【Reported by Yi-feng Lu, Tamkang Times】The Center for Murakamiharuki Studies in cooperation with the Distance Education Development Section held a lecture last semester on the most recent novels and literature related to Murakamiharuki, which lead to the development of three courses on TKU’s Open Course Ware (at link http://ocw.tku.edu.tw). Director of the Center for Murakamiharuki Studies, Chiu-kuei Tseng, explained that the courses are run by three professors of the Department of Japanese: Chia-lin Wang, Yu-ching Liao and Yasushi Uchida. He stated, “The long-distance online courses are designed to give people a deeper look into the literature of Murakamiharuki Studies, which will lead to more developments in future research.”

Murakamiharuki Short Films

For the reading competition regarding Murakamiharuki’s, “A Little Happiness”, there will be a short film contest. There are no restrictions to the filming or props, but the short film is restricted to a 3 minute time limit. Chiu-kuei Tseng expressed, “Short films can be a fun and effective way to have an academic exchange. Everyone is welcome to participate.” The competition will be assessed by a literature expert and 5000 NT will be awarded to the winner. For more details see website ( http://www.harukistudy.tku.edu.tw/main.php)