I think the collection of short stories is roughly divided into two types. One being “writing where the atmosphere of the story can read through each sentence without any punch line or sense of mystery”, and, “enjoyable writing where the whole short story has a clear punch line”. I like both, but prefer to regularly re-read the former.

Speaking of which, “Blind Window” has to be the best collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami. When you first read, the title makes no sense, but now I can understand. Easy-to-understand writings, such as “Chance Traveller”, “A Folklore for my Generation…”, or “Shinagawa Monkey” is typical of writings by any author good or bad. Well, I guess anyone who is ‘anti-Murakami’ will hate this idea, although can probably understand it too.

Speaking of the later writing, it is a diva’s “lesson in Poker”. The quality of all 16 stories is excellent. Only this story liberally used-up the entire book and gave the space the feeling of an influential figure. Your body will be in perfect balance, dare you say this is your favourite piece of work.