I've been running a full marathon every year for more than 20 years, and my record is getting worse. Getting older, getting worse. It's natural.

I've run the Boston Marathon 6 times before. I think the best aspects of the marathon are the beautiful changes of the scenery along the route and the warmth of the people's support. I feel happier every time I enter this marathon.

Results aside, the ability to have complete faith in another human being is one of the finest qualities a person can possess.

I've always liked libraries. They're quiet and full of books and full of knowledge.

Before I became a writer, I was running a jazz bar in the center of Tokyo, which means that I worked in filthy air all the time late into the night. I was very excited when I started making a living out of my writing, and I decided, 'I will live in nothing but an absolutely healthy way.'

I just wanted to write something about running, but I realized that to write about my running is to write about my writing. It's a parallel thing in me.

It's just like sex; when [a book is] finished, it's finished.