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.
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.