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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Kazu say the cabaret hostesses' perfume smelled like when they danced?
(a) His wife's perfume.
(b) White rose.
(c) Lavender.
(d) Baby powder.

2. What do the two businessmen Kazu observes walking toward the Shimizu Kannon Temple discuss on their walk?
(a) Their jobs.
(b) The temple.
(c) Food.
(d) Work.

3. Why did Kazu not want Shige to tell him what he had done to hurt his family?
(a) Kazu felt he would then have to share his story with Shige.
(b) Kazu was afraid he might have to turn Shige in to the police.
(c) Kazu feared if Shige confessed a crime he will have to kill Kazu.
(d) Kazu did not care about Shige.

4. What temporary job could one register for if s/he had a license and a cell phone and wanted to avoid dangerous work?
(a) Putting up blinds.
(b) Cleaning the parks.
(c) Substitute teaching.
(d) Editing manuscripts.

5. How many years after Kazu's son died did he begin going to the cabaret?
(a) 6.
(b) 3.
(c) 10.
(d) 2.

Short Answer Questions

1. Kazu overhears one women tell another that their friend has not gotten out of bed since what happened?

2. How old did Shige tell Kazu he was when he had his only child?

3. What is one of the reasons Kazu believes the Tokyo city government wanted to force the homeless out of Ueno Park?

4. What does the homeless man Kazu hears telling another his life story say happened after he lost his job?

5. How much was the homeless man Kazu listens to making in his profession before the bubble burst and his company went under?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What artist is on exhibit near the Ueno station? Describe his work.

3. How did Kazu respond to the gift Yoko and Setsuko had given him for his 60th birthday and why?

4. How long after Kazu's visit to Shige's hut did Kazu die and what did he wonder regarding Shige?

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

6. After Kazu discusses his return home when he was 60, he describes Setsuko's life all the years he was away. What does he say she did?

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

8. What gift from Yoko and Setsuko did Kazu still wear while homeless? Why did he think about removing it when he considered dying?

9. Describe the last night Kazu sees Junko.

10. Why does Kazu stop going to Shinsekai when he turns 60?

(see the answer keys)

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