The Shizuko Interlude

Chronicles Yozo's time as a kept man with Shizuko, the magazine journalist, and his brief role as a father figure to Shigeko.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Introduction

The Meeting at Horiki's The Woman from the Magazine Shizuko came to Horiki's house to collect an illustration. She was a tall, thin woman, twenty-eight, with a five-year-old daughter. The Pity She said to Yozo, "You look like someone who's had an unhappy childhood." She offered him a place to stay. The Acceptance Yozo, with nowhere else to go, accepted. He became a kept man.

The Kite in the Wires

The Symbol of Trappedness The Torn Kite Outside the window, a kite was caught in the telegraph wires, ripped by the wind. Yozo saw it as a symbol of his own condition. The Daily Routine Shizuko went to work, and Yozo looked after Shigeko. He drew cartoons and felt a growing depression. The Smile of Embarrassment Every time he looked at the kite, he smiled with embarrassment. He knew he was trapped, but he could not escape.

The Father Figure

The Little Girl's Trust Shigeko's Affection Shigeko began to call Yozo "Daddy." She was delighted to have a playmate. Yozo felt a tenderness that surprised him. The Question of God Shigeko asked if God grants wishes. Yozo thought to himself, "I don't suppose Daddy has a chance." He felt unworthy of even prayer. The Moment of Warmth Despite his depression, the time with Shigeko was a brief respite. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of being needed.

The Stealing Incident

The Betrayal of Trust The Pawned Clothes Yozo stole Shizuko's underrobes and sashes to pawn for drink. He spent two nights away from home. The Return When he came back, he heard Shizuko and Shigeko playing with a rabbit. He realized they were happy without him. He felt like a fool. The Decision to Leave He shut the door softly and went to the Ginza, never to return to the apartment. He ended his life as a kept man with Shizuko.

the day Yozo ran away from Flatfish

first week in Koenji apartment

during the Koenji period

after a year, when the cherry trees were leafing