Country of Cherry Blossoms - Part 2 of
Yūnagi no Machi, Sakura no Kuni
The mood of the setting in "Country of Cherry Blossoms,"
The second part of "Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms," is quiet and subtle.
The story is set 33 years after the atomic
bombing
of
Hiroshima,
and
the
long-lasting effects of the bombing are felt
throughout the country. The narrative is
not primarily concerned with survivor
mentality but rather with the day-to-day
acts of living, with the bomb serving as a
quiet, subtle shadow in the background.
The story is neither happy nor downright
horrible, but rather a touching and
important work about an important topic
that showcases generations of tragedy
and misunderstandings generated by the
bombing.
Plot
"Country of Cherry Blossoms" is divided into two parts, each taking place in Tokyo in 1987 and
2004, respectively. The first chapter introduces Nanami Ishikawa, Minami's niece and Asahi's
daughter. Nicknamed "Goemon" by her peers, Nanami possesses an adventurous tomboy
nature. Following a baseball practice mishap that leaves her with a bleeding nose, she decides
to skip the rest of the practice and visit her brother Nagio, who is hospitalized due to asthma.
During her journey, she encounters her friend and next-door neighbor, Toko Tone, a gentle and
graceful girl who lends her money for the bus ride and accompanies her.When they reach
Nagio, he tells them their grandmother, Fujimi, is undergoing tests. Nanami seizes the chance to
throw cherry blossoms into the air, making everyone around them laugh. Fujimi catches her and
scolds Nanami for disturbing her brother, concerned that it could worsen his asthma. Nanami's
father doesn't scold her, but she later reveals he didn't do it because he had a lot on his mind.
Subsequently, it becomes evident that their grandmother's health wasn’t going to allow her to
live for longer. Before long, their family moves closer to the hospital because Nagio needs to
stay there more often. Nanami reveals her dream is "to become a well-behaved girl like Toko,"
but ultimately abandons that aspiration, frequently finding herself in trouble.
In the second chapter, Nanami is a 28-year-old office worker who lives with her father. Nagio is
pursuing a medical degree and working as an intern at the same hospital where Toko is
employed as a nurse. Nanami confides in Nagio that she believes their father may be "losing it,"
as he returns with a sunburn after being gone for two days, insisting he had gone for a walk.
On a different day, Nanami decides to follow her father, unexpectedly encountering Toko, who
again joins her on the adventure—the two journey to Hiroshima, shadowing Asahi as he meets
with unfamiliar individuals. Toko briefly departs to visit Peace Park while Nanami continues to
tail Asahi. Her pursuit leads her to a graveyard, where she witnesses Asahi paying respects at
the Hirano family graves. Amid her exploration, Nanami stumbles upon a note in Toko's jacket.
The note, written by her brother, discloses that Toko's parents asked Nagio to stop seeing Toko
due to uncertainties about whether his asthma stems from birth or is an environmental
consequence of the bombing.
The story shifts to Asahi's perspective, reminiscing how he met his late wife, Kyoka Ota, whom
Fujimi initially hired to assist with her sewing business after Minami's passing. Asahi, who
returned to Hiroshima for further education, takes on the role of teaching Kyoka various skills.
People perceive Kyoka as "slow" and mentally affected by the bombing. Later, he reflects on
how he proposed that Kyoka move in with them and expressed his intention to marry her.
Fujimi, however, disapproves, conveying her disappointment that Asahi wishes to marry a
survivor of the bombing. It is revealed that Kyoka died young at the age of 38.
After their ride back home, Nanami orchestrates a reunion between Toko and Nagio, subtly
suggesting they explore a romantic relationship. She then confronts her father, questioning his
unannounced trip to Hiroshima. Asahi discloses that he visited on the 49th anniversary of his
sister's death, explaining that Nanami reminds him of Minami. He conveys Minami's hypothetical
wish for Nanami's happiness and offers to introduce her to people from his singles group, much
to Nanami's annoyance.
To sum it all up, the second part of Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms deals
with;
1. The long-lasting effects of the atomic bombing on the people of Hiroshima
2. The stigma and fear surrounding the health impacts of the bombing
3. The complexities of human relationships and the struggle to cope with tragedy
4. The importance of memory and the role it plays in personal and collective identity
5. The transience of life, as symbolized by the cherry blossoms, which bloom for a brief period
and then fall.
Themes
1.Trauma (Both Generational and Transgenerational)
Generational Trauma: The manga explores how Japan's trauma from the atomic bombings
marginalizes survivors and their descendants, impacting individuals like Nanami in various
ways. This generational trauma examines the origin and transmission of issues, illustrating how
historical events like the Hiroshima bombing continue to affect subsequent generations.
Transgenerational Trauma: Academic circles refer to this type of trauma as transgenerational
trauma, which explores how issues originate, relate to negative impacts, and become breeding
grounds for further trauma. The manga delves into how characters like Minami and Nanami
navigate the repercussions of war trauma that have been passed down through their family
history.
