Mikage also relies on the kitchen for comfort, because “the hum of the refrigerator kept from thinking of loneliness” (5). Diction such as “only”, “are left”, and “a little nicer” shows that Mikage has now become so lonely she is entirely dependent on her remaining companion, the kitchen.

After her grandmother has passed away, Mikage notes sadly of how “only the kitchen and are left” and that is “a little nicer than being all alone” (4). In the novel, it is revealed that the kitchen serves as a symbol for Mikage’s personal sanctuary, whereas food symbolizes family, and this is significant, because both symbolic components have guided Mikage towards a journey of recovery.īy examining the diction and imagery used to describe the kitchen, it is revealed that the kitchen serves as symbol for Mikage’s personal sanctuary, and this is significant because it ultimately represents Mikage’s longing for companionship and comfort. After being taken in by her friend Yuichi and his transvestite mother, Mikage surprisingly finds herself enjoying cooking and bringing food for her new, unconventional family. Grieving, Mikage finds herself drawn to the power of the kitchen, thus beginning her journey of finding love, friendship, family, and, ultimately, recovery.

Set in post-war Japan, Kitchen tells the story of a lonely girl, Mikage, who is an orphan raised by her grandmother, who eventually passed away. It’s a moving story written in simple and beautiful language, and it was because of this book that I was motivated to learn Japanese (so I could read the original Japanese version)!Įarnest, straightforward, and enchanting, Banana Yoshimoto’s novella, Kitchen, spins a wondrous tale about grief, love and renewal. Note: I’ve written an analytical paper on one of my all time favorite books Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto.

Mikage kitchen