2. What did Kazu find interesting about the calendar hung up in Shige's hut?
(a) He had lots of people's birthdays written on it.
(b) He had circled some days in red and some in blue.
(c) Each month had a picture of a different family member.
(d) He had indicated several medical appointments that month.

3. How old was Kazu when he began to visit the cabaret club?
(a) 67.
(b) 50.
(c) 30.
(d) 40.

4. What word does Kazu use to describe how Shige always looked?
(a) Impeccable.
(b) Ragged.
(c) Incredible.
(d) Untidy.

5. What was the first rose Kazu says he ever held and where?
(a) A yellow rose in Shige's hut.
(b) A red rose in Tokyo.
(c) A white rose at Shinsekai.
(d) A pink rose in Fukushima.

Short Answer Questions

1. Kazu listens to two women speak of how there are fewer of which type of bird in the area?

2. What monument did Shige tell Kazu was initially meant to be placed near the Imperial Palace but was deemed indecent?

3. What did Kazu see on the futon beside him the morning after the 49th day mourning ceremony for his neighbor?

4. Who did Kazu think of when he and Setsuko attended the 49th day mourning ceremony for their neighbor?

5. What are some of the dangerous jobs Kazu lists that homeless people could get through day labor recruiters?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of work might homeless people do to earn money either as day laborers or regular work?

2. Describe the conversation Kazu overhears between two homeless men, one of whom had worked in real estate.

3. What does Kazu say teenagers had been doing to the homeless around when the homeless former realtor had died?

4. Who is Mari? What does she do for Kazu after Setsuo's death? How does their relationship end?

5. What happens to Setsuko seven years after Kazu returned home, and why does he blame himself?

6. Describe the homeless man Kazu sees on one of the "sarcophagus-like stone benches" (100). How does he know he is homeless? Why might others not know?

7. Describe the conversation Kazu overhears between two women at the art exhibit.

8. Describe the last night Kazu sees Junko.

9. Who does Kazu meet at Shinsekai? Describe their relationship.

10. What note does a jogger leave at the Hanazono Inari Shrine? What other notes are there?

(see the answer keys)

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