This generational trauma influences Nanami's childhood experiences and shapes her
perception of her family's past. Despite living away from Hiroshima, Nanami develops an
interest in her family's history and embarks on a journey to rediscover the past, seeking to
understand the impact of the atomic bomb on her family and community. This exploration allows
Nanami to confront the traumatic legacy of war and its enduring effects on her life.
The manga explores how healing is intertwined with the legacy of war trauma passed down
through generations, emphasizing the complexities of addressing historical wounds within
familial contexts. Characters like Nanami and Asahi grapple with inherited traumas, seeking
ways to heal and move forward while acknowledging the impact of past events on their lives.
2. Interpersonal Relationships.
Nanami, known as "Goemon," shares a close bond with her brother Nagio and her friend Toko
Tone. Her interactions with them reveal her adventurous spirit and desire for connection,
showcasing the importance of childhood relationships in shaping her character. Nanami's family
plays a significant role in her life, especially after the loss of her grandmother Fujimi and the
challenges they face together. Her relationship with her father, brother, and aunt reflects themes
of support, resilience, and coping with loss. As Nanami grows older, her relationships evolve,
highlighting themes of change and continuity. From childhood to adulthood, she navigates new
dynamics with her family members, particularly her brother Nagio and friend Toko, illustrating
the enduring impact of past connections. The presence of Toko in Nanami's life symbolizes
friendship and support across generations. Their shared experiences and adventures
underscore the
3. Healing and Resilience
Characters like Asahi navigate their own healing journeys, reflecting on past traumas and
striving to find inner peace and understanding. Through their interactions with family members
and friends, these characters engage in processes of emotional healing and growth, highlighting
the importance of interpersonal relationships in fostering resilience.
The cherry blossoms in the manga symbolize healing and resilience, offering a sense of peace
and comfort amidst personal and collective traumas. The imagery of cherry blossoms evokes a
poetic power that transcends individual experiences, providing a source of solace and beauty in
the midst of difficult circumstances.
Healing plays a crucial role in "Country of Cherry Blossoms," portraying how individuals
navigate trauma, seek inner peace, and forge paths towards emotional well-being amidst the
backdrop of historical struggles and personal hardships.
4. Family dynamics
Nanami's relationships with her family members, particularly her father and brother, play a
crucial role in how she navigates trauma. Her interactions with them reflect the complexities of
dealing with inherited trauma and seeking support from loved ones in processing the emotional
burdens associated with war experiences.
Nanami's relationship with her family members significantly impacts her ability to navigate
trauma in "Country of Cherry Blossoms." Her family history, particularly the legacy of being
second-generation atomic bomb victims, shapes her experiences. In the manga, Nanami
struggles with the aftermath of the atomic bomb, witnessing her mother's illness and facing
generational trauma. Her interactions with her family members, especially her father and
brother, reveal deep-seated issues related to the bomb's effects on their lives. This generational
trauma influences Nanami's journey of rediscovering her past and coming to terms with the
lasting impact of historical events on her family. The manga portrays how historical events like
the atomic bombings continue to affect individuals and families across generations, highlighting
the complexities of trauma and memory within familial relationships.
Nanami's relationship with her grandmother, Fujimi, in "Country of Cherry Blossoms" is
characterized by a mix of affection, discipline, and family dynamics influenced by the legacy of
war trauma. Fujimi plays a significant role in Nanami's life, as seen when she scolds Nanami for
disturbing her brother Nagio during his hospital stay due to asthma. Despite this disciplinary
aspect, there is likely a sense of care and concern underlying Fujimi's interactions with Nanami,
reflecting the complexities of familial relationships in the context of historical trauma. The
passing of Fujimi marks a poignant moment in the manga, impacting Nanami's emotional
journey and underscoring the themes of loss and generational trauma within the family. This
relationship with her grandmother contributes to Nanami's understanding of her family history
and the enduring effects of historical events on their lives.
Exploring the symbolism of Cherry Blossoms in the Second Part of
Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms
In "Country of Cherry Blossoms," the concept of healing manifests in various ways, symbolizing
resilience, renewal, and the ephemeral nature of life. Here are some key insights from the
search results that highlight how healing is portrayed in the manga:
1. Symbolism of Cherry Blossoms: The cherry blossoms in the manga serve as powerful
symbols of healing and renewal, representing the transient beauty of life and the ability to find
solace amidst adversity. The imagery of cherry blossoms conveys a sense of healing and
emotional restoration, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing
change.
2. Interpersonal Healing: Characters like Asahi and Nanami navigate their own paths towards
healing, reflecting on past traumas and seeking inner peace and understanding. Through their
personal journeys and interactions with others, these characters engage in processes of
emotional healing, growth, and reconciliation with their pasts.
3. Cultural Significance: The cultural significance of cherry blossoms in Japanese society
underscores their role as symbols of healing, hope, and shared joy during hanami (cherry
blossom viewing) festivals. The tradition of hanami celebrates the beauty and transience of
cherry blossoms, inviting people to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and find moments of
peace and connection with nature.
4. Impermanence and Reflection: The fleeting bloom of cherry blossoms highlights the
impermanence of life, prompting characters and readers alike to reflect on the ephemeral nature
of existence and the importance of cherishing moments of beauty and renewal. This reflection
on impermanence can be a source of healing by encouraging individuals to appreciate life's
transient yet precious moments.
Character Analysis
Nanami
Nanami Ishikawa is Minami Hirano's niece in the graphic novel "Town of Evening Calm, Country
of Cherry Blossoms." She is the daughter of Asahi, Minami's brother. Nanami's connection to
Minami establishes a familial link between the two parts of the narrative, bridging past and
present generations within the story. The relationship between Nanami and Minami signifies a
continuation of the family's experiences and struggles in post-war Hiroshima, highlighting
themes of memory, resilience, and generational trauma that persist across time.
Nanami grew up in Tokyo, speaks the Tokyo dialect, and is depicted as a tomboy nicknamed
"Goemon" by her classmates. Throughout the story, Nanami embarks on a journey to rediscover
her past and history, showing a deep interest in her family's background and the effects of the
atomic bomb that impacted generations after its detonation. Nanami's character development
reflects themes of resilience, curiosity, and a quest for understanding her heritage amidst the
lingering impact of historical events like the Hiroshima bombing.
Fujimi
Fujimi's role as the grandmother of Nanami in "Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry
Blossoms" is pivotal in shaping Nanami's experiences and relationships.She contributes to the
narrative by showcasing themes of family support, loss, and resilience, adding depth to
Nanami's journey in "Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms."
The act of Fujimi being a seamstress can symbolize themes of creation, repair, and resilience
within the story. As she sews and mends garments, it can metaphorically represent the family's
efforts to mend their lives after the devastation of war and loss.Her profession adds a layer of
realism to the narrative, depicting how individuals like Fujimi contribute to rebuilding their lives
amidst challenging circumstances.
Fujimi's passing symbolizes a profound loss not only for Nanami's family but also represents a
broader theme of mortality and the lingering effects of war on individuals and families. Her death
serves as a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by war and its lasting repercussions
on survivors. Her presence in Country of Cherry Blossoms signifies continuity and legacy despite Fujimi's passing, her presence continues to resonate through memories, traditions, and
the impact she had on her family members. Her legacy endures in the lives of those she
touched, shaping their actions and decisions even after her death.
Asahi
Asahi is Minami's brother and Nanami's father, playing a crucial role in the family structure and
dynamics within the narrative. His decision to remain with his aunt and uncle, who later adopt
him, showcases his connection to his extended family and the impact of past traumas on their
relationships. Asahi's character development is influenced by the aftermath of war and the
legacy of the atomic bomb, shaping his decisions and interactions with other characters. His
experiences reflect themes of resilience, loss, and the complexities of navigating life in post-war
Hiroshima.
Against his mother's wishes, Asahi proposes to a grown Kyoka, who was exposed to the atomic
bomb. This act of defiance against his mother's objections signifies Asahi's commitment to
Kyoka and his willingness to follow his heart despite familial disapproval. The decision to marry
Kyoka against his mother's will reflects Asahi's independence, determination, and the strength
of his feelings for Kyoka. Their union symbolizes a bond forged in the aftermath of tragedy and
highlights their shared experiences and connection amidst the challenges of post-war
Hiroshima.
As Nanami's father, Asahi plays a crucial role in shaping her character and providing a
connection to the past. His relationship with Nanami reflects themes of family bonds, resilience,
and the intergenerational transmission of memories and experiences related to the atomic
bomb. Through Nanami's interactions with her father, readers witness the continuation of
themes explored in the first part of the story, highlighting the enduring effects of war on
subsequent generations.
In the second part of the story, Nanami follows him and discovers he has returned to Hiroshima
for the fiftieth anniversary of Minami's death.
Toko
Toko Tone is Nanami's childhood friend in "Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry
Blossoms," who works as a nurse in the same hospital as Nagio. Toko plays a significant role in
the narrative, accompanying Nanami to the hospital and sharing moments of care and support
with her. Their friendship is portrayed through gestures like lending subway fare, visiting Nagio
together, and throwing cherry blossom petals over his bed to bring a touch of spring to his
hospital room.
Toko Tone's relationship with Nagio in "Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms" is
characterized by mutual feelings, as Nagio harbors romantic emotions towards Toko. Nagio
works as an intern at the hospital where Toko is a nurse, and he develops feelings for her. This
unrequited love adds a layer of complexity to their dynamic within the narrative.Despite Nagio's
affection for Toko, their relationship remains one-sided, as Toko's focus and interactions are
primarily centered around Nanami and her experiences. The presence of Nagio's feelings for
Toko contributes to the emotional depth of the story, highlighting themes of unrequited love,
longing, and the complexities of human relationships in the aftermath of historical trauma.
Citations:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_of_Evening_Calm,_Country_of_Cherry_Blossoms
"Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms - Summary" eNotes Publishing Ed. eNotes
Editorial. eNotes.com, Inc. eNotes.com 10 Mar. 2024
<https://www.enotes.com/topics/town-evening-calm-country-cherry-blossoms>
https://notwithoutmypassport.com/cherry-blossom-meaning-in-japan/