Ryu Murakami Passes Away: The Literary Icon Who Introduced NG La Banda to Japan

On October 17, the renowned Japanese author and music producer, Ryu Murakami, passed away at his home at the age of 74, as confirmed by his office and the publishing house Gentosha.

While the exact cause of death was not disclosed, a private funeral was held, attended by his close family members.

The Unlikely Champion of Cuban Music in Japan

Born in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1952, Murakami was an influential figure in contemporary Japanese literature. However, in the realm of Cuban music, he was celebrated for something entirely different—he was the visionary who brought the vibrant rhythms of NG La Banda to Japan during a time when the genre was virtually unknown there.

In the early 1990s, Murakami began traveling to Cuba, where he met José Luis Cortés, known as "El Tosco," the founder and director of NG La Banda. This encounter led to a fruitful collaboration that saw Murakami producing a recording session in Japan in November 1992, which resulted in nine tracks, including "Échale limón" and "Murakami Mambo"—a tribute song named after him.

Ryu's Cuban Night: A Cultural Exchange

The project, documented by producer Grio, highlights Murakami's contributions, such as the Japanese edition of NG La Banda's album "Nueva Generación" and the live album "Live in Japan," recorded in Tokyo in August 1993. In 1995, he recorded "Siboney" with members of the orchestra while working on his film "KYOKO."

For about two decades, Murakami hosted the "RYU'S CUBAN NIGHT" concert series, spotlighting Cuban artists like Issac Delgado, Haila Mompié, Bamboleo, and Tania Pantoja. Murakami once expressed that NG La Banda was instrumental in his deep involvement with Cuban music.

Literary Achievements and Lasting Legacy

Murakami's literary journey began in 1976 with his debut novel "Almost Transparent Blue," written during his studies at Musashino Art University. The novel won the Akutagawa Prize and sold around 3.5 million copies. His other notable works include "Coin Locker Babies" (1980), "In the Miso Soup" (1997), and "Piercing" (1994). His final novel, "Youtuber," was published in 2023.

Despite sharing a surname, Ryu Murakami was not related to the also famous Japanese author Haruki Murakami.

Gentosha, the publishing house, expressed profound sorrow over Murakami's death, highlighting his relentless efforts to produce impactful works that resonated with younger generations.

Japan's government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, acknowledged Murakami's sharp portrayal of societal nuances and the human condition, noting his significant influence on Japanese literature.

The Cuban musician closest to Murakami, José Luis Cortés "El Tosco," had passed away four years earlier, in April 2022, due to a hemorrhagic stroke. Murakami outlived him, but the song bearing his name remains a testament to the unique bond between a Japanese novelist and Cuban timba music.