An interview with Japanese author Michiko Aoyama
Japanese author Michiko Aoyama’s debut novel What You’re Looking for is in the Library is a warm hug of a book...
Japanese author Michiko Aoyama’s debut novel What You’re Looking for is in the Library is a warm hug of a book about five different individuals who are in some way lost in their lives and are hoping for a purpose to come through. Their stories are subtly connected via the enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi, who intuitively, albeit nonchalantly recommends book after book, helping them find what they’re looking for in life.
Excerpts from Dokusha Book Club’s interview with the author…
What are your earliest memories of visiting a library?
When I was a child, the library was quite far from my home, and it took about fifteen minutes to get there by bike. I often visited the school library, but the town library was also a special place for me that I had to pedal hard to reach. The brick building felt romantic, and I felt like I was traveling to a slightly faraway fantasy world. When I grew up and was choosing where to live, one of the conditions was that I had a library within walking distance.
All the characters in your book are non-readers and yet they find themselves & their purpose in life in a library. What made you choose the library as a premise of these stories?
I intentionally wanted to write a story about characters who are not bookworms, yet who are searching for books, and who, by the inevitability of chance, “meet” the perfect read for them in that moment. It may seem like we are choosing books, but perhaps the books are choosing us.
The library is a place that’s open to anyone and can be visited freely and as often as you like. I think it’s a dream system to be able to borrow books and take them home without exchanging money.
What is the library culture like in Japan?
From what I can tell, libraries in Japan are thriving. Library staff are coming up with various events and making an effort to make them available to as many people as possible.
Have you ever worked in a library and recommended books to visitors like the mysterious Sayuri Komachi?
Yes, I once worked as part of a team in a library. It was a lot more physical work than I expected. I didn’t have any qualifications as a librarian to give proper book advice, so I could only provide support, but I was very happy to interact with visitors.
What kind of books do you like to read? Also, who is your favorite author?
I love illustrated reference books and books about science. When I’m feeling tired of human relationships, I open these books and savor the history of the earth and the formation of geological strata, or I admire beautiful photos of fossils. Also, Japanese manga is really amazing. I have a new favorite author every day.
What book would you like to work on next?
I want to try a lot of different things. I have lots of ideas: something realistic, something with a bit of fantasy, and maybe even a collaboration with an artist I admire! I’m really excited!
(This interview was originally published in the 22 July 2024 edition of Hindustan Times under the title Michiko Aoyama – “I have a new favourite Manga author every day”)