The Summer After the War - Symbols & Imagery

Torn blanket in the tree: This image symbolises the destruction and chaos caused by the war, mirroring the state of the country and the disrupted lives of the people.

The garden: The garden undergoes a transformation, symbolising hope and resilience. Initially, it is ravaged by a typhoon, mirroring the destruction caused by the war. However, it gradually recovers, offering a sense of optimism and the possibility of healing.

Stepping stones: These stones, winding through the garden, symbolise the journey of life, with its challenges and uncertainties.

Grandfather's judo sequences: The grandfather's daily judo practice is symbolic of the battles and struggles people face in life. His invisible assailants could be seen as past demons or the challenges one confronts on the journey of life.

The tree at the back of the garden: This tree, which the grandfather attempts to throw, symbolises an unyielding past or an insurmountable challenge. It represents the grandfather's attempts to grapple with his wartime experiences and his role in the war.

Grandfather's paintings: The absence of the grandfather's paintings in the house symbolises a lost legacy or a deliberate distancing from the past. It suggests the grandfather's attempts to erase or forget his past actions and his wartime role.

Steam-filled bathroom conversations: The steam in the bathroom, obscuring vision, symbolises the clouded truths and memories of war. The conversations between Ichiro and his grandfather in this setting offer glimpses into their perceptions of war and its impact.

Visitor's interaction with grandfather: The visitor's deferential address of "Sensei" and the conversation about the China campaign highlight the complexities of war, personal choices, and societal expectations. It also underscores the changing perceptions of the grandfather's work and his diminished standing in the postwar society.

Grandfather's decision to stop painting: This act symbolises a personal response to past mistakes or regrets. It can be seen as a form of self-punishment or acceptance of societal judgment.