Michio Suzuki, 87, of Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, met renowned novelist Yukio Mishima (1925-70) in March 1953 when he was working at Kamishima Lighthouse in Toba, Mie Prefecture.

Since then, they exchanged letters, nine of which Suzuki has kept for more than 50 years.

"(The letters were) like love letters. He was such a kind person," Suzuki said.