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I am one of the writers who wish to create serious works of literature which dissociate themselves from those novels which are mere reflections of the vast consumer cultures of Tokyo and the subcultures of the world at large.

I got my first book deal when I was in college, but it was published in Germany, and I could never actually read it.

Even before I competed in the Olympics, I always wanted to write a book.

This book was company for me - I wrote these things when I was in hotels, far from where I normally live. I never intended to publish it.

Since I have come to America, I am often asked whether my next novel will be set in America. I don't think it will. I think I will be living in America for some time to come, but while living in America, I would like to write about Japanese society from the outside.

I have this book club, and we don't read one book; we offer up a few suggestions and create a library over time.

I want to write more books, see my first novel made into a film, fight more campaigns, work in more countries. I want to be able to recall experiences that have endured for their pleasure and range and intensity.

I really strive to bring something new to each book. I don't want to write the same book over and over again.

The first book I did - the first successful book - was a kind of a travel book, and publishers in Britain encouraged me to do more.

This book that I just wrote is going to be coming out very soon to Australia.