Reiko’s Departure and Reentry

This flow follows Reiko from long-term refuge at Ami Hostel toward a cautious return to the outside world.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Chosen Refuge

Life Behind the Gate A settled role Reiko lives at Ami Hostel for years, teaching music and helping residents. She values the community and its practical rhythm. Fear beyond the grounds Although she is not physically confined, leaving would mean losing the place that supports her. Her long stay reflects both belonging and fear of renewed involvement with the outside world.

A Teacher Among Residents

Music and Mutual Aid Shared responsibility Reiko explains that residents and staff help one another, with each person contributing whatever skill they possess. She teaches music and learns from others in turn. An invitation to openness She encourages Watanabe and Naoko to speak honestly. Her view of healing is relational: asking for help matters as much as offering it.

The Story of the Student

Trauma and Retreat Betrayal and rumor Reiko recounts how a student coerced her and then falsely accused her. The neighborhood accepts the accusation, magnifying the harm through social isolation. Another collapse Unable to endure the strain, Reiko attempts suicide and later divorces her husband. Her account explains why the outside world feels dangerous even after years of recovery.

Naoko’s Last Visit

A Future Imagined Plans together Naoko visits Reiko, appears unusually well, and speaks about leaving the sanatorium to live with her. She burns old letters and papers as part of her wish to begin again. Hope misread Reiko believes Naoko has found a direction. The apparent calm makes the abruptness of her later death especially devastating.

Leaving for Asahikawa

Stepping Outside A visit to Watanabe Reiko leaves Ami Hostel and travels to Tokyo to speak with Watanabe. She admits that Naoko and he gave her the reason to leave. A tentative destination She plans to work at a music school in Asahikawa. Her departure does not erase her fear, but it turns fear into a risk she is willing to take.

The years before Watanabe meets Reiko

Autumn 1969, during Watanabe’s visit

Reiko’s life before her long stay at Ami Hostel

25 August, shortly before Naoko’s death

After Naoko’s funeral, in autumn 1970