Shingo

Shingo, the central figure in the narrative, is a businessman approaching sixty-three years of age, grappling with the realities of aging. He is profoundly affected by his declining health, experiencing frequent memory lapses—such as forgetting the way to knot his tie—and is haunted by the deaths of his old friends. His introspective nature leads him to reflect on these signs of aging as troubling omens. Yet, Shingo remains a connoisseur of beauty, finding refuge in the grace of women, the exquisite craftsmanship of No masks, the vibrant hues of cherry blossoms, and the delicate taste of gyokuro tea. His appreciation for beauty is intricately connected to his understanding of art and nature, though always shadowed by an awareness of their transient nature, as beauty so often masks decay and death.

In his personal life, Shingo is confronted with numerous complexities. He harbors a conflicted mix of paternal affection and an inappropriate attraction towards his daughter-in-law, Kikuko, a dynamic that troubles him morally. His marriage with Yasuko, while enduring, is marked by indifference and the absence of genuine tenderness, complicated further by his past infatuation with her beautiful, now-deceased sister. This sister represents an unattainable ideal for Shingo, a longing that resurfaces painfully when he learns of Kikuko's abortion, suspecting the unborn child to have been the reincarnation of Yasuko's sister. His endeavors to be a supportive father and husband often leave him feeling inadequate and guilty, particularly when dealing with the personal challenges of his son Shuichi and daughter Fusako.

Shingo's ongoing struggle to connect with his children and navigate the familial discord they bring, particularly as adults, underscores his feelings of failure in his paternal role. His insomnia and frequent dreams remind him of a past that seems ever-present, channeling his sensitivity towards nature and beauty into a platonic, yet subtly erotic, relationship with Kikuko, who offers him solace beyond what his children can provide.

Yasuko

Yasuko, Shingo's wife of nearly forty years, spent much of her life overshadowed by her more beautiful sister. Her marriage to Shingo was an escape from a life of domestic servitude in her sister's household. In her marriage, Yasuko has embraced a role defined by routine and contentment, even as she endures Shingo's emotional distance. Her habits, such as her tendency to read old newspapers aloud and her habitual snoring, irritate Shingo, yet she shares a strong bond with their daughter Fusako. Despite the indifferent state of her relationship with Shingo, which has become distant and devoid of the passion once intended, Yasuko remains a steadfast, if uninspiring, presence in his life.

Shuichi

Shuichi, Shingo's son, works alongside his father but is burdened by the trauma of his wartime experiences. These scars are evident in his chaotic personal life. Despite being married to the loving and beautiful Kikuko, Shuichi's infidelity with Kinuko, excessive drinking, and violent tendencies mar his marriage. With Kikuko, however, he exhibits a softer side, sharing an appreciation for French songs. Shingo's own feelings of moral repulsion and wistfulness are stirred by Shuichi's affairs, as they starkly contrast with Shingo's lack of romantic adventures.

Fusako

Fusako, Shingo's daughter, has retreated to her parents' home following her separation from her abusive husband, a relationship that ends with his suicide alongside another woman. Despite being only thirty, Fusako's plainness and the perceived favoritism Shingo shows towards her sister-in-law Kikuko contribute to her insecurities and jealousy. She is a living reminder to Shingo of his colder demeanor and the paternal warmth she believes she lacks, highlighting the emotional distance in their relationship.

Kikuko

Kikuko, the youthful wife of Shuichi, stands out in...