‘A place of open int’l exchange for literature, culture’Haruki Murakami is planning an archive at his Japanese alma mater that will include drafts of his best-selling novels, his translation work and his massive collection of music. Murakami, 69, began writing after graduating from Waseda University in 1975, and his latest novel, “Killing Commendatore”, recently hit US bookstores.Murakami said the archive and library project will develop as he contributes materials in the years to come and he wants to see it stimulate cultural exchanges. The writer announced the plan Sunday at his first news conference in his home country in 37 years. Here are some of his comments from the event:Question: What is the Murakami Library is going to be like?Answer: I hope this (library) would become a place of open international exchanges for literature and culture. And I would definitely want to create a room where we can hold seminars for such exchanges. I also hope to eventually set up a scholarship, which would be perfect. And if I’m allowed to wish even more, I also hope to create a space that functions as a study where my record collection and books are stored. It would be wonderful if we get to play records for concerts. In my study, I have my own space, such as a collection of records, audio equipment and some books. The idea (for the library) is to create an atmosphere like that, not to create a replica of my study. I believe a college campus should have an alternative place that you can drop by. I would like to get involved actively and cooperate if there is a chance, though I’m getting rather old so I’m not sure how much I get to do.Q: What is the significance of literature today?A: I believe the main power of novels is narratives. If a narrative has enough power to come straight into your heart, then that can be convertible beyond language barriers. I believe novels have an internal power of making breakthroughs by using stories as their strength. And I’d be happy if there are people, regardless of their age, who pursue such efforts. I think it would be difficult to develop such strengths if you only stay in a single culture.Q: Is music inseparable to your stories?A: I wake up at 4 am or 4:30 am in the morning and start working. The night before I choose records that I plan to listen to the next day, like I used to put next to my pillow what to take to an elementary school outing. I write listening to the music, and it’s my pleasure.Q: What do foreign books and translation mean to you?A: I started reading foreign literature as a teenager. It was like opening a window and breathing in fresh air, or seeing different scenery. Because my parents both specialized in Japanese literature, I also wanted to do something different. I extremely enjoy translation, the process of converting one language to another, and I still like it very much. Even today I don’t consider translation as work, it’s more like my hobby. Translation, however, has been very useful for writing novels. Awareness that a language is exchangeable could make a difference as to what I write. It’s not that I try to write sentences that are easier to translate, but I feel differently just with the awareness that this can be converted and read by people in different languages.Also:LOS ANGELES: Nanci Ryder may have lost her ability to use her voice in the four years since she was diagnosed with ALS, but that doesn’t mean the legendary publicist wasn’t heard on Sunday at the LA County Walk to Defeat ALS.After receiving this year’s Walk Hero Award from Renee Zellweger and Courteney Cox, “Bold and the Beautiful” actor Don Diamont read a letter from the BWR Public Relations co-founder after explaining that they have been friends for more than 35 years.“They don’t call ALS progressive and devastating for a nothing, but I...remember how awestruck I was when people gathered around me in support, to feel the warmth when I look at the faces of so many people cheering me for being so brave,” Diamont said. “I could hear the words from friends and even strangers telling me, ‘You are not alone’. Who knew that this would be the greatest gift of the disease.”He continued, “I never intended to be courageous or inspirational but according to this award apparently, I am. So, I ask you all today to promise me that no matter what you will never, ever give up.”Since joining the walk four years ago, Team Nanci has raised more than $600,000.“She keeps moving the goal post and defying expectations every year,” Zellweger told Variety. “This is the very least we can do to come out and show our support and to show her that she’s not going through this alone.”Also one of the many wearing a “Team Nancy” t-shirt was actress Billie Lourd. “I’ve known her since I was three years old,” she said. “And she is the most incredible inspirational woman I know, hands down.”Team Nanci also included Dr Justin Ichida, Kathy Maffei, Tom Maffei, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, Bruce Bozzi, Justine Bateman, publicists Jennifer Allen, Melissa Kates, Nicole Perna, Brett Ruttenberg and Jay Schwartz, APA’s Jonathan Perry, Tracy Reese and brothers Lawrence and Gregory Zarian.Produced by the ALS Golden West chapter, the 16th annual walk took place at Exposition Park with opening ceremonies hosted by Fox 11’s Elex Michaelson. Golden West supports people living with ALS throughout California and Hawaii. (Agencies)