History of Coin Locker Babies in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 23, 2026

Ryū Murakami's novel *Coin Locker Babies*, published in 1980 and translated into English in 1995, follows the lives of two boys abandoned as infants in coin lockers. The novel explores their troubled upbringing and subsequent descent into a dark and surreal underworld. The story delves into themes of societal alienation, identity, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. Known for its genre-bending nature, the novel incorporates elements of social commentary, dark humor, and philosophical musings, creating a disturbing yet compelling narrative.

1972: Hashi and Kiku abandoned

In the summer of 1972, Hashi and Kiku were abandoned as infants in coin lockers at a Tokyo train station.

1980: Coin Locker Babies Novel

In 1980, Ryū Murakami wrote the novel Coin Locker Babies.

1995: Coin Locker Babies English Translation

In 1995, Stephen Snyder's English translation of Coin Locker Babies was published by Kodansha International Ltd.

2005: Coin Locker Babies Film Development

In 2005, a film version of Coin Locker Babies began development with a screenplay by Sean Lennon and direction by Michele Civetta, starring Val Kilmer, Tadanobu Asano, Asia Argento, and Lennon. However, production was never started.

2011: Murakami Interview Published

In 2011, Ralph McCarthy collected an interview conducted by Steve Erickson with Murakami for Kyoto Journal, where Murakami revealed the original idea that drove the novel.