioneering hub for literary and cultural research. The library houses an extensive collection of rare materials from Murakami, alongside numerous novels and journals to inspire and educate. Distinctively, the library does not charge admission for many of its events, emphasizing an unwavering commitment to providing free access to high-quality cultural experiences.

The literature museum also regularly hosts diverse programs including lectures, readings, and performances, enriching the literary landscape by fostering dialogue among various cultural perspectives. Haruki Murakami envisions this library as a space where literature and culture can traverse borders, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas.-

Despite the rich offerings, the museum relies heavily on private donations as it operates outside the confines of university budgets. To maintain and expand the array of events and programs—estimated to require around ¥30 million annually—the library has launched this crowdfunding campaign to garner ongoing support and interest.

The festival and other initiatives reflect Waseda University's commitment to educational innovation and cultural engagement, aiming to encourage community participation in the arts. With diverse events, they hope to not only celebrate but also stimulate ongoing discussions around literature and jazz, advocating for a collective understanding of freedom and creativity in expression.

For more details and to support the crowdfunding campaign before January 31, 2026, visit the Waseda International House of Literature homepage: Waseda International Literature Museum.