Writer Banned in Belarus Dies

Reform.news Editorial Team · 23 October 2026, 11:59

https://reform.news/en/writer-banned-in-belarus-dies/

Japanese writer Ryu Murakami has died. According to a statement by Japanese publisher Gentosha, he died on October 17 at the age of 74. A farewell ceremony was held in a small family gathering.

Ryu Murakami’s debut novel, “Almost Transparent Blue“, was published in 1976. It received the Akutagawa Prize and became a bestseller. Murakami wrote more than 40 novels in total.

Last year, novels by the Japanese writer were added to the “list of printed publications containing information and/or materials whose distribution may harm the national interests of the Republic of Belarus.” The banned titles included “Topaz“, “Ecstasy“, “All Shades of Blue“ and “Karaoke“.