The Picture of the Japanese Emperor

Aritomo had a picture of the Japanese Emperor in his home and he bowed to it each time he entered. For him, that picture symbolized the Japanese culture, his homeland, and his devotion to the country he left behind. To LIng, the picture symbolized the terror and brutality of the Japanese soldiers, and the loss she suffered under their control. After Ling told Aritomo about her time in the prison camp, he removed the picture but never explained why.