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Chieko sincerely accepts whatever her parents order. It looks like coercion. When her parents ask her to do so, she has to follow the order, whatever
it is, because she wants to show them her love and her gratitude. This is shown in her statement to Shin’ichi. In Murphy’s theory, it is expressed through speech
1972, p.163. “Are you completely obedient to your parents?”
“Yes completely.” “Even when it comes to something like marriage?”
“Yes. For now I intend to be obedient,” Chieko answered without hesitation. p.17
Chieko sticks to her statement that she is should obey her parents. Another conversation which proves Chieko’s obedience towards her parents is seen in her
speech with Takichiro about their fate, poverty. “Chieko, if I sold this shop, how would it be if we moved to a small, quiet
house near Nanzenji or Okazaki-Nishijin would be all right too and the two of us thought up designs for kimono cloth and obis? Could you stand
being poor?” “Poor? I wouldn’t mind at all.” p.101
b. Kind
Kindness is showing concern about the happiness and feelings of others in a gentle and friendly way “Kindness”. Chieko is kind to everybody. Chieko’s
kindness is shown when she wants to help Masako, her friend, make tea whereas at that time Chieko is dating Shin’ichi. This can be analyzed using Murphy’s
theory, from Chieko’s speech. “Chieko, would you lend a hand for a moment? I’m so tired. I’m helping
with my teacher’s guests.” “Dressed like this, the most I could do is work in the kitchen out of sight.”
“That would be fine. We’re making the tea in the back today.” p.9
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Chieko also shows kindness to her parents. She really cares about her parents’ feelings. She tries to make them happy by wearing Takichiro’s kimonos.
“And you, Chieko, you’re kind enough to wear only your father’s kimonos. I should thank you.” p.33. Chieko’s kindness can be seen by her mother. In
Murphy’s theory, this is a character’s personality as seen by another 1972, p.162.
Chieko does not only show her kindness to her parents or friends, but also her twin sister, Naeko. Naeko and Chieko are separated at birth and meet after 20
years. However, Naeko does not live with Chieko; she lives in poverty in Kitayama cedar village. One day, Chieko feels sorry for Naeko and gives her a
kimono. “Mother, you probably heard me ask the clerk, but I’m going to send a
kimono to the girl in the cedar village. I want her to have it.” “That’s fine. And how about a jacket to go with it?”
Chieko looked away, her eyes filling with tears. p.136
Again, Chieko shows her kindness to Naeko. She wants to give the best thing she has to Naeko. She wants to prove her love to Naeko through her
kindness. Chieko gives Naeko a coat, an umbrella, and high clogs so that she is not cold in the snow.
“Chieko got up. “You don’t have a raincoat do you? Here, take this.” She got out her best velvet coat, a collapsible umbrella, and high clogs for
Naeko. “These are for you. Come again … please.” pp.181-182
c. Honest
Honesty is telling the truth and not lying, cheating or stealing “Honesty”. Besides being kind, Chieko is also honest. She tells Shinichi about who she is, an
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abandoned child. There are two possible reactions, either she will be left by Shin’ichi because she is an abandoned person, or she will be appreciated by
Shin’ichi because of her honesty. That is a difficult thing to be done, to speak honestly about oneself. Her honesty makes Shin’ichi shocked and hesitant.
However, Shin’ichi can appreciate Chieko’s honesty and still be her friend. “Shin’ichi. I was an abandoned child, a foundling,” Chieko spoke
abruptly. “An abandoned child?”
“Yes.” ……
“I was a foundling, left in front of the red lattice door of the shop.” “What are you talking about?”
“It’s true. Though it’s no use telling you the story. When I stand here on the veranda of Kiyomizu, looking out on the sunset over this huge city, I
wonder if I was born here in Kyoto.” “What are you talking about? You’re crazy.”
“Why would I lie about something like this?” pp.14-15
Another truth that Chieko tells is about Naeko. She tells Shige of her meeting with Naeko. Shige is very surprised to know that, because she does not
suspect that Chieko has a sister, especially a twin. “Mother, I went to the Kitayama cedar village. I have a sister there. We’re
twins. I met her for the first time at the Gion Festival this year. She says our real father and mother died long ago.”
This naturally took Shige by surprise. She simply looked into Chieko’s face. “The Kitayama cedar village? Really?”
“I couldn’t keep it from you. I’ve only met her twice … at the Festival Gion and today.” p.121
Chieko does not only tell Shige the truth about Naeko, but also everyone around her, including, Hideo, Shin’ichi and Ryusuke. Hideo is a person who
promises Chieko an obi, but he mistakes Naeko for Chieko. Hideo becomes confused about Chieko’s story.
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“Hideo, I’m sorry.” “Sorry? There’s nothing to be sorry about.”
“But it …” Chieko searched for words. “It wasn’t me you promised the obi to on the bridge at Shijo at the festival. You mistook someone else for
me.” Chieko’s face tightened. “Hideo, the girl you talked to was my sister.”
Hideo didn’t speak, so Chieko went on. “She’s my sister. I had just met her myself for the first time that night. She’s my sister.”
He still did not respond. p.110
Chieko tells Shin’ichi and Ryusuke the truth, that she has a twin sister named Naeko, when they have dinner. Shin’ichi assumes Chieko is joking with
them. They are dubious of Chieko’s story. “Shin’ichi.” Chieko spoke to the more approachable brother. “The person
you saw at the Festival of Ages at the garden of Gosho wasn’t me. You were mistaken. She was some distance away, wasn’t she?”
“You don’t have to hide anything,” Shin’ichi laughed. “I’m not hiding anything.” Chieko did not know what to say. “Actually,
that was my sister.” “What?” Shin’ichi was dubious. p.153
d. Talented
