Yoshiro and Mumei's Home

Much of the narrative present exists within the realm of Yoshiro and Mumei's home. Because they have little money, they live in a prefab house with limited amenities. Despite the absence of such household items like towels, a washing machine, or a vacuum, Yoshiro and Mumei live contentedly. The author uses the scenes within the house, the characters' movements through it, to stir memories or imaginings of events and possibilities beyond its structure.

The School

While the school that Mumei attends only appears within one scene of the novel, this setting helps the reader to understand Mumei as a child, student, and potential emissary candidate. Showing Mumei in the schoolhouse allows the reader to show Mumei in the context of his peers. It is at the school that Mumei also imagines himself merging with the shapes and topography of the map, illustrating his connection to...