The points of issue
First English-language edition, translated by Jay Rubin. Borzoi (running-borzoi) colophon on the copyright page; first printing carries the full descending number line ending in '1'. Collates viii, 611, [3] pages. Issued in an unclipped pictorial dust jacket. The English text is abridged from the Japanese: Rubin cut roughly three chapters and about 25,000 words at the publisher's request.
Is this the true first?
Knopf US 1997 is the true first English-language edition. The UK Harvill edition followed in 1998. The Japanese original appeared in three volumes (1994-1995), which correspond to the three 'books' of the single-volume English text.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Vintage International paperback is a later reprint. Later printings drop the '1' from the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (Nejimakidori Kuronikuru) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English-language edition, translated by Jay Rubin. Borzoi (running-borzoi) colophon on the copyright page; first printing carries the full descending number line ending in '1'. Collates viii, 611, [3] pages. Issued in an unclipped pictorial dust jacket. The English text is abridged from the Japanese: Rubin cut roughly three chapters and about 25,000 words at the publisher's request.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. Knopf US 1997 is the true first English-language edition. The UK Harvill edition followed in 1998. The Japanese original appeared in three volumes (1994-1995), which correspond to the three 'books' of the single-volume English text.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Vintage International paperback is a later reprint. Later printings drop the '1' from the number line.
I have a first edition of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (Nejimakidori Kuronikuru) — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.