In the West he¡¯s been referred to as ¡°the other Murakami.¡± To those in Japan, the difference is so prominent that very few would ever confuse artist-cum-filmmaker Takashi Murakami with novelist Haruki Murakami. However, the two men do share some things in common, including an enduring collaborative friendship with North America.
¡°I feel like America practically raised me,¡± Takashi of that ilk tells The Japan Times. ¡°So now, I¡¯m really comfortable with working and being there.¡±
Actor Jack Black, reportedly an enthusiastic fan, showed up for the special premiere of Murakami¡¯s debut feature film, ¡°Mememe no Kurage (Jellyfish Eyes),¡± in Los Angeles and sang his praises. That would¡¯ve pleased Murakami, who once told a press conference in New York: ¡°The most gratifying moment for an artist is to be told that the world gets him.¡±
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