When her mother-in-law's travel companion pulls out of a hot spring vacation at the last minute, Namiko is forced into taking her place. Namiko and her mother-in-law are not terribly close, but she decides to try and give her the best vacation she can. Namiko's husband, Kazuhiko, tells her that if she shows his mom a good time, perhaps she'll loan them some money. So Namiko begins to worry when the old lady starts throwing away money on expensive taxi rides and new clothes. On the way back, Namiko finds out her mother-in-law has spent all of her money and they get lost in the woods trying to find their way to the bus stop.
Published In:
Big Comic Original 2004 Vol. 3.20
Red Bouquet
Publication Date: March 5, 2004
Pages: X (full color) XX (black and white)
Anime Adaptation: None
Notes:
Onsen (温泉) are Japan's hot springs and the bathing facilities along with the inns that surround them. Onsen can be either outdoor or indoor and entire hot springs towns have been built to capitalize on the tourism that onsen generate.
Obon (お盆) or just Bon (盆) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist–Confucian custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon Odori.
Tokyo Station (東京駅) where Namiko and her mother-in-law meet is a real train station in the Chiyoda section of Tokyo. It has an extensive history not only as a transit hub but two Japanese Prime Minister's have been assassinated there as well. More than 500,000 people use the station every day.
Haragei (腹芸) is a key element throughout the story. Haragei is a Japanese concept of interpersonal communication. It refers to an exchange of thoughts and feelings that is implied in conversation, rather than explicitly stated. Haragei is characterised by euphemisms, vague and indirect statements, prolonged silences and careful avoidance of any comment that might cause offense.
