Responses to Tragedy
These stories are all set a short amount of time after the earthquake in Kobe, Japan that killed thousands of people. In the wake of such a tragedy, it becomes difficult to hold on to hope as disaster seems to characterize life. The characters in these stories all deal with the tragedy of the earthquake in different ways. Komura, the protagonist of "ufo in kushiro," seems to have lost an essential part of himself, feeling numb and unresponsive to the world around him. Junko, from "landscape with flatiron," likewise feels empty inside. "super-frog saves Tokyo" is a confusing story, but it seems to be about the responses of people to tragedy: "Worm" is a massive monster under the earth that grows by feeding on hatred, and "Frog" needs the good-hearted support of people like Katagiri to combat this monster of hatred, which threatens to destroy the city. Frog is a symbol of holding on to hope and peace in a world of war, refusing to give in to the rising tide of hatred and dissatisfaction.
Death
Death is a major theme of these stories as well. The earthquake in Kobe resulted in death on a large scale, and these characters have to deal with accepting it on a small, specific scale. Most notable are the characters of "landscape with flatiron" and "thailand;" in the former, Junko has a deep, serious draw towards death despite the desire to continue living, and she begins to weep with the injustice of having to live when death is so tantalizingly close and yet so undesirable. "thailand" tells the story of Satsuki, who lives as if desperately holding on to life. It takes a lesson from an old spirit-reading woman to convince her to embrace death as being equally as important as life.
Relationships
As with most of Murakami's work, relationships are at the core of these stories. In several stories, main characters suffer divorce or separation from their former lovers, including the main character in "ufo in kushiro" and the main character's love interest in "honey pie." "all god's children can dance" mourns lost and mysterious relationships, while "honey pie" also chronicles the beginning of wonderful new ones. Relationships are a central necessity of human life, and Murakami portrays them in stunning, realistic fashion.
Love and Loss
Love and loss are recurring themes in the collection. Characters experience various forms of love and navigate the complexities of relationships. Murakami examines the vulnerability of the human heart, the bittersweet nature of love, and the ways in which loss can prompt self-reflection, emotional growth, and the search for redemption.
Memory and Trauma
The characters confront haunting memories of the earthquake and grapple with the enduring effects of trauma. Murakami explores the profound impact of traumatic events on individuals and society, delving into the ways in which memories shape and haunt our lives, while also highlighting the potential for healing and growth.
Connections and Isolation
The stories emphasize the importance of human connections in a fragmented and isolating world. Characters yearn for meaningful relationships, seeking solace and understanding in their interactions with others. Murakami highlights the pervasive sense of loneliness and the profound impact of genuine connections in offering solace, hope, and a sense of belonging.
Existential Anxiety
Murakami delves into existential questions, examining the fragility of life, the search for purpose, and the existential anxieties that emerge during times of upheaval. The characters grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and the nature of reality, exploring the often-unsettling territory between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Resilience and Transformation
The characters navigate the aftermath of the devastating Kobe earthquake, facing personal and societal challenges. They demonstrate resilience in coping with trauma and undergo profound transformations, revealing the human capacity to adapt, heal, and find new meaning in the face of adversity.
