Running Towards the Inner Self: A Psychological Exploration of Haruki Murakami's "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" with a Mind-Body Approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 University of Tehran

2 Russian studies, World studies, University of Tehran

10.22059/jor.2025.382784.2574

Abstract

In the present study, we continue the psychological explorations of previous critics by examining Haruki Murakami's work "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" from a new perspective. Our chosen approach is multifaceted, addressing various aspects of this work. Specifically, we focused on mind-body theories. In our view, in this book, the mind and body are considered as two separate entities that ultimately converge to form a unified whole. An indispensable aspect of this analysis is the Lacanian perspective, which adds greater depth to the work. By leveraging health psychology, of which mind-body theories are a part, we illustrated a framework that the runner navigates to overcome challenges; three pivotal stops that every runner inevitably faces: success and failure, coping with life challenges, and aging. In the end, we paid attention to the influence of Japanese culture on this work and its hidden connection to Iranian mystical culture. This study demonstrates how Murakami uses running as a tool for discipline and structure, contributing to his identity as both a writer and an individual, and how it creates a profound connection between physical activities and mental creativity.



Keywords: Haruki Murakami, mind-body theories, Japanese culture, success and failure, life challenges, aging.

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Research in Contemporary World Literature

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 June 2025

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