Life: I'll never understand it.

This place is too calm, too natural--too complete. I don't deserve it. At least not yet.

When I write a novel I put into play all the information inside me. It might be Japanese information or it might be Western; I don't draw a distinction between the two.

Writing a long novel is like survival training. Physical strength is as necessary as artistic sensitivity.

Many are the women who can take their clothes off seductively, but women who can charm as they dress?

I'll never see them again. I know that. And they know that. And knowing this, we say farewell.

I wander though China. Without ever having boarded a plane. My travels take place here in the Tokoyo subways, in the backseat of a taxi... all of a sudden this city will start to go. In a flash, the buildings will crumble. Over the Tokyo streets will fall my China, like ash, leaching into everything it touches. Slowly, gradually, until nothing remains. No, this isn't a place for me.