Haruki Murakami released his first novel in three years in Japan on Friday, marking a notable shift in his storytelling by featuring a female protagonist for the first time. The new book, titled “The Tale of KAHO,” became available at midnight in Tokyo bookstores, drawing numerous fans eager to purchase the work.

In an exclusive interview, the acclaimed Japanese author explained how his creative process differs fundamentally from the capabilities of artificial intelligence. “AI takes into account everything that has happened so far and draws analogies,” Murakami said. “But the process of how I write novels is something completely different.” He emphasized that his role as a novelist is to capture spontaneous flashes of inspiration that cannot simply be derived from analogies or data patterns, suggesting that these intuitive moments are beyond AI’s reach.

Murakami, known internationally for works such as “Norwegian Wood” and “Kafka on the Shore,” has built a reputation for exploring themes of alienation and the surreal facets of modern life. He described how characters often appear suddenly during deep concentration, a creative phenomenon he believes AI cannot replicate.

In a separate interview, Murakami discussed the significance of writing from a female perspective for the first time. He said he sought to view the world through eyes different from his own and acknowledged the challenges of imagining how women perceive reality. Reflecting on his prior work, he noted that “Kafka on the Shore” was told through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy, illustrating a novelist’s ability to embody diverse viewpoints.

Murakami also credited a recent stay at Wellesley College, a women’s institution in the United States, as influential in shaping the atmosphere of his latest novel. He observed that contemporary society increasingly values women’s perspectives, and this cultural shift informed his portrayal of the protagonist Kaho.

Additionally, Murakami revealed a new thematic focus in “The Tale of KAHO,” exploring parent-child relationships—an area he had previously avoided. He described this as part of an ongoing desire to experiment and address narratives that differ from his past work.

Published by Shinchosha, the novel expands Murakami’s literary repertoire while reaffirming his distinctive approach to storytelling amid the growing presence of AI in creative fields.