Chapters 1-9
Twenty-one-year-dated Hana Omiya, the newest protagonist away from Uchida’s Image Bride, is found on the latest vessel which is providing their particular off Japan in order to brand new Ca coastline because story starts. It is some time within the November off 1917, and you can Hana have chose to hop out their community regarding Oka getting an alternate lifestyle in the us. Taro lives in Oakland. Its marriage could have been create as a result of Taro’s uncle and you may Hana’s mothers. Hana encouraged that it connection therefore she you’ll stay away from the fresh drudgeries off to-be good Japanese farmer’s partner. Taro is ten years avove the age of Hana and you will allegedly the particular owner out of a thriving providers.
When Hana first hears regarding Taro Takeda, she imagines that a lives once the their spouse could be less confining than their particular applicants within the an arranged relationships in her brief village
Very she chooses to make use of this unfamiliar man’s you would like having a wife. She possibilities aside alone for the first time in her existence and you may endures this new enough time sea journey. Since the she uses the cold weeks to the ship, she fantasizes in the their own coming life because wife off an effective merchant. She actually is hopeful you to her existence will be leisurely, which have simple privileges. After the travels, she is wanting to initiate her new way life. Waiting for their unique is Taro Takeda, the initial many failures one to fade Hana’s ambitions. Taro is significantly older than he looks throughout the image the guy sent her, and you may Hana begins to ponder, up on meeting him, when the she’s got produced a blunder. Taro takes Hana to their family members, Kiku and you may Henry Toda.
Hana will remain with the Todas up until the matrimony. Kiku is additionally an image bride to be and you can totally understands the problems you to definitely lay to come having Hana. With Kiku Hana actually starts to discover simply how much she must change so you’re able to go with new Western people. Hana’s clothes are typical incorrect, she notices. This lady has only kimonos to wear. Actually their shoes must be altered. Kiku helps Hana generate these style changes by providing their some of their particular attire. Kiku’s warm personality tends to make Hana be more stimulating. Hana including relishes the thought of confidentiality, when Kiku offers Hana a different bed room to make use of. It will be the very first time that Hana keeps ever slept alone. Kiku shows you one to Americans think confidentiality a necessity, and that really stands inside stark evaluate with the total communal atmosphere regarding Japanese life.
To your following Weekend, Taro requires Hana so you’re able to his chapel. Taro is actually an excellent Christian and very much mixed up in Japanese church it attend. Reverend Okada is the direct for the church and you will a buddy regarding Taro’s. Within the sermon, Reverend Okada says the problems japan congregation need to deal with within the the latest homes, a location that is not always inviting to help you Japanese confronts. Hana try surprised to hear which. Pursuing the services, Taro introduces Hana for some out-of his most other members of the family, together with Dr. Sojiro Kaneda and you may Kiyoshi Yamaka, https://internationalwomen.net/no/blog/sverige-datingsider/ one close to Hana’s ages exactly who shows instant demand for Hana. Hana was flattered because of the Kiyoshi’s attention and discovers one she also are attracted to your. After food, Kiyoshi drives Hana and you will Taro so you can Taro’s store.
Hana try shocked because of the shabbiness of one’s shop, another one away from their particular problems. Once dining food into the Todas, Hana reveals their particular dissatisfaction to Kiku. Kiku tells Hana not to ever build her hopes and dreams very larger. He could be residing a nation that doesn’t trust or for example him or her, Kiku says to Hana. She then reminds Hana you to she’s reach build Taro happy and therefore Hana should make the best of they. Kiku worries about Hana and then have notices the fresh attraction between Hana and you can Kiyoshi. Kiku will build Hana’s relationships beautiful and also to rush its thickness. The marriage is placed to occur in 2 weeks. Hana hesitantly adjusts so you’re able to wedded life. She as well as will get effective for the Taro’s organization, giving they the new very-called female’s touch, and therefore she cleanses and arranges the spot.