Themes
Eriko is transgender. The novel centers one theme around her.
What is Gender
This symbol represents life and when Mikage feels overwhelmed by the presence of death.
What is the Kitchen
Communication, is what this household item symbolizes
What is a Telephone
This character is Mikage’s practical ex-boyfriend.
Who is Sotaro
This person is most likely to become a story teller of previous traditions.
Who is Grandma
The killing of Eriko was an act of hatred.
What is Violence
This symbol is given to Eriko’s wife when she is in the hospital.
What is the Pineapple Plant
This Household area represents the repetition of life
What is the Kitchen
These characters are dead and related to Mikage.
Who are the Dead Parents
This person is most likely to pursue a job in Healthcare, or taking care of other people
Who is Eriko
Mikage feels this when she is in the kitchen, and it combats her sense of loss and grief.
What is Comfort
This symbol represents the escape from reality.
What is Alcohol
This Household item helps with sharing, connection, and comfort
What is the Fridge
These characters are Mikage’s colleagues at cooking school.
Who are Nori and Kuri
This person is most likely to pursue a career in planning, to demonstrate their own creativity and management skills.
Who is Chika
The death of her grandmother caused Mikage to reject her feelings for Yuichi.
What is Isolation
This serves as a powerful symbol of hope and guidance.
What is the Lighthouse
This Household Item is where moments of Vulnerability is shown, along with company
What is the Sofa
This character teaches Mikage how to cook.
Who is Sensei
This person is most likely to prioritize building relationships, and exploring emotions.
Who is Yuichi
This theme persists throughout the book, as characters undergo feelings of anger, loss, and happiness.
What is Mental Health
This symbol represents the climb through life, and how you must go through the good and bad to reach the end goal.
What is the Ladder
This Household Item represents beauty, renewal, and fragility while also reminding of the cycle of life
What is Flowers
This character feels threatened by Yuichi’s bond with Mikage.
Who is Okuno
This person is most likely to become a traveler or a navigator of life by their own ways.
Who is Mikage