Potpourri
This is what Eriko opened up after becoming a woman.
A traditional pot/pan used to fry and cook.
What is a Wok?
This theme is central to "Kitchen" as the protagonist copes with losing her loved ones.
What is grief and loss?
This character invites Mikage to dinner at the beginning of the novel.
Who is Yuichi?
This is the room Mikage feels safest in.
This is where Mikage slept after her grandmother died but before Eriko took her in.
What is a kitchen?
This is the food Mikage gave to Yuichi when he was trying to run away.
What is Katsudon?
Throughout "Kitchen," the protagonist finds solace and support in her relationships with others, exploring this theme.
What is family and relationships?
This character invites Mikage to live with them.
Who is Eriko?
This is the large piece of furniture that seemed inviting to Mikage in Eriko’s home.
What is the sofa?
This is the item Eriko used to beat down her assailant.
What is a barbell?
This is the drink that Mikage spilled while meeting with Sotaro.
What is tea?
"Kitchen" explores the journey of self-discovery and finding one's identity amidst life's challenges.
What is identity and self-discovery?
This character is Mikage’s ex-boyfriend.
Who is Sotaro?
Mikage was first able to fall asleep next to this kitchen appliance after her grandma died.
What is a refrigerator?
This is where Mikage’s boss tells her she needs to go on a work trip to.
What is the Izu Peninsula?
This is the fruit on the glass that Yuichi gave to Mikage.
What is a banana?
The kitchen serves as a symbol of comfort, reflecting this theme.
What is home and belonging?
This character accuses Mikage of emasculating Yuichi.
Who is Okuno?
These cards symbolize Mikage’s acceptance of the loss of her family.
What are the change of address cards?
This is the structure Yuichi and Mikage both had a shared dream about.
What is a lighthouse?
This Plant sits in the corner of the room of the dying grandma.
What is a pineapple plant?
"Kitchen" portrays the journey of acceptance and healing as the protagonist comes to terms with her past.
What is acceptance and healing?
These two characters are Mikage’s colleagues in cooking school.
Who is Nori and Kuri?
Erikos wife wanted this object to be taken out of her room as she was dying.
What is a pineapple plant