This is only Jonny Greenwood's second film score, following his acclaimed work on There Will Be Blood (2007). Greenwood was keen to score the film as he was a big fan of the novel. His involvement was in some doubt, however, as Thom Yorke wanted to return to the studios to record a new Radiohead album. Greenwood found the time to balance both projects.
The publication of the novel caused such a sensation in Japan that novelist Haruki Murakami was obligated to quit his native journey and move to the United States.
Rinko Kikuchi actively pursued a role in the film. Initially director Anh Hung Tran wasn't keen on casting her because of her raised profile following Babel (2006) but her audition tape convinced him otherwise.