He rolls about in agony for a few hours and is dead by morning. The fish became extremely popular in Japan after the war.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 2)

Importance: This quote is important because it highlights the mindset and culture in post-war Japan. The juxtaposition of a gruesome description of the effects of fugu combined with the explanation of its appeal to Japanese people suggests that the post-war mindset was one that craved danger.

my mother had always refused to eat fugu, but on this particular occasion she had made an exception, having been invited by an old school friend whom she was anxious not to offend.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This is another quote that encapsulates Japanese culture. It shows that even though the mother had feared the deadly nature of fugu, she had chosen to eat it anyway just because she wanted to be respectful towards her friend.

His general presence was not one that encouraged relaxed...
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 5)