Black Train
In the opening scene, we see a black train cutting through Onomichi. The train represents a connection from home to Tokyo. The image also tells us that the world has changed. Where once there was no way of getting to a big city other than horse or walking, technology has advanced and is cutting through this town.
Shoji's Photo
While Shukichi and Tomi are at Noriko's apartment, they stand on either side of a picture of their son who is dead. The image evokes a sense of honor for their son, of wanting to be with him. The same kind of things that we would expect to see between mother, father and child.
Alive to See
Shukichi and Tomi go to bed in their oldest son Koichi's home, yet they aren't tired. They sit up in the dark and Ozu streams light across their face. Shukichi says that they lived long enough to see Tokyo. You can feel the weight of this dream fulfilled for these two people who have worked to provide a better life for their children.
Slippers
In the depiction of the hotel in Atami, we see a group of slippers from the younger guests all thrown about in the hallway. They even walk on other's slippers. However, Ozu contrasts this with Shukichi and Tomi's slippers neatly placed outside their room. It shows the difference between the two generations, their respect for custom and tradition.
