Cardigan

In "A First-Rate Material," Nana's human hair cardigan is a symbol of status and pride. Because the cardigan is so expensive, Nana has to take out a loan to afford it. She is therefore thrilled when her friends notice, comment upon, and praise the garment. She regards the sweater as a symbol of her convictions, and thus a manifestation of her identity. The cardigan upsets her fiancé Naoki, and thus reveals the ways in which the couple's beliefs abrade one another's.

Veil

In "A First-Rate Material," the veil Naoki's mother and sister give to Naoki and Nana is a symbol of intimacy, honor, and forgiveness. Nana is shocked when Naoki's family presents them with the gift, because the veil is made out of Naoki's late father's skin. She is even more surprised when Naoki is moved by the veil, examining it with tenderness and love. The...