Symbols
This room in a house represents safety and comfort for Mikage.
What is the kitchen?
Yuichi and Mikage say this theme surrounds them.
What is death?
This item, which Mikage and Yuichi care for in Eriko’s apartment, symbolizes growth and health.
What is a plant?
Mikage travels to this place to deliver food to Yuichi.
What is the inn?
This character states: “The place I like best in this world is the kitchen.”
Who is Mikage?
This Japanese dish becomes a symbol of support and care.
What is Katsudon?
After her grandmother’s death, Mikage finds comfort in preparing food alone due to this theme.
What is grief?
Yuichi helps Mikage write these after she moves in.
What are change-of-address cards?
Mikage stays here after the death of her grandmother, finding comfort.
What is Yuichi/Eriko’s apartment?
This character says: “It’s not easy being a woman”
Who is Eriko?
This item can represent rest, comfort, or coziness.
What is a sofa?
Someone feels disconnected from others, mentally and physically.
What is isolation?
This item from Eriko serves as a final message to Yuichi.
What is Eriko’s letter/will?
When visiting this location, Mikage points out that “this is the first time we’ve ever been to __ together”.
What is the tea shop/cafe?
This character says: “No matter what, I want to continue living with the awareness that I will die. Without that, I am not alive”
Who is Mikage?
This item is made for when people want to communicate or connect over long distances.
What is a Telephone?
Yuichi feels pressure due to this theme and acts emotionally distant.
What is gender/gender roles?
This object stays by Mikage’s side and helps her feel safe immediately after her grandma dies.
What is the refrigerator?
This is a place where Eriko owns and works.
What is Eriko’s club?
This character says: “So, I’ve become an orphan”
Who is Yuichi?
This symbol appears to guide Mikage, frequently appearing alongside other symbols.
What is light?
Throughout Kitchen, moments of imagery, like the changing of seasons, reflect the characters' emotions, evoking this theme.
What is nature?
When Eriko dies, Mikage takes this item from the apartment.
What is the red sweater?
This place is characterized by its yellow-green colored floors.
What is Mikage’s grandmother’s kitchen?
This character says “I can’t believe in the gods”
Who is Chika?