(Note: I use AI to help me translate my stories from Japanese to English.)
If you know someone with autism, want to learn more about autism, or are simply looking for a unique book, this book is for you.
I have read this book five times.
It was first published in Japan in 2007, and the English version came out in 2013. As of 2022, it has sold more than 1.2 million copies worldwide.
The author, Naoki Higashida, was born in Japan in 1992. He is a writer, poet, and author of picture books. Although he has autism, he is able to communicate through writing.
I have also read some of his picture books, and they are of high quality.
People with autism often have difficulty communicating with others. However, Higashida is able to express himself through writing.
Before reading this book, I didn’t realize that people with autism have such a rich inner world. They feel happiness, sadness, and emotions just like we do.
In this book, Higashida answers 58 questions about autism and his own experiences. For example:
“Why do you take ages to answer questions?”
“What kind of TV programs do you enjoy?”
“Why are your facial expressions so limited?”
By reading this book, you can gain a deeper understanding of both autism and Higashida himself.
While reading, I found three things about Higashida especially interesting:
- He enjoys experiencing nature. He writes that nature embraces humans and considers it his friend. Nature soothes him when he feels angry.
- He does not like races or competitions. He does not feel happy even when he wins against others. I found this very unique and interesting.
- He sees the world differently from what we might call “typical” people. He sees it beautifully and describes this as a privilege of having autism. Because of this, he sometimes feels pity for people without autism.
He explains that most people see the whole picture first and then notice the details, while people with autism tend to notice details first and only later understand the whole.
I once saw a drawing of a running horse by a person with autism in a book. It was incredibly detailed—almost like a photograph. The horse looked real.
I think people with autism may see the world like a camera, capturing details exactly as they are. In contrast, most people see the world through words and concepts, which can prevent them from seeing things as they truly are.
There are four memorable sentences in the book:
- Our feelings are the same as everyone else’s, but we can’t find a way to express them.
- Nothing is more important than being able to express myself.
- But now, even if somebody developed a medicine to cure autism, I might well choose to stay as I am.
- The hardest ordeal for us is the idea that we are causing grief for other people.
I found the fourth sentence especially powerful. I had never realized how deeply people with autism may struggle internally. The idea that they might cause trouble or sadness for others can be their greatest burden. Higashida also writes that he cannot do many things that others can, which sometimes makes him feel miserable.
At the end of the book, there is a short story written by Higashida. When I first read it, I was deeply moved and even cried. It is both touching and heartwarming. It reminded me a little of Toshishun by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, but I enjoyed this story even more.
The title of the book is The Reason I Jump. Higashida explains why he jumps in the book, but I won’t reveal it here. Please discover the reason for yourself.
I really like this book, and I wondered why. I realized it is because Higashida has a pure heart. His words feel gentle and natural, almost like something that comes from nature itself.
Although he is an adult, he has a childlike heart. I mean this as a compliment, not a criticism. His purity makes this book special. Reading it feels like a gentle spring breeze—very comforting.
After reading the book, I felt that Higashida spends a lot of time reflecting on himself—on his feelings and what brings him happiness.
While many people focus on money, fame, or success, Higashida looks inward. He has a rich inner world.
People often assume that if someone doesn’t speak, they don’t think. However, I believe that even those who do not speak are thinking and feeling deeply inside.
This book will change your perception of autism in a positive way. If you have the chance, I highly recommend reading it.