Summary

In Chapter 1, “Tomoka, 21, womenswear sales assistant,” Tomoka’s high-school friend Saya texts to say “she has a new boyfriend” (7). Tomoka is surprised Saya describes him by his job. She wonders how “people think about [her] based on [her] job” (7).

Six months ago, Tomoka started working at Eden, a general merchandise store, “after graduating from junior college” (8). She has a full time position in Womenswear. Before her break, Tomoka runs into a customer to whom she recommends a mulberry top.

Tomoka works at Eden because it is “the only job offer” she received (12). She wanted to live in Tokyo and took the job to move away from the country. Although she likes Tokyo, it is not as romantic as she thought. The future feels hard to imagine and she has no ambition, hobby, or boyfriend. She wants a new job but has no skills or...