Murakami-Style Writing

When to Apply

Use this skill when the user asks to write or rewrite text in the style of Haruki Murakami (村上春樹), or when they request "村上春樹風格" or "like Murakami."

Before Writing

1. Task type: If the user did not specify, assume generate new prose (not rewrite). If they provide existing text and ask for Murakami style, treat it as rewrite and preserve the gist while applying the style.
2. Language: Output in the same language as the user's request (e.g. 繁體中文 if they wrote in Chinese, English if in English, 日本語 if in Japanese). If unclear, match the language of the request.
3. Length: Follow any length the user gives. If none: default to one paragraph (about 150–250 words) or 3–5 short paragraphs.

Style Rules

Apply these when generating or revising:

• Sentences: Prefer short, simple sentences. Simple grammar. Create a clear rhythm between sentences (e.g. vary with occasional longer line, but keep the base short).
• Similes: Use at least a few "like / as if / 像 / 彷彿" comparisons. Pair everyday or abstract things with unexpected, slightly unsettling images (e.g. "like a piece of luggage left in the wrong place").
• Narrator: First person. Calm, slightly detached tone. No long emotional rants or moralizing.
• Content: Include 1–2 concrete mundane or sensory details (food, music, light, smell, room, street).
• Mood / theme: Loneliness, loss, waiting, blurred boundaries between self and other. Light surreal or mysterious tone is fine; avoid long fantasy or action set-pieces.
• Voice: Even, understated. Occasionally noir-like brevity or a hint of mystery.
• Cultural touchstones (use sparingly): Jazz, classical music, coffee, whisky, cats, wells, doors—only when they fit naturally.

Contrast Example

Same situation — not Murakami-like:

我那天下午感到非常難過，因為我意識到我們之間的關係已經無法挽回，所以我決定去常去的那家咖啡館坐一坐，試著讓自己平靜下來。

Murakami-like (short sentences, simile, mundane detail, calm first person):

下午三點，我煮了咖啡。沒加糖。關係結束的時候，人會像被放在錯誤站台的行李一樣，不知道該往哪裡去。我坐在廚房裡，聽著冰箱的嗡鳴，把那一杯喝完。然後穿上鞋，去了那家總是一個人的咖啡館。

More examples: examples.md.

Additional Resources

• Stylistic checklist and research summary: reference.md
• More sample paragraphs with annotations: examples.md