Rather than an encounter with a book, it was The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya that changed my life greatly through a social phenomenon that started with a single book. Many social phenomena caused by the development of a media mix based on a light novel are still established today as "dance videos" and "pilgrimages to sacred places". When I was a graduate student, I was stuck in my research, but by working on research on these social phenomena, I was able to advance my own research and walk the path to a future as a researcher. On the other hand, this work deals with the universality of youth that transcends time, and the characters' appearances make us realize the potential and irreplaceableness of ourselves living in the "now". When you reach the age of 18, you start to see your future and may become self-deprecating or look at the world with a sarcastic eye. I would like such people to read this work, as it will give you a lot of courage!

When I was 18, I preferred the kind of manga for young men that older men read, rather than the mainstream boys' manga. Among them, Rumiko Takahashi's "Maison Ikkoku" changed my way of thinking. The main character, Yusaku, falls in love with a widow, Kyoko, who has a deep memory of her late husband, Soichiro, in her heart. I cried in the last scene where he vows to love Kyoko forever, including her feelings for Soichiro. I realized that loving someone means cherishing that person's past and wounds as well. The main character, Yusaku, is a dull college student who is not very impressive in the eyes of the world, but if you have a kind heart that loves people, you will be blessed with such a wonderful encounter. Even if you have unhealed memories of the past like Kyoko, there will always be someone who loves you. Also, I'm sure there will be people who will watch over the two of them with warmth. Even if you are suffering and struggling now, I hope you live each day with hope.