違国日記 2 Quotes

“Let's say you're reading a book. One you haven't finished yet. The way we say it in Japanese is "Ima yondeiru hon." And we're not referring to a book that's actually here right now, but rather a book we've partially read and are still reading. You don't simply say, "I'm reading a book." Your past self, your present self, and your future self are all part of the action. They all exist on the same plane. "I have been reading this book." In Japanese, "Ima yondeiru." That's how you express this. So right now, "You have been thinking of them." It's ongoing. There is no need to force an end to that process.”
― Tomoko Yamashita, 違国日記 2