Two brothers at the beginning of WWII in Japan--this is the focus of the novel. They are orphans being raised by their grandparents and are very different from one another. One, Hiroshi, wants to grow up to be a sumo wrestler, the other, Kenji wants to be an artist. One is strong, the other a "ghost". As the story progresses one finds out that neither is weak and strength is often deeper than they thought.
WWII arrives in Japan. While there is not a lot of detail about battles or even war, Tsukiyami does let us know that those who survived the dropping of the bombs suffered immensely. The Japanese people also suffered. We Americans so often think of Japanese involvement in WWII as that of enemy only but these characters endured starvation, deprivation, loss of loved ones, and struggles like so many others of this time. Like those of our nation, the main characters were impacted for the rest of their lives by the war. Also like others, they went on to live lives filled with triumphs and with despairs. Hiroshi becomes the sumo master he dreamed of but sees little else fulfilled. Kenji becomes the Noh mask artist but also suffers great loss. Through it all, the brothers have the love and support of the grandparents whose wisdom guides them until the end.
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