The Surveillance Agency

The surveillance agency is the primary setting for the novel's first chapter, "The Surveillance Job." This is where the narrator works immediately after quitting her job in social work and taking time off. Mrs. Masakado recommends this job to the narrator because it requires minimal amounts of human interaction and an excess of sitting. The agency is also located across the street from where the narrator lives. Although over 50 people work for the company, the narrator rarely interacts with or even sees her coworkers. She spends most of her time alone, watching her surveillance target on two screens. She often takes breaks to visit the agency snack shop.

The Bus Advertising Agency

The bus advertising agency is the main setting for the novel's second chapter, "The Bus Advertising Job." After quitting the surveillance job, the narrator begins working at this venue. Here she meets Ms. Eriguchi...