June 25, 2010
Mr. Yukito Ayatsuji graduated from the Faculty of Education and moved on to the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Education, debuting as a writer before completion. Mr. Ayatsuji visited Kyoto University for an interview with the university's public relations magazine, and took the opportunity to visit the president.
First, Mr. Ayatsuji presented his book titled Midorogaoka Kidan to the president, and the president flipped through the pages with great interest, asking many questions such as "What made you decide to become a writer?"; "How long do you spend before deciding on a plot?"; "Do you ever change the storyline half-way?"; and "How do you revise your work?"
Then, the two talked on about various subjects, including plasma, the president's field of expertise which Mr. Ayatsuji inquired about, and kanji. When they spoke of "reality" in the actual world and "fiction" in the world of novels, Mr. Ayatsuji said that "even though novels are fictional, reality seeps in no matter what." The president nodded in agreement.
The president encouraged Mr. Ayatsuji saying, "you are the pride of Kyoto University alumni, and we hope to see more of your powerful works," drawing the friendly meeting to a close.
 Mr. Ayatsuji and President Matsumoto |  Explanation of plasma |