Decoding Deities and Demons: A Study of Supernatural Elements in Haruki Murakami’s ‘Kino’

Abstract

This paper delves into Haruki Murakami’s use of supernatural and uncanny elements in his short story ‘Kino.’ Murakami, a celebrated Japanese author, is renowned for his distinctive narrative style. This paper discusses the Japanese Shinto belief in Kami and Yōkai, deities and entities deeply ingrained in cultural practices. In ‘Kino,’ Murakami blends these elements to create a story that moves fluidly between the familiar and the eerie. The character Kamita, whose name means 'god's field,' symbolises a Shinto Kami, offering mystical guidance and protection to Kino in ways that transcend logical explanation. The recurring motifs of snakes and the mysterious disappearance of Kino’s cat evoke a sense of dread and mystery, drawing on traditional Japanese folklore and the uncanny. By integrating these cultural and psychological themes, Murakami crafts a narrative that challenges the reader’s perceptions of reality and the supernatural. It shows how Murakami's stories act as a bridge between ancient myths and contemporary existential questions, providing a profound insight into human consciousness and cultural identity.