In Haruki Murakami's novel "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage," the theme of missed opportunities and unexpressed feelings emerges prominently. The protagonist, Tsukuru Tazaki, grapples with past relationships and the sense that he often fails to articulate his thoughts and emotions in a timely manner, leading to a sense of longing and regret. This struggle highlights the difficulty of connecting with others and the burden of unresolved feelings.

The quote, "The right words always seemed to come too late," encapsulates the essence of Tsukuru's journey as he reflects on moments in his life where the ability to communicate effectively eluded him. It suggests a universal truth about human relationships: the challenge of expressing oneself at crucial moments, which can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. This theme resonates deeply within the narrative, illustrating the complexities of personal growth and the search for meaning in one's experiences.