Mount Shasta, California

Izumi describes Mount Shasta as a “town strung together with tie-dyes and confederate flags” (9). In other words, the town has a largely white population. While she is found of her hometown, Izumi feels insecure about being a visible minority and never feels like she fully belongs there.

Tokyo, Japan

Izumi is enchanted by Tokyo. She describes, “A city built and rebuilt, born and reborn. I imagine cutting into it like a slice of cake, dissecting the layers. I can almost see it. Ash from the Edo fires with remnants of samurai armor, calligraphy pens, and chipped tea porcelain. Bones from when the shogunate fell. Dust from the Great Earthquake and more debris from the World War II air raids” (45). Tokyo’s rich history appeals to Izumi. Getting to see the city first-hand is a humbling experience for her.

Togu Palace, Akasaka Estate

The Togu Palace belongs...