I am sure I completely missed the point of the well hewn lines - but I like the feel of it, the sounds, like grass between your toes. The last lines.... all to easy to forget.

Ah, Noboru. That familiar name. Sadly someone I know/knew has most of my Murakami books. I requested their safe return, but that same person seems to be intent on maintaining radio silence. It is a shame as due to not being in possession of my wonderful books for such a long time, I am unable to recall whether Noboru Wataya is the missing cat, or the antagonist in 'The Wind up Bird Chronicle'.

Whichever way, it seems oddly fitting.

Thanks Matt:

"Name?"
"Noboru. Noboru Wataya."
"No, not your name. The cat's."
"That is my cat's name!"
"Oh! Very impressive!"
"Well, actually it's my brother-in-law's name. The cat reminds us of him. We gave the cat his name, just for fun."

Question answered.

I can understand your confusion, I play many roles one of the Murakami mans quirks - as are his starting chapters, that have been known to be the same - just very different when you view them from a different angle and choose to take a different path with them.
"prrrrrrrrrr, mew"
I am sure your friend is just euqally as odd about it all, possibly INClings at work.

As I say it has been a while - I thought it was Noboru Watanabe that appeared in many texts. As for my 'friend' I doubt he is bothered at all. If he is then it's up to him to do something about it. I hope it isnt the INKLings at work. I hope there is a greater reason than that.