The Street of a Thousand Blossoms

by Gail Tsukiyama, 2008

Japan – 1930s to 1960s

Two brothers, Hiroshi and Kenji, cared for by grandparents because parents drowned. Through WWII, Hiroshi became a Sumo wrestler, grand champion. Kenji became a mask-maker for the Noh Theatre. Both married, both lost wives. Hiroshi lost Aki – suicide – never overcame the guilt of her mother’s death in firestorm during WWII. Kenji lost Mika in a train wreck. Hiroshi also lost a son 4 months old – dies in his sleep. Aki’s sister, Haru, was always there for them. She cared for Hiroshi’s daughter, Takara, born after his son. Aki was afraid she would also die so wouldn’t care for her. Haru tried to help her out of her depression and almost had when a boiler exploded and brought back all the fear and guilt of her mother’s death.

Very interesting, sad, beautiful book. Akira-sensei, the mask maker who trained Kenji – was also a big part of the book. He should have stayed and tried to love Emiko and her daughter, Kiyo, in the village in the mountains, Aio. But for some reason, he couldn’t, and he left them but always, always missed them.

Grandmother – Obachan. Grandfather – Ojichan. Beautiful, poignant journey into Japan.