Loneliness In Samurai's Garden

Throughout Samurai's Garden theres been conflict between Japan and China during the World War II era. The violence from Japan has been affecting many lives which include women and children. The leprosy villages in Japan has been isolated from everyone else having them to survive on their own. Their are many characters that dealt with adversity, their tradition, and loneliness but Sachi and Matsu are the only ones that experienced those. The garden that Matsu and Sachi both have describes what type of personality they have. In other words, both of them have different gardens one is beautiful and full of flowers but the other is dry with no flowers. Here's what Sachi's garden is described as . "There were no trees, flowers, or water, only landscape made of sand, stones, rocks, and some pale green moss which covered the shaded areas... A dry landscape." (Gail Tsukiyama page 40). Sachi tells us even though her life was "dry" because of her leprosy she still shows her way of beauty through stones in her garden. When

"I'd always heard how Ganjitsu, New Year's Day, was a festival for the Japanese... I find there's something more spiritual in Japan on this day of renewal." (Page 95). Since Matsu and Sachi live in Japan, they celebrate Ganjitsu and mend conflict with Kenzo to forget the past and predicaments. This is a time where they can put the war, diseases, etc behind them and celebrate purity. "After a trip to the Buddhist temple to visit the graves of their ancestors, there would be food and dancing in the village to entertain the returned spirits." (Page 175). When Matsu's sister comes back to Tarumi, it's a sign of how important family is and how traditions can bring families together. Loyalty is important in the Japanese culture and having Matsu living in Tarumi is showing true loyalty to his family and the town. Traditions are important in Japan, it brings families together and it renews