themes
This theme is reflected in the multiple deaths experienced by Mikage and Yuichi.
What is grief/loss/mourning?
This character loses her parents and her grandparents at a young age, finds comfort in the kitchen, and teaches herself how to cook.
Who is Mikage?
This symbol, which appears when Mikage purchases fried pork for Yuichi, stands for community and unity.
What is food?
This motif represents relaxing and calming down after a loss.
What is cleaning?
Mikage’s moves in with these two people after her grandmother dies.
Who are Eriko and Yuici Tanabe?
This theme is reflected when Mikage moves in with Yuichi and Eriko.
What is home/family?
This character owns her own nightclub and is killed by a stalker.
Who is Eriko?
This symbol represents opposing sides and the idea of being against each other.
What is light and dark?
This motif represents being alone and loneliness.
What is tv?
Mikage sleeps here while living alone in her grandmother’s apartment.
Where is by the refrigerator?
This central theme is also a common motif and symbol found in the kitchen.
What is food/cooking?
This character passes away at the beginning of the novel.
Who is Mikage's Grandmother?
When Mikage sends this item in the mail, it represents Mikage’s trust in the Tanabe family to take care of her.
What are the change of address letters?
This motif represents a sense of joy and a small sense of belonging in the novel.
What is music?
This character worked part time at Mikage's grandmothers favorite flower shop.
Who is Yuichi?
This theme is often expressed by the Yoshimoto through silence.
What is loneliness?
This character is Mikage’s plant-obsessed ex-boyfriend.
Who is Sotaro?
This item symbolizes trying to make the most out of life and making it what you want it to be.
What is the juicer?
This motif often represents the themes of Isolation and loneliness.
What is silence?
A gift given to Mikage by Eriko at the same time she brings home the juicer
What is the banana print bowl?
This theme is represented through Erkio’s bringing Mikage into the family, and Mikage’s understanding of Eriko’s transness.
What is acceptance?
This character hates Mikage due to her previous relationship with Yuichi.
Near the end of the novel, this symbol represents sacrifice and the journey to happiness through hard times.
What is Mikage’s cut?
This motif represents a guide for Mikage to find her way home and to lead her through the darkness.
What are stars?
Mikage and Sotaro go here to talk.
Where is a coffee shop and the park?