Noritaka Sato Character Analysis in Memoirs of a Geisha

The ugly, dim-witted Deputy Minister who uses his influence to reverse the American government’s decision to strip the Chairman and Nobu’s company of its assets. Since Nobu finds Sato detestable, Sayuri sleeps with him in order to infuriate Nobu, hoping that Nobu will lose interest in her as a result.

Noritaka Sato Character Timeline in Memoirs of a Geisha

The timeline below shows where the character Noritaka Sato appears in Memoirs of a Geisha. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...the company. Nobu says that Sayuri needs to entertain an old client of hers, Noritaka Sato, who is now the Deputy Minister of Finance. Nobu hopes that if they get on... (full context)

...her once again. Sayuri asks him if the Chairman will join them when they entertain Sato. Nobu says that he will worry about the arrangements, and that she should simply get... (full context)

...makes her reappearance as a geisha. For her first engagement, she meets with Nobu and Sato at a teahouse. Sayuri tries to engage Sato in conversation, but he says little more... (full context)

...the geisha are entertaining them. Sayuri invites Mameha to come to her next party with Sato. Mameha agrees, and also suggests that Sayuri bring Pumpkin. Though Sayuri hasn’t seen Pumpkin since... (full context)

...“big shot” businessman is. The Chairman chuckles and says that if she is referring to Sato, then he will be here soon. Pumpkin says that she knows Sato and that he... (full context)

Tradition, Ritual, and Gender Theme Icon

...night, she decides not to tell it. Not very good at the game, Pumpkin and Sato quickly get drunk. When the Chairman leaves to walk Pumpkin home, Nobu asks how Sato... (full context)

All through winter, Nobu brings Sato to Gion on a weekly basis to drink and talk with Sayuri, Mameha, Pumpkin, and... (full context)

...later, Pumpkin, Mameha, and the Chairman cannot attend the party, so Sayuri entertains Nobu and Sato alone. Nobu is in a particularly bad mood, and he quickly rushes Sato out of... (full context)

...favor he asked of her lightly. Shocked to hear that she would consider sleeping with Sato just to please him, Nobu angrily demands to know if she would seriously consider giving... (full context)

...himself as her danna. Mother also says that Nobu and the Chairman have arranged for Sato, Pumpkin, Mameha, and her to fly this coming Friday to a small resort island near... (full context)

...him from becoming her danna. Sayuri thinks that if she betrays Nobu by sleeping with Sato, then Nobu will never want to speak to her again, let alone be her danna.... (full context)

...They come across an abandoned theater that Sayuri thinks is a good place to bring Sato if she decides to go through with the plan. On the walk back to the... (full context)

Sayuri decides to bring Sato to the abandoned theater that night. All she needs is Mameha or Pumpkin to bring... (full context)

While everyone relaxes outside the inn, Sayuri approaches Sato and says that they should take a private stroll though the village. He agrees, saying... (full context)

...with the plan and hope that Pumpkin will come with Nobu. Sayuri meets up with Sato and takes him down to the village, feeling a sensation similar to the day of... (full context)

...keep his affection for Sayuri a secret. But that all changed after seeing her with Sato. When Pumpkin took him to the theater, he angrily demanded why she would bring him... (full context)