Fifty Words for Rain

“He was human, and his violin was nothing more than an intricately crafted piece of wood with some strings attached. But the two of them together transcended mortality to become something divine.”

This quote describes Akira's talent as a musician. Like Seiko and later Nori, he is a gifted musician; music, especially the violin, is his passion. Even when she is first getting to know him, Nori can see how closely he and the violin are intertwined. Nori believes that Akira’s violin music “transcend[s] mortality,” which is significant because she has a dream-vision of him after his death in which he does indeed transcend mortality and appear to her with his violin, playing her favorite song. This quote also introduces the link between music and happiness, which is one of the symbols of the novel.

“Truthfully, it had become painfully obvious that Akira could have whatever he wanted. If he asked for the moon, her grandmother would probably find a way to bring it to him.”

Akira is the Kamiza golden boy—the ideal legitimate male heir. This is why Yuko dotes on him. While Akira’s special status separates him from Nori, it also becomes a useful tool: Akira can advocate for Nori in ways she cannot, and Yuko, desiring his loyalty, cannot refuse him. This quote highlights the theme of Women’s Powerlessness in Patriarchal Societies since the Kamiza family dynamics privilege the male heir.

“‘You are not an American, Noriko,’ he whispered, slowly and clearly. ‘You are one of us.’”

Akira says this to Nori when she is wondering whether her father’s nationality makes her a foreigner in Japan, too. His statement is significant because he is the only person who acknowledges that Nori is Japanese and a part of the Kamiza family rather than alienating and othering her.