I also wasn't able to get a clear understanding of this situation but i think it is to show that even if he seems to be a nice guy infront of Sumida,It doesn't make him a decent person. Sumida goes out looking for "bad guys" but the very bad guy was the oji san who he helped. Also idk what to think of chazawa situation. She's brave, strong willed and level headed. I was surprised when she came out from the small house like nothing happened.
- Removed3 years ago1
I think our understandings are kinda the same. I was leaning towards it trying to convey that, in the same way that people's fates are sealed (like what is suggested by what Sumida's monster says to him at the final chapter), people fundamentally don't change. The first time we meet the dude he was homeless/ at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Then we watch him settle in, get a job, and what seems to be him transforming into a respectable person now that he had been given the chance, in that sense giving us hope that he can change. But, in the end he succumbs to his desires and returns to his former self when we were first introduced to him (Generally speaking homeless people and criminals are regarded in the same manner), serving the overall story's depressing determinism.
I guess Chazawa's role was more subordinate to the process towards that ends. In a similar manner she doesn't change either, but I agree in that I still find it odd how she barely reacts, maybe enough to consider it shallow character writing.
- kamikaze253 years ago1
Their fate's being sealed is a good takeaway. I never thought of it like that. Overall I liked reading Himizu but I think Ciguatera was more enjoyable for me. I really like the author's way of writing conversations and deep introspection. Planning to read Wanitokagegisu next.