Winter: January and February 1938 Summary

Stephen says he was happy to discover he'd be celebrating the New Year with Sachi. Stephen takes Sachi a miniature pine tree in a clay planter. Matsu cooks for days before January 1 and prepares kado-matsu—a wreath symbolizing prosperity, purity, longevity, and loyalty. Stephen gives Matsu a daruma doll. The doll is for luck and the custom is to paint in one eye while making a wish. If that wish comes true, the other eye is to be painted. Matsu gives Stephen a book of Japanese poetry. Yamaguchi is alive with celebration, though Sachi's house is more somber with only a shime-nawa—a rope of twisted straw thought to keep evil spirits away.

The January 15 entry talks of the many gifts Stephen receives from his family—a sweater, a watch, shirts, and books. He...