Banana Yoshimoto The Dreamy Scroll of Youth -- Kitchen: Banana Yoshimoto

Author: Banana Yoshimoto
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Kitchen – The author's breakthrough work. After losing all her family members, the teenage girl Yukiyo Sakai can only sleep peacefully by the refrigerator in the kitchen. At this time, Masayuki Tamabe, who had been taken care of by her grandmother, and his transgender mother, Riko, take her in. This sick family makes her feel warm. Starting from the kitchen, she gradually moves out of the dark loneliness. Full Moon – Kitchen II – After Yukiyo begins living independently, Masayuki suddenly calls to tell her that Riko has died. She rushes to the city overnight upon hearing the news, and they live together again as before. Soon after, she goes out for work-related reasons, and he follows her out of the house. After learning about his troubles, she finally overcomes her hesitation and delivers food to his hotel on a night under a full moon, expressing her feelings. A perfect ending is finally achieved. Moon Shadow – The author's graduation work. The teenage girl Hazuki is heartbroken after her boyfriend dies in a car accident. Every morning, she goes for a run, hoping to slightly ease her inner sorrow. Because of running, she meets the eccentric Pro, and thus witnesses a rare sight: in the morning mist, she faintly sees her boyfriend smiling and waving goodbye to her, then gradually fading away. This special reunion fulfills the longing for the past, allowing her to finally face reality again.