Bungei Gunjo, May 20xx Issue

The Man Named Yuichiro Mogami

Alcohol, tobacco, banter, and literature. All are part of his daily life.

Yuichiro Mogami made a brilliant debut at 18, winning both the 47th Gunjo Newcomer Award and the Gunjo Literary Grand Prize with "Samidare." The writer who built an era and was called the "Prince of the Literary World" remains at the center of the literary world at 37. we heard the truth behind his aloof words.

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INTERVIEW

Q. How do you feel about being called the "Prince of the Literary World"?

Mogami No, I'm already 37 (laughs). Calling me a "prince" is a bit of a stretch by now, don't you think?

Lately, every time I look in the mirror, I feel relieved thinking, "I've really become an old man." I can't pull all-nighters like I used to, and the alcohol stays with me the next day. Humans are truly equal, aren't they?

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Q. Your relationships with women have always been a topic of conversation.

Mogami You're well-informed (laughs).

Well, it was really terrible back then. Drinking until morning, saying "see ya" and just going home—that was my whole life.

So it's not that I had good luck with women; I was just blessed with them. I haven't repaid them at all. ...Truly.

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Q. Do you think you're popular?

Mogami I'm grateful to be.

But everyone who falls for me says, "You're not who I thought you were." Like they thought I'd be more intellectual and quiet. In reality, I'm just an old man who drinks and says nothing but nonsense.

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Q. Are you good at romance?

Mogami If I were, I'd have settled down by now (laughs).

Well, I suppose I've been chasing an ideal for a long time.

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Q. An ideal?

Mogami ...A muse, I guess. A goddess of creation (laughs).

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Q. (laughs). You enjoy teasing people, don't you, Sensei?

Mogami Doesn't a serious atmosphere get tiring? I can't say what I really think to someone's face, so I just make a joke for now.

If they laugh, it saves me. If they get mad, I reflect and think, "Ah, that fell flat" (laughs).

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Q. Finally, describe yourself in one word.

Mogami A scoundrel.

But I actually quite like it. If I were a perfect human being, I don't think I'd be writing novels.

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PROFILE

Yuichiro Mogami

Born in 1988.

Debuted at 18 by winning both the 47th Gunjo Newcomer Award and the Gunjo Literary Grand Prize with "Samidare." In his early 20s, he published works such as "Rain Shelter," "Temperature of Blue," and "Summer Eater," earning the title "Prince of the Literary World."

Currently writes mainly short stories, essays, and book reviews. In recent years, he has expanded his activities to include university lectures and dialogues.

※This article is an excerpt from an interview published in the May 20xx issue of Bungei Gunjo.

GUNJO TIMES 20XX SPRING

NEW FACE

New Employee Interview

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INTERVIEW

Q. What made you want to become an editor?

Tone

I liked books... saying that makes me sound like a teacher's pet, but it's the truth. I'm a bit of a geek. Since I was a student, I was more interested in the editors than the authors.

I loved thinking, "I wonder who brought this work into the world."

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Q. What did you think when you heard you'd be in charge of Mogami-sensei?

Tone

I just thought, "Wait, me?" (laughs).

I didn't think he was someone a rookie should handle. But when I actually talked to him, he was much more of a normal old guy than I expected.

He drinks, smokes, and says nothing but stupid things.

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Q. Do you get nervous?

Tone

Only at first.

Now it's more like, "There he goes talking nonsense again" (laughs). Of course, I respect him. I do, but I say what needs to be said.

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Q. What kind of senior is Ms. Tsurumi, who was in charge of your training?

Tone

She's incredibly reliable.

She works fast and can answer anything I ask. She's cold sometimes, though (laughs). But she really looks after me.

She's the senior I respect most in the editorial department. I love you, Tsurumi-san! (laughs)

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PROFILE

Makoto Tone

Member of the Literary Editorial Department, Gunjo Publishing

GUNJO RECRUIT 20XX

PEOPLE

Being Closest to Creating a Book.

Facing the author, facing the work, and delivering a book to the readers. We spoke with Yuka Tsurumi of the Literary Editorial Department about the appeal of being an editor.

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INTERVIEW

Q. What is the appeal of the job of an editor?

Tsurumi

Looking only at the finished book, it might seem like the author created the work alone.

However, truly many people are involved before a book is released to the world. I believe the appeal of this job is being able to participate in the work as one of those people.

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Q. Is there anything you keep in mind when dealing with the authors you handle?

Tsurumi

Perhaps the sense of distance.

Being too close or too far is not good. I make it a point to respect not just the work, but the person themselves.

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Q. Do you have any advice for new editors?

Tsurumi

If there's something you don't understand, ask that same day.

Editing is not a job that can be done alone. Relying on those around you is also part of the job.

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Q. You were in charge of training a new employee. What kind of junior is he?

Tsurumi

Energetic. He has initiative. It would be helpful if he were a bit more composed, but I consider that one of his strengths as well.

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PROFILE

Yuka Tsurumi

Member of the Literary Editorial Department, Gunjo Publishing. Has handled numerous works of pure literature and currently manages a wide range of authors from newcomers to veterans. She has a reputation within the company for her calm judgment and meticulous work, and is also involved in training junior employees.