I commuted to the prestigious Hibiya High School from my uncle's home in Tokyo. During the high school years, I developed an interest in chemistry, so upon graduation, I chose to take an entrance examination for the Department of Chemistry of the University of Kyoto, the old capital of Japan.

In this quote, Susumu Tonegawa reflects on his early educational experiences and the path that led him to pursue a career in chemistry. He describes his daily commute to the prestigious Hibiya High School from his uncle’s home in Tokyo, which indicates the importance of his schooling in shaping his academic journey. The mention of Hibiya High School highlights the competitive and academically rigorous environment that influenced his growth as a student.

Tonegawa mentions developing an interest in chemistry during his high school years, marking a pivotal moment in his life. This interest led him to pursue further studies in the field, and upon graduation, he chose to take the entrance examination for the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kyoto. Kyoto, being the ancient capital of Japan, carries significant cultural and historical importance, and choosing to study there indicates Tonegawa's desire to be part of an institution with a long-standing tradition of excellence.

The origin of this quote lies in Tonegawa’s reflection on his formative years, where his passion for science took root. His decision to focus on chemistry and pursue a degree at a prestigious institution like the University of Kyoto was a crucial step in his eventual success, leading to groundbreaking research in immunology that earned him the Nobel Prize. His journey underscores the importance of early academic influences in shaping future discoveries.

Tonegawa’s story demonstrates the power of curiosity, determination, and education in guiding one’s career path. His quote serves as a reminder of the significance of nurturing intellectual interests from a young age and the role that prestigious institutions and hard work play in shaping one’s future.