In the novel "The Sound of Waves," the setting plays a crucial role in shaping both the characters and the narrative. The primary setting is Uta-jima, a serene and picturesque island whose isolation and natural beauty create a backdrop for the unfolding drama. Complementary locations like Okinawa, Yashiro Shrine, and the cities of Kyto and Osaka add richness and depth, contrasting the island's tranquility with other environments that influence the characters' actions and growth.

Uta-jima: Song Island

Uta-jima, translated as "Song Island," serves as the novel's central stage. This small Japanese island, with a coastline of less than three miles, is nestled near the Gulf of Ise and the vast Pacific Ocean. Its landscape is rugged and wooded, unsuitable for agriculture, which compels its inhabitants to rely heavily on the sea. Fishing for octopus and squid or diving for treasures like abalone, pearls, and seaweed forms the backbone of the local economy.

Yukio Mishima paints Uta-jima with vibrant strokes, highlighting its ancient pine forests, rocky promontories, and breathtaking shoreline vistas. A shrine dedicated to the sea god adds to the island's charm, embodying a peaceful and pastoral lifestyle. The island seems to breathe life into the narrative, acting as a character in its own right. It fosters a sense of simplicity, isolation, and tranquility among its people, epitomized by Kerukichi Miyata. As Hatsue's father, Miyata personifies the island's core values—industriousness, ambition, and resilience—reflected in his weather predictions, his extensive knowledge of fishing, and his pride in the island's history and traditions.

Okinawa: A Test of Bravery

Okinawa, part of the Ryukyu chain of islands, becomes an important site for personal growth and testing for Shinji. As a crew member on a cargo ship transporting lumber, he faces the formidable challenge of navigating through coral reefs during a fierce typhoon. The ship's lack of a radio leaves them vulnerable, prompting Shinji to tie a lifeline to his waist and bravely swim through tumultuous waves to secure a buoy. His near-drowning experience underscores his courage and selflessness, earning him newfound respect and the liberty to visit the Miyata household without restriction.

Yashiro Shrine: A Place of Reverence

Perched on a hill above Uta-jima's village, Yashiro Shrine serves as a spiritual haven for the islanders. Dedicated to Watatsumi-no-Mikoto, the sea god, it attracts mothers who leave offerings in hopes of divine protection for their children. The shrine's ancient collection of sixty-six bronze mirrors, modeled after a Chinese artifact from the Six Dynasties period, adds historical depth. Shinji and Hatsue's visit to the shrine to express gratitude and seek blessings after Shinji's safe return from Okinawa highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred site in their lives.

Kyto and Osaka: Scenes of Cultural Contrast

In stark contrast to the idyllic Uta-jima, the cities of Kyto and Osaka present bustling urban landscapes. These industrial hubs on Japan's mainland become a focal point during an annual school excursion for Shinji's younger brother, Hiroshi. For many of the island's children, this trip represents their first venture beyond the familiar confines of Uta-jima. The overwhelming sights of streetcars, high-rise buildings, movies, subways, and neon lights leave a lasting impression on Hiroshi. The cultural disparities between the peace of Uta-jima and the frenetic energy of Kyto and Osaka highlight a central theme of the novel: the enduring and unspoiled love between Hatsue and Shinji amidst contrasting worlds.