Under the Blood Red Sun

Papa’s pigeons serve as recurring symbols of freedom, peace, and hope throughout the narrative. For Papa, they represent a precious respite from the demands of work and household chores, providing him with moments of solace as he delights in watching them take flight. Tomi, sharing in this appreciation, even selects pigeons as the subject of his science project.

Papa takes a few pigeons along during the fishing trip, allowing them to soar freely for exercise. This act embodies a serene and trusting process, infused with hope that the pigeons will safely return home. Observing their flight, Tomi envisions the liberating sensation of such boundless freedom.

However, when stress and fear grip Tomi during Keet and his father’s altercation, he forgets to release the pigeons, symbolizing how anxiety and apprehension can restrict freedom. Upon finally setting them free the next day, three fail to return, yet Tomi maintains hope for their eventual return.

A pivotal moment occurs when the police insist that Tomi and Grampa euthanize all the pigeons, fueled by the government’s unfounded fear that the birds might be used for covert messaging. This underscores the narrative’s recurring theme that freedom cannot coexist with pervasive fear. This ominous event foreshadows the unjust imprisonment of Papa and Grampa, revealing how fear-driven actions by the government perpetuate injustice.

Despite this grim turn of events, the pigeons resiliently symbolize hope. Two birds return after the majority are killed, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the challenges and adversity.

The katana in Under the Blood Red Sun serves as a multifaceted symbol, intricately woven into the fabric of the Nakaji family’s history, cultural heritage, and the theme of protection.

First and foremost, the katana is a powerful representation of the Nakaji family itself. As a family heirloom with a history spanning over 300 years, the katana embodies the enduring legacy and honor of the Nakaji lineage. It is a tangible link to the past, carrying the weight of family history and traditions.

In addition to its role in family history, the katana symbolizes the Nakaji’s cultural heritage. Like the blood-red sun, Mama contemplates burying the katana, signifying a desire to shield the family from potential harm. However, the katana’s intrinsic connection to the Nakaji identity makes it resistant to such concealment.

Tomi, despite his conflicted feelings about various aspects of his Japanese heritage, consistently displays a deep appreciation for the katana. To him, the sword represents the honor of the Nakaji family, and his longing to touch it signifies a profound connection to his roots. The culmination of this appreciation occurs near the end of the story when Grampa finally deems Tomi worthy to touch the katana.

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, the katana embodies the protection theme. Traditionally intended as a weapon for safeguarding, the katana becomes a sacred symbol of familial protection. This responsibility is symbolically passed from Grampa to Tomi, signifying the passing of the torch in terms of familial guardianship. Tomi, willing to put his life on the line, protects the katana from Keet’s attack. Keet’s bullet nicks the hilt of the katana, echoing Papa’s bullet wound in the leg.

The katana, with its rich history, cultural resonance, and protective symbolism, is a dynamic and integral symbol in the narrative, reflecting the complexity of the Nakaji family’s identity and their Resilience in the Face of Adversity.