Who said it?
“Houses always feel like that after someone has died”
Mikage’s deep bond with her grandmother, and later her growing connection with Yuichi reflect this theme, showing how relationships can provide comfort and meaning in the midst of loss.
(Baby don't hurt me)
This represents how Mikage processes grief and connects to her memories of her grandmother, especially during quiet, reflective moments.
What do Songs represent?
What Significant loss does Yuichi Face?
What is Eriko's Death?
How does Yuichi deal with the loss of Eriko?
What is being with Mikage?
“That won’t be necessary. We’ll be finished very soon,”
Who is Okuno?
This theme dominates the early part of the novel as Mikage mourns the death of her grandmother and struggles with feelings of emptiness.
What is Grief?
This fruit, found in Eriko’s kitchen, reflects her personality- tough and guarded on the outside, but full of sweetness and warmth once you get close.
What does the Pineapple represent?
What loss does Mikage face?
What is her Grandma's Death?
What is transitioning into a woman?
“Sounds great, doesn’t it? There’s going to be French food and all kinds of seafood, too”
Mikage’s ability to open up and let others into her life after her grandmother’s death, especially Yuichi.
What is Trust?
After her grandmother’s death, Mikage no longer feels at home in this location, which comes to represent the emptiness and loneliness she’s trying to escape.
What does Mikage’s Old Apartment represent?
What significant change does Mikage make after she finally becomes close with Yuichi?
What is moving in with Yuichi and Eriko?
What does the story say about the coexistence of joy and sorrow in everyday life?
Kitchen shows moments of happiness that can still exist in deep grief and provide healing.
“He got that from her, and this is the dark side of that independence”
Who is Chika?
As Mikage copes with her grief and finds independence through cooking and living on her own, she slowly shapes a new sense of self…
What is Identity?
Delivered to Yuichi in the middle of the night, this dish becomes a symbol of Mikage’s care, and the comfort food represents her emotional support during his time of mourning.
What does the Bowl of Katsudon represent?
What significant event happens right before Eriko's death
What is Dinner with Yuichi and Eriko?
How does cooking help Mikage deal with the grief of losing her grandmother?
Cooking helps Mikage regain a sense of comfort, control, and connection to the people she’s lost.
“I hear fresh-squeezed juice gives you beautiful skin”
Who is Eriko?
Through simple nurturing acts like cooking meals and quiet companionship, it is a slow, non-linear process that takes root in everyday rituals and shared spaces, especially in the kitchen.
What is Healing?
Seen near the end of the novel, this structure represents Mikage’s emotional clarity and her realization that she’s moving forward after loss, toward hope and renewal.
What does the Lighthouse represent?
What does Mikage find to improve her ability to deal with her Grandma's loss?
What is Cooking?
How does loss/death shape identity and personal growth in the story?
The deaths Mikage experiences force her to confront who she is and ultimately guide her toward emotional independence and resilience.