Chapter 23 Summary

Toshiko dreads going around the neighborhood trying to convince her neighbors to buy war bonds. The price of the bonds, around one-third of an average worker's monthly salary, is quite costly. H asks Toshiko why the families are expected to buy the bonds. Toshiko explains that wars are expensive, and since there is not enough money, the government is asking ordinary people to lend some through the purchase of the bonds. Toshiko continues to tell H that once the war is over, the money will be repaid. With this explanation, H understands that the purpose of the bonds is to finance the war.

Coverage of the war is scarce until a report of a Japanese victory in the Solomon Islands is given precedence in the newspapers. Radio and newspaper reports are vague regarding the actual outcome of the battle. Other reports of the...