In Japanese, the phrase “Shikata ga nai” means “This cannot be helped” (130). Kadohata explains that this phrase can apply to both large and small difficulties, from breaking a toenail to losing a loved one. She shows that this attitude of acceptance is an integral aspect of Japanese culture. Sumiko and her family, along with many of the people she meets, have had difficulty and tragedy in their lives. Sumiko lost her parents in a car accident, Mr. Moto lost his eye, Frank lost his father and brother, and Jiichan made the long journey across the sea from Japan to America. However, none of them were swallowed by despair or anger at their circumstances. These characters demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit and of Japanese people. Each one accepts the difficulties life brings them; although they might mourn for a time, they don’t let grief overcome them.

In addition to these individual characters and their suffering, the novel depicts the suffering of Japanese Americans during World War II. After hearing of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Sumiko’s family leaps into action, gathering Japanese items around the house to burn.