Obasan

by

Joy Kogawa

Nakayama-sensei Character Analysis

Nakayama-sensei is an Anglican minister who presides over the Nakanes’ congregation in Vancouver and continues serving as a community leader when he moves to Slocan. He tries to foster a sense of togetherness and support among the displaced Japanese Canadians in Slocan, but his efforts are largely unsuccessful––as are his attempts to find Mother and Grandma Kato in Japan. He remains close to the Nakanes, and after Uncle’s death, he is with the family when Naomi learns the truth about Mother.
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Nakayama-sensei Character Timeline in Obasan

The timeline below shows where the character Nakayama-sensei appears in Obasan. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 16
History and Memory Theme Icon
The family is greeted at the train station by Nakayama-sensei, the minister from their Anglican church in Vancouver. As Nakayama-sensei helps them carry their luggage,... (full context)
Chapter 25
Race, Identity, and Citizenship Theme Icon
Nomura-obasan and other neighbors visit the Nakanes while they pack, and Nakayama-sensei leads the group in prayer. During the prayers, Stephen accidentally breaks one of Mother’s records.... (full context)
Chapter 27
History and Memory Theme Icon
Speech vs. Silence Theme Icon
Aunt Emily will be arriving soon with Stephen, and Nakayama-sensei has also promised to visit. Naomi flashes back to a conversation she had with Emily.... (full context)
Chapter 31
Selflessness and Decorum Theme Icon
...she finds a frog with a broken leg. Stephen comes to bring Naomi home because Nakayama-sensei has come to visit, and Naomi brings the frog with her. When the children get... (full context)
Chapter 32
History and Memory Theme Icon
Speech vs. Silence Theme Icon
Looking at the photographs makes Naomi think of Mother and Grandma Kato. Nakayama-sensei searched for them when he visited Japan after the war, but he found no trace... (full context)
Chapter 36
Race, Identity, and Citizenship Theme Icon
Nakayama-sensei, Aunt Emily, and Stephen arrive. Stephen doesn’t respond to Obasan’s attempts to start a conversation... (full context)
Race, Identity, and Citizenship Theme Icon
Speech vs. Silence Theme Icon
Aunt Emily shows a stack of letters to Nakayama-sensei and explains that Naomi and Stephen don’t know about them. Nakayama-sensei points out that Naomi... (full context)
Chapter 37
Selflessness and Decorum Theme Icon
Nakayama-sensei finishes reading the letter. He is deeply rattled, but he tries to bring comfort to... (full context)