In This Corner of the World (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place across several locations in Japan's Hiroshima Prefecture. Suzu moves from her hometown of Eba, a picturesque seaside town, to Kure, a naval port city that played a vital role during World War II. Other important locations include Otake City (where her husband is stationed), Hiroshima City (the site of the atomic bombing), and Kusatsu (a rural area where her sister takes shelter).

• kure
• hiroshima
• eba
• setting
• locations
• wartime japan

The movie spans from 1943 to 1945, covering the final years of World War II. It depicts the everyday struggles of Japanese civilians during this period, including food shortages, air raids, and the eventual atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

• 1943
• 1945
• world war ii
• time period
• historical

The film explores three interconnected themes: Loss, which permeates the story through the deaths of loved ones and the broader devastation of war; Resilience, shown through Suzu's ability to rebuild her life and find hope despite profound tragedy; and Family, which serves as a source of strength through the bonds Suzu maintains with her in-laws and the adoption of an orphaned girl.

• themes
• loss
• resilience
• family
• wartime

Suzu is an 18-year-old girl who moves from Eba to Kure after marrying Shusaku. She represents the struggles of women in wartime Japan, balancing household responsibilities while enduring personal loss. Her journey transforms her from an innocent, hopeful young woman into a resilient character who exemplifies the enduring human spirit amid grief.

• suzu
• protagonist
• wife
• wartime japan

Shusaku is Suzu's husband, a military clerk stationed away from home during the war. He demonstrates steadfast loyalty and love, always prioritizing Suzu's well-being despite the challenges of wartime separation. His character represents the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families during the conflict.

• shusaku
• husband
• soldier
• military clerk

Tetsu is Suzu's classmate and a sailor who visits her during the war. He is dealing with grief over the loss of his own brother. His visit symbolizes the lingering feelings of love and loss, highlighting the emotional toll of war on young people caught between friendship and romantic feelings.

• tetsu
• classmate
• sailor
• love interest

Sumi is Suzu's sister who becomes the sole survivor of her immediate family. She returns from rural Kusatsu with heartbreaking news about the war's devastation. Her character highlights the theme of survival and the difficult sacrifices families endured during wartime.

• sumi
• sister
• survivor
• family

Kure is a prominent naval port city that played a vital role during World War II as a military base. It is where Suzu begins her married life with Shusaku, and it becomes the location where she experiences the atomic bombing and its aftermath, making it central to the film's portrayal of wartime civilian life.

• kure
• naval port
• military base
• wartime location

Loss manifests throughout the film in various forms, the deaths of loved ones, the destruction of home and community, and the broader impacts of war on daily life. Suzu's journey reflects this devastation through both physical and emotional scars, illustrating how war leaves lasting wounds on individuals and families.

• loss
• death
• war trauma
• grief
• atomic bombing

Resilience in the film is shown through Suzu's ability to adapt to devastating circumstances and eventually rebuild her life after tragedy. Despite losing family members and suffering permanent injury, she creates a nurturing household and adopts an orphaned child. The movie illustrates how life continues through community and family support, even in the face of despair.

• resilience
