Summary

In pages 1 - 31, Mumei wakes up to his great-grandfather Yoshiro coming in with the day's Rent-a-Dog. The narrative then moves into a description of Yoshiro's daily ritual visiting the Rent-a-Dog place, as well as his evolving sense of taste and relationship with words and language. At the house, he stumbles taking off his sandals. Mumei asks him if he is trying to be a crane. Yoshiro tells Mumei to get dressed. Washing up in the bathroom, Yoshiro thinks about his age, and how long it has been since he has seen his face in a mirror.

As Yoshiro goes into the kitchen, the narrator explores the interior space, moving into Yoshiro's associations with each object therein. A picture of a dandelion on a thermos causes Yoshiro to consider the evolution of the flower's name, and the cultural implications of naming. The flower reminds...