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I know just enough Japanese to get by if I get lost and greet an audience properly, just from having a lot of Japanese friends and being there over the years.

I think Japanese audiences are much more attentive than a London audience.

They ask questions like 'do you believe in aliens' and those types of things. They were really interested in aliens, and that was really something that the Japanese have an interest in, and they are also very big fans of romances.

I respect the Japanese and especially like their execution and communication styles. Unlike the Koreans, they will not hit you from behind.

The Japanese have a strong tendency to suppress their own feelings. That's the Japanese character. They kill their own emotions.

I'm afraid Japanese people tend to collective hysteria.

The Japanese people are usually very prudent, even when they are convinced change is necessary.

It is impossible to remain indifferent to Japanese culture. It is a different civilisation where all you have learnt must be forgotten. It is a great intellectual challenge and a gorgeous sensual experience.

We don't put our emotions out there in Japan. I'm Japanese, but I love to be honest.

I feel very keenly the eyes of the foreign media on our country. And I think a lot of Japanese people feel that things are not working the way they should. When the time comes, I will put myself forward.