Chapter 14 Summary

Bans continue on various items in Japan. Matches are rationed to five per person each day, which irritates H because he likes to play with them. Everywhere one looks, things are becoming more depressing. In spite of this situation, preparations for the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the nation are ongoing. Warships are docked in the harbor, and their guns will be used to signal the beginning of the celebration. Phrases like "2,600th Anniversary" are seen everywhere. The celebration's theme song, "2,600 Years Since the Foundation" plays on radio stations and is a mandatory requirement in the schools.

The owner of the charcoal store tells H that the song has a story behind it, but H is not to tell anyone about it. If H does, the storeowner will be arrested. The story is that the continuing war with China is preventing Japan...