My first novel was a challenge to myself. No one had an inkling that I was working on it.

The first thing you have to understand is that I was not desperate to be a writer. I was never a closet writer filing away notes in a cupboard.

Tokyo may have more money and Kyoto more culture; Nara may have more history and Kobe more style. But Osaka has the biggest heart.

I became completely addicted to 'Angry Birds' for a while.

The brain is not an organ we are authorized to use. We are supposed to use only our hands and legs.

My first novel was a challenge to myself. No one had an inkling that I was working on it.

Never judge a man's actions until you know his motives