Socrates in Love

Socrates in Love, also known as is a Japanese novel written by Kyoichi Katayama. It was published by Shogakukan in April 2001. The novel and the manga adaptation (illustrated by Kazumi Kazui) are published in the United States by VIZ Media under the title Socrates in Love. In 2005, the film was remade as My Girl and I in South Korea and the Korean remake aired on August 26, 2006 in Japan. The Japanese title of the Korean film is You are the Center of my World (僕の、世界の中心は、君だ Boku no, Sekai no Chūshin wa, Kimi da).

When initially released only 8,000 copies of the book were printed. A year after its publication, celebrity Kou Shibasaki wrote: "I read it thoroughly even though it made me cry. I wished to have a such a relationship in my life." The book became a bestseller. By May 2004 over 3 million copies were sold, exceeding the sales record of Norwegian Wood. In 2004, Shibasaki acted in a film version.

Plot summary

In a small town in 1980s southern Japan, Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto and Aki Hirose, classmates all through junior high, become high school students and then fall in love. They share audio diaries, go on excursions together, and enjoy summer vacation.

However, Aki finds herself suffering from Leukemia and begins to weaken, rendering her unable to see Saku or go outside. Saku is desperate to take her to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia (the "Center of the World"), a place she had wished to visit. Saku buys tickets,...
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