Shinko Character Analysis in The Buddha of Suburbia

Shinko is a Japanese sex worker that Changez employs when it becomes clear that Jamila will never go to bed with him. Their relationship persists for the entirety of the novel and though Changez continues to pay Shinko for her services, they do seem to feel genuine respect and affection for each other. Jamila supports Changez's decision to employ Shinko.

Shinko Character Timeline in The Buddha of Suburbia

The timeline below shows where the character Shinko appears in The Buddha of Suburbia. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...and then reemerges, a middle-aged Japanese woman behind him. Changez happily explains that the woman, Shinko, isn't a prostitute, she's a friend, and he can love both her and Jamila. (full context)

...pulls Karim into the kitchen and whispers that he has to go out and see Shinko that afternoon. Karim insists that Jamila doesn't care where Changez goes. He mentions that Anwar... (full context)

Karim is relieved to see Jamila, Changez, and Shinko getting out of a cab. He explains to the reader that he's spoken to Jamila... (full context)

...looks sad. Karim and Changez open beers and sit down. Changez explains that Jamila and Shinko have become friends, and the two embarrass Changez by talking about sex in front of... (full context)

Karim changes the subject and asks about Shinko. Changez happily shares that he and Shinko continue to experiment with sex positions. Karim asks... (full context)

One day, as Anwar returns from the mosque, he recognizes Changez walking with Shinko. Changez and Shinko had been shopping at a sex shop and are strolling home, talking... (full context)

...oblige unhappily and wonders if he should intervene. When Jamila asks if Changez has seen Shinko recently, Changez explains that Karim stirred him up by implying that Jamila is a lesbian.... (full context)

...at Karim's table. They talk about Karim's job and the new Prime Minister. Changez and Shinko arrive around midnight, and Changez talks at length about Jeeta's shop. (full context)