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Haruki Murakami's stories are brought to life in 'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' trailer

The alluring and often strange worlds that Haruki Murakami has created in his many works are now being brought to life.

Upcoming film "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" is an animated retelling of the Japanese novelist's short stories, including those published in the book with the same name.

The film will apparently follow a bunch of strange characters — a lost cat, a voluble giant toad and a tsunami — as they help an unambitious salesman, his frustrated wife and a schizophrenic accountant save Tokyo from an earthquake and find meaning in their lives.

Murakami, whose breakout novel "Norwegian Wood" debuted in 1987, is one of Japan's most acclaimed authors. His more popular works include "Kafka on the Shore," "1Q84," and "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World."

The "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" film adaptation is written and directed by Pierre Földes. The release date has yet to be announced. —JCB, GMA News