Kafka on the Shore (海辺のカフカ, Umibe no Kafuka ) was described by John Updike as a "real page-turner, as well as an insistently metaphysical mind-bender." Since its 2005 English language release , the novel has received mostly positive reviews and critical acclaim, including a spot on the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2005 and the World Fantasy Award.

Kafka Tamura runs away from home at fifteen, under the shadow of his father's dark prophesy. The aging Nakata, tracker of lost cats, who never recovered from a bizarre childhood affliction, finds his pleasantly simplified life suddenly turned upside down. This book follows the fortunes of two remarkable characters.