Kitchen/Food Items
Mikage sleeps next to this object on the floor that she finds comfort with.
What is the fridge?
Yuichi uses this as a coping mechanism
What is Alcohol?
This theme is present in the left-most category of this jeopardy board.
What is Food?
This character is the one who initially invites Mikage into their apartment.
Who is Yuichi?
“I’m Yuichi’s mother. My name is Eriko”
Who is Eriko
Eriko enjoys this dish and it brings her and Mikage closer together.
What is soupy rice?
This place symbolizes the natural and comforting repetitions of life.
What is the Kitchen?
This theme is most prominent during Mikage’s grandmother’s death.
What is Grief/Isolation?
This character is an advocate for sleeping next to home appliances.
Who is Mikage?
“When was it i realized that, on this truly dark and solidarity path we all walk, the only way we can light is our own?”
Who is Mikage?
Mikage really wants to have Yuichi try this.
What is Katsudon?
These are symbols for hope and joy throughout the novel, but also loss, despair and sadness.
What is light/night?
This theme riddles the novel, with symbols like Soupy Rice, the Sofa, and the Kitchen Floor.
What is Comfort?
Yuichi grew close to this character while she was still alive.
Who is Mikage’s Grandmother?
“I love your honest heart, Mikage. The grandmother who raised you must have been a wonderful person”
Who is Eriko?
This is given to show hospitality.
What is tea?
These items are seen in Yuichi’s work, and are used to symbolize growth, and the circle of life, and eventual death.
What are Flowers/Plants?
Yuichi displays this theme throughout the novel.
What is Masculinity?
Yuichi puts off calling Eriko with news regarding this character.
Who is Eriko?
“Would you like to come in for some tea?”
Who is Yuichi?
Someone's dying family member gives this to them.
What is the pineapple plant?
This item symbolizes the different aspects of the personalities of characters like Eriko and Yuichi, who present themselves as tough, but inside express sensitive and vulnerable forms of emotion.
What is the Pineapple Plant?
Surprisingly, the book comments on this theme, despite the public sentiment at the time.
What is (Trans)gender violence/Dysphoria?
These characters have tasty sounding names.
Who are Nori and Kuri?
“A LIGHTHOUSE IN THE DISTANCE—TO THE TWO OF US IN THE NIGHT THE SPINNING LIGHT LOOKS LIKE SUNSHINE THROUGH THE BRANCHES OF TREES”
Who are Yuichi and Mikage?