Himeji Castle

The Himeji Castle is located in the city of Himeji. In "The Missing One," Kikue finds constant comfort in the castle's looming presence. Though most people travel to Himeji to see the Himeji Monorail ruins, Kikue thinks the castle is more special. Her attachment to the place illustrates her need for constancy and predictability.

In "On High," Himeji Castle is the place where the main character, Tomihime, lives. Many years ago, Tomihime lived in the castle. After her death, she was assigned the role of castle ghost. In the story's narrative present, Tomihime has grown tired of her job. The constant tourists particularly annoy her. All day every day she is forced to listen to them shuffling around the building in slippers. Because they neither understand the castle's significance, nor have the ability to see her, she cannot understand why she should stay. Shigeru, however, momentarily convinces...