Theme Player
A feeling experienced by both Yuichi and Mikage after the loss of family members such as Mikage’s grandparents and the loss of Eriko.
What is grief?
this thing serves as a symbol for mikage’s personal sanctuary, and also symbolizes the natural rhythms of life
What is the kitchen
“But yes, till I find another place to live, I’d really appreciate your putting me up.”
Who is Mikage?
Mikage enjoys this activity in the kitchen for it brings her comfort
What is cooking
This protagonist is an orphan who likes to spend her time in kitchens.
Who is Mikage Sakurai?
This theme is the feeling Mikage feels when in the kitchen and on the couch in Eriko and Yuichi’s apartment.
What is comfort?
These two things are implied to symbolize magic and emotion
What is the moon and light
“I mean, it’s good, but still, it’s just tofu.”
Who is Yuichi?
This is the food Mikage eats after eating at the French restaurant that served everything she disliked
What is katsudon
At the start of the book, this family offered Mikage a place to stay. They all grew close and Mikago has feelings for one of the family members by the end of the book.
Who is Yuichi and Enriko Tanabe
Baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me, no more. This theme can be both familial and romantic, both of which can be seen in this novel.
What is love?
This object represents the growing bond that the characters have while being in the same house
what is food
“Who ever would have thought the club would be so busy tonight?”
Who is Eriko?
This is a sweet treat that Mikage mentions she likes to make in her free time.
What is cake
After her parents died, the character raised Mikage and passed away before the book starts
Who is Mikage’s grandmother?
These events faced by many characters result in this theme: murder, old age, and in this case, cancer as well.
What is Death?
These objects represent that Mikage is never alone and that Eriko cares for her
What are plants
“Of course, no doubt about it, you’re in love.”
Who is Chika?
This food is what Yuichi gripes about not having after having a meal full of tofu.
What is rice
Mikage met up with this character from a past relationship for some tea.
Who is Sotaro
This theme is one of the reasons Eriko was murdered, relating to something she realized about herself after the death of her wife.
What are trans issues?
This new thing represents that the world is changing around Mikage and that she is changing around it
What is technology
“Funny, isn’t it, we haven’t seen each other in all this time and we talk about the weather.”
Who is Sotaro?
This food essentially is a foundation for Mikage and Yuichi’s relationship
What is Pork
This character confronts Mikagi about her living situation with Yuichi, who she sees is her boyfriend.
Who is Okunu