A Child and His Parents

Strangers (Taichi Yamada Edition)

This emotional flow examines how Hideo’s recovered experience of being loved changes what he can imagine giving his own son.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Inherited Absence The Inherited Absence from "Strangers". The Inherited Absence After the deaths of Hideo’s parents, Hideo learns to rely on himself rather than depend on anyone’s care.

The Inherited Absence from "Strangers". The Inherited Absence After the deaths of Hideo’s parents, Hideo learns to rely on himself rather than depend on anyone’s care.

The Inherited Absence After the deaths of Hideo’s parents, Hideo learns to rely on himself rather than depend on anyone’s care. A Defensive Adaptation His survival depends on fitting into new households and suppressing the visible signs of grief. A Later Limitation The skill protects him in adulthood but makes closeness with Ayako and Shigeki more difficult.

A Father’s Distance A Father’s Distance from "Strangers". A Father’s Distance Hideo and Shigeki drift apart as Shigeki becomes less responsive to his father.

A Father’s Distance from "Strangers". A Father’s Distance Hideo and Shigeki drift apart as Shigeki becomes less responsive to his father.

A Father’s Distance Hideo and Shigeki drift apart as Shigeki becomes less responsive to his father. Resignation Instead of Repair Hideo prepares for disappointment rather than asking what might help his son feel understood. A Bond Left Open Though he says he will forget Shigeki, Hideo’s later thoughts show that the bond remains important.

Parental Love Reexperienced Parental Love Reexperienced from "Strangers". Parental Love Reexperienced Hideo’s returned parents treat him as a son, fussing over food, games, and his comfort.

Parental Love Reexperienced from "Strangers". Parental Love Reexperienced Hideo’s returned parents treat him as a son, fussing over food, games, and his comfort.

Parental Love Reexperienced Hideo’s returned parents treat him as a son, fussing over food, games, and his comfort. A New Understanding He experiences the security he once missed and recognizes that dependence can be a way of receiving love. A Lesson for Fatherhood The experience helps him imagine that Shigeki might also need care rather than judgment.

An Attempt to Reach His Son An Attempt to Reach His Son from "Strangers". An Attempt to Reach His Son Hideo tries to invite Shigeki to lunch, hoping to offer him the kind of affection Hideo has just received.

An Attempt to Reach His Son from "Strangers". An Attempt to Reach His Son Hideo tries to invite Shigeki to lunch, hoping to offer him the kind of affection Hideo has just received.

An Attempt to Reach His Son Hideo tries to invite Shigeki to lunch, hoping to offer him the kind of affection Hideo has just received. A Missed Opportunity Shigeki is away in America, so the planned meeting cannot happen. A Changed Intention For the first time in a long while, Hideo is actively seeking a relationship rather than avoiding disappointment.

A Tentative Invitation A Tentative Invitation from "Strangers". A Tentative Invitation Hideo thanks Shigeki for helping move his belongings and asks him to dinner.

A Tentative Invitation from "Strangers". A Tentative Invitation Hideo thanks Shigeki for helping move his belongings and asks him to dinner.

A Tentative Invitation Hideo thanks Shigeki for helping move his belongings and asks him to dinner. A Reserved Reply Shigeki gives no firm date, but he does not reject the idea. A Quiet Hope Hideo values the small opening, showing a more patient approach to his son than before.

from Hideo’s twelfth year

during Shigeki’s adolescence

during Hideo’s August visits

after the parents’ final visit

after Hideo’s hospital discharge