Super Short Summary

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto explores the themes of death, isolation, and self-forgiveness through two separate stories: “Kitchen” and “Moonlight Shadow.” In “Kitchen,” Mikage, grieving her grandmother's death, moves in with Yuichi and his mother, Eriko, where she finds solace in their kitchen. Eriko's death further complicates their journey of self-discovery and coping. In “Moonlight Shadow,” Satsuki and Hiiragi confront loss after a car accident, with the help of a mystical event. Topics of death, grief, and loss are addressed.