I think a lot of Murakami's storytelling is lost in translation, yes. Like, the Sheep Man's way of speaking. Or the way certain narrators talk about themselves - some formal and some informal - that says a lot about the characters and that is often lost. But, I think his concepts are always unique. I've read three of his novels (After Dark - which should be a film - being the third) and enjoyed them all.

I think I enjoyed Dance, Dance, Dance more. But, I also enjoyed these two novels. If anyone is interested in Japanese literature, Murakami is a good place to start. Especially as all (or nearly all) his novels are translated into English.