Kafka on the Shore Characters

Kafka is one of the two protagonists of the novel, serving as the narrator for half of the chapters in the book. At the opening of the story, Kafka has just turned fifteen and decided… read analysis of Kafka Tamura

Nakata is one of two protagonists of the story, serving as the subject of half of the chapters in the book (although, unlike Kafka’s chapters, Nakata’s chapters are written in the third person). During World… read analysis of Satoru Nakata

When Kafka is scared or at a loss for words, he imagines “the boy called Crow” giving him advice. Crow is an imagined persona, representing a tougher, wiser version of Kafka himself. Kafka notes that… read analysis of The Boy Called Crow

Hoshino is an aimless twentysomething who works as a truck driver largely because he has been fired from every other job he’s held. Still, he’s content and confident, with a flamboyant penchant for Hawaiian shirts… read analysis of Hoshino

As a middle aged woman, Miss Saeki runs the Komura Memorial Library. The library is a special place for her—it is named after Miss Saeki’s first and only love, a young man in the… read analysis of Miss Saeki

Sakura is a young woman visiting friends in Takamatsu. Sakura and Kafka meet on a long bus ride to Takamatsu. Sakura, who is a few years older than Kafka, is kind and friendly. Kafka finds… read analysis of Sakura

Shortly after Kakfa moves into the library, an apparition begins to appear in his room at night. She appears to be a ghost who resembles Miss Saeki at fifteen years old. Kafka is attracted to… read analysis of The Living Ghost of Miss Saeki

Kafka’s father is a renowned sculptor, best known for a work called “The Labyrinth.” Kafka describes him as cruel and violent, though never fully explains what he means or why he feels this… read analysis of Koichi Tamura

Kafka’s older sister disappeared with his mother when Kafka was almost too young to remember. Kafka knows his sister was adopted, but can no longer remember what she looks like. Because of the prophecy from… read analysis of Kafka’s Sister

Setsuko Okamochi teaches elementary school. During the war, children from Tokyo were temporarily relocated into Setsuko’s class in the countryside, where it was safer. Nakata was one of those students. Setsuko remains shaken by the… read analysis of Setsuko Okamochi

After the “Rice Bowl Hill Incident,” Dr. Nakazawa, a psychiatrist, was called by the Japanese military to examine Nakata and the other children who had fallen unconscious. The accident baffled Nakazawa—he didn’t understand what had… read analysis of Doctor Juichi Nakazawa

A mysterious and sinister character, Johnnie Walker is named after and dresses like the mascot for Johnnie Walker brand whiskey. He is extremely cruel and violent, especially towards cats. Johnnie Walker believes he must kill… read analysis of Johnnie Walker