Alfred Birnbaum (*1957 in Washington) is American citizen but lived in Japan since early childhood.

Graduate of the University of Southern California.

He translated Murakamis first novels and storys beginning with Hear the Wind Sing. Followed by Dance, Dance, Dance, Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and more.

Besides translating other Japanese authors he edited and wrote own books like Monkey-Brain Sushi and Zen for Cats.