Through swimming, I wanted to reclaim our pride as Japanese people.

I wanted to prove that the Japanese, too, could compete with the world.

The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.

-- Pelé

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.

-- Bruce Lee

Diplomacy without arms is like music without instruments.

-- Frederick II of Prussia

If you want to be happy, be.

-- Leo Tolstoy

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

-- Carl von Clausewitz

I shall dedicate myself utterly, giving everything until death claims me.

-- Zhuge Liang