The latest work by Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami had been banned from Hong Kong's annual book fair after it was deemed "indecent" material by the Obscene Articles Tribunal, local media reported Friday.

"Killing Commendatore," a multivolume work that went on sale last year, has been temporarily classified as "Class II -- indecent materials," along with a pornographic magazine, according to a notice issued by the tribunal last week.

Moreover, the classification means the book can now only be sold in bookstores after being wrapped with a warning sticker attached.

Print articles are subject to the tribunal's three-tier classification. Class I articles are suitable for all ages, Class II articles are deemed indecent and not to be sold to people under 18 of age, while Class III articles are deemed obscene and banned for sale.

No reasons were given for the novel's indecent classification. The book tells the story of a 36-year-old portrait painter who lives on a mountain after his wife seeks a divorce, and depicts strange incidents happening around him.

Although other novels by Murakami also contained explicit sexual scenes, only "Killing Commendatore" was given an indecent classification by the tribunal, which is led by a magistrate and at least two adjudicators under the judiciary.

During a massive occupation protest in 2014, Murakami sent a message of encouragement to Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters, who staged a 79-day demonstration against what was said to be an undemocratic election reform plan China had drafted for Hong Kong.

The weeklong book fair runs through Tuesday next week.