Summary

In "My Superpower," essayist Kumiko writes a piece for her column about her superpower. She considers Okon and Oiwa's powers. Though the women were disfigured by poison and disease, they "are portrayed on TV and in films as terrifying monsters" (59). Having suffered with eczema since she was a child, Kumiko does not like these cinematic representations. Like Okon and Oiwa, Kumiko has no control over her appearance. The constant rash on her skin has always elicited unwanted attention and judgment from others. She never wanted to be considered a monster. In time, however, she realized that her eczema had given her "keen observational skills" (63). Her eczema, therefore, is her superpower.

In "Quite a Catch," first person narrator, Shigemi-chan, lies in the bath with Hina-chan. As Shigemi-chan bathes Hina-chan, she remarks at her beautiful skin. The two talk about the...