"Birthday Girl" is a Japanese novella written by Haruki Murakami, first published in 2002 as part of the collection "Birthday Stories." The story follows an unnamed waitress working in a Tokyo restaurant who, on her 20th birthday, is unexpectedly asked to deliver dinner to the restaurant's reclusive owner. During this encounter, the owner grants her a mysterious birthday wish, leaving readers to ponder the implications of choices and desires. Murakami's narrative weaves introspective themes with a touch of magical realism, making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece within his larger oeuvre.