In "Tsukuru Tazaki, who has no color, and his year of pilgrimage," Haruki Murakami explores the profound relationship between personal history and identity. The narrative emphasizes that one's past experiences are integral to who they are. It argues against the notion of erasing or changing history, highlighting the impossibility of such a feat and the inherent risks it poses to the self.

The statement that "history cannot be erased or altered" underscores the permanence of our pasts. Attempting to erase history is seen as akin to a form of self-destruction, as it would mean losing a vital part of one’s identity. Murakami’s work reflects on how individuals must confront and reconcile with their histories to understand themselves fully.