The latest work by Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami was banned from Hong Kong’s annual book fair after it was deemed “indecent” by the Obscene Articles Tr
HONG KONG – The latest work by Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami was banned from Hong Kong’s annual book fair after it was deemed “indecent” by the Obscene Articles Tribunal, local media reported Friday.
“Killing Commendatore,” a multivolume work that went on sale last year, has been temporarily classified as “Class II — indecent materials,” along with a pornographic magazine, according to a notice issued by the tribunal last week.
The classification means the book can now only be sold in bookstores after being wrapped with a warning sticker attached.
Printed material is subject to the tribunal’s three-tier classification. Class I items are suitable for all ages, Class II items are deemed indecent and not to be sold to people under 18, and Class III items are deemed obscene and cannot be sold.
