Mr. Okabe Character Analysis in Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Keiko’s father. A former lawyer, Mr. Okabe is a first-generation American and is very devoted to his country. Elegant and well-spoken, he is passionate about protecting his family and about maintaining his personal dignity and his loyalty as an American, even when he is imprisoned in an internment camp for being of Japanese descent. Ultimately, Mr. Okabe enlists in the US Army to fight against Germany during the war.

Mr. Okabe Character Timeline in Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Okabe appears in Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Belonging, Bigotry, and Identity Theme Icon

Henry and Keiko meet Mr. Okabe and Mrs. Okabe for lunch in the Japanese market. Henry is intimidated by Mr. Okabe’s... (full context)

...people in, hiding them—there had to be a chance.” Finally, Henry again thinks he spots Mr. Okabe . He runs toward him, only to find that the man he thought was Keiko’s... (full context)

...wears, as well. “I’ll go back and get more for all of you,” he says. Mr. Okabe thanks Henry for his kindness and bravery, but says: “No matter what happens to us,... (full context)

...“might be like the name Smith or Lee,” and he wouldn’t know. Eventually, Henry recognizes Mr. Okabe in the lunch line. Mr. Okabe is thrilled to see Henry, and the two discuss... (full context)

...Henry’s father can see it, making sure her son gets Keiko’s letters. Keiko writes that Mr. Okabe has volunteered to go to Idaho, to help build Camp Minidoka. The rest of the... (full context)

Family Dynamics and Inheritance Theme Icon

Henry eats breakfast with the Okabes. He asks Mr. Okabe why the Japanese prisoners, who greatly outnumber the guards, don’t take over the camp. “We’re... (full context)

Henry, Keiko, and Mr. Okabe discuss the fact that many male prisoners are enlisting to fight for America in the... (full context)

...a drink, and he looks at the photos in her living room. One is of her father , who enlisted in the US Army to fight against Germany. Another framed picture is... (full context)