Nostalgia: A Way of Life?

With Ono narrating the reader through his life pre and post war Japan it is easy to understand how he often gets caught in a state of nostalgia. Pre war Japan Ono was a highly respected and sought out artist. On numerous accounts we find him depicting times when he is in a very favorable light. Being very proud of whom he was regarded as; Ono’s pride plays a large part in shaping the character he unveils to us, from “recalling having to listen for several more moments to [Tortoise’s]praise of [Ono’s] courage and integrity” (70-71), to showing us the respect his students had for him and the advice he had to share (73). While he only shows us fond memories of events in the past, it is the reality of his daughter’s marriage negotiations that cause the resurfacing of the other side to the nostalgic story.

Present day finds Ono venturing to face old pupils and some unhappy memories from the past. These are the memories that Ono attempts to avoid by entering a nostalgic state. After the war had ended in a not so favorable light for Japan, Ono’s commanding presence as a leading art figure dwindled. He was still well known, but looked down upon for his support in the war. Kuroda, who had once looked up to him, now had the same view as the community which was revealed when Ono attempted to approach him, and was accused of being a “traitor that is still walking free” for supporting the war (114). Countless efforts to make mends failed, and Ono would soon have to confront reality for the sake of his daughter’s negotiations.

During the Miai, Ono was able to put aside nostalgia and accept reality. Once the long awaited topic of Kuroda came up there was much tension at the table until Ono came out and said “there are some who believe my career to have been a negative influence. An influence now best erased and forgotten. I am not unaware of this viewpoint. Mr Kuroda, I would think is one who would hold it” (123). He then went on to admit his mistake in the support of the war, but explained how at the time he thought he was achieving good for his fellow countrymen, and finished by saying “but as you see, I am not now afraid to admit I was mistaken” (124). It was this exchange at the miai that caused Ono to realize that he cannot live a life of nostalgia. Sooner or later actions that may have been regretted in the past will play a part in reality.

As Ono came to realize, although nostalgia is a pleasant state to be in, it is important to remember all sides of the story. Nostalgia like a picture presents just one snap shot of a scene and makes you ask what else is happening outside the frame that plays a part in the picture that we see?