Desire

In a significant way, desire is part of the foundation of the novel. Each character is led to a specific place or series of places in accordance with his/her quality and level of desire. Toru, Kumiko, Noboru Wataya, Creta Kano, just to name a few, are all victims of their desires. Kumiko's desire for sexual adventure leads her to a venereal disease and a feeling of unfathomable self-hatred. May Kasahara's fatal motorcycle accident can be attributed directly to her desire to indulge some uncontrollable part of herself. Noboru Wataya has a desire for power in widening circles. His desire manifests itself through incestuous behaviors with his two younger sisters. One sister commits suicide; the other sister remains bound to Noboru Wataya and still remains in danger of being completely enslaved to him.

Desire is what motivates Nutmeg Akasaka to become a fashion designer. It is what motivates...