Tokyo Ueno Station

What effect does it have on the narrative that Kazu’s name is not revealed until well into the novel?

What does the novel have to say about how those in poverty are treated?

What are some major historical events featured in the novel? What impact do they have on the characters? On the narrative at large?

Shige is an important secondary character, although he only appears in flashbacks. What is his role in the narrative?

Why does Kazu leave his granddaughter’s care, which ultimately leads him to live in Ueno Park? What does his decision say about his character and about the broader themes of the novel?

Of the emperor and his wife, who Kazu sees up close toward the end of the novel, Kazu says, “The emperor and empress were a stone’s throw from me. The pair gave us a look that could only be described as gentle, and smiles came across their innocent faces” (167). Interpret what he means in this description. How does this relate to Kazu and to the theme of The Power of Circumstances?

What does the novel say about immortality and life after death? Use quotes from the text to support your answers.

How do Kazu’s thoughts and reflections represent existential crises? How does dread influence his outlook on life?