Chapter 50 Summary

Ryohei Koiso arranges for H to begin working in the Phoenix Studio, a sign-painting business by day and an art studio by night. The job gives H the opportunity to work and draw pictures at the same time. Another added benefit is the fact that many other artists spend time at the studio as well. The makeshift appearance of the building is a little disappointing to H, but not enough to keep him from working there.

When H begins working there, he finds himself among unconventional students who are quite different from the students at his school. Mr. Okumura, the owner, spends the money he is paid for paintings to buy alcohol. Koji Mitani, a repatriate from Siberia, paints dark and gloomy pictures. Masaru Sayema, a calligrapher, has an obsession with mahjongg and previously lost a job because of it. Another heavy drinker...