Murakami’s works have inspired artists across the world. In collaboration with Professor Christopher Jones and the Fine Arts Department at Newcastle University, the project included an art strand shedding light on the transmedial process—the translation from text to art.

As part of the project, a small group of artists—some long-time readers of Murakami, others reading him for the first time—presented their responses to Murakami texts of their choice. Their works formed an exhibition titled "Beyond Words: Transmediating Murakami Haruki."

The opening reception for the exhibition took place on 6 March 2018 at the Atrium and Long Gallery spaces of the King Edward VII Building (Fine Art).