# Chiyo explained — A Daughter of the Samurai

> Chapter companion for A Daughter of the Samurai by Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto.

## What happens

The chapter focuses on the birth of Chiyo and Hanano's initial disappointment that her baby sister is not a blonde-haired American child like Susan's sister. Hanano's longing for a little sister leads her to pray to God, and when Chiyo arrives with black hair, Hanano struggles with her own Japanese identity. This prompts a growing interest in Japanese culture, as her mother tells her stories and songs from Japan. The chapter also includes the legend of Lady Moon and her enemies, told to Hanano on an evening of moon-gazing. The chapter ends with the death of Matsuo, leaving Etsu a widow, and her decision to return to Japan with her children.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Transition and Identity

Hanano's initial rejection of her Japanese heritage and her eventual embrace of Japanese stories and identity after Chiyo's birth.

### Family and Ancestral Duty

Etsu's decision to return to Japan after Matsuo's death, feeling that America has no need for her or her children's future.

### Loss and Memory

Matsuo's sudden death leaves Etsu with memories and a sense of ending, prompting her journey back to Japan.

## Character check-ins

### Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto

Tells Hanano stories of Japan and sings lullabies to baby Chiyo; reflects on her husband's death and the necessity of returning to Japan.

### Hanano

Disappointed that baby Chiyo is not blonde like Susan's sister; struggles with her Japanese identity; begins to take interest in Japanese stories and culture.

### Chiyo

Newborn baby sister of Hanano; described as black-haired and pink-faced.

### Matsuo

Tells the family about the legend of Lady Moon; dies suddenly, leaving Etsu a widow.

### American Grandma

Comforts Hanano after her disappointment about Chiyo's appearance.

### Clara

American servant who laughs at Hanano's wish for a yellow-haired baby.

### Susan

Hanano's best friend; her little sister is the model for Hanano's prayer.

## Key lines

> I didn't pray for that. I wanted a baby with yellow hair like Susan's little sister.

Hanano expresses disappointment that her baby sister is not blonde like her friend's sibling.

_Highlights Hanano's initial struggle with her Japanese identity and her desire to fit in with American norms._

> The country that had reached out so pleasant a welcome to me... had no need of, nor did it want, anything that I could give.

Etsu feels that America, despite its kindness, offers no future for her children or herself after her husband's death.

_Reflects the theme of cultural transition and the necessity of returning to Japan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_daughter_of_the_samurai_se/chapters/xxiii-chiyo
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_daughter_of_the_samurai_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_daughter_of_the_samurai_se/chapters