In 1990, Masato Nagata published the first ever computation of fully nonlinear, finite-amplitude invariant solutions in planar Couette flow. In his paper, he mixed dynamical systems theory, fluid dynamics and computational science, and it has garnered nearly three hundred citations over the years and has had an enourmous impact on the analysis of turbulence as a dynamical system. In this interview, Prof. Nagata shares some of the long, arduous and occasionally joyful journey to this landmark contribution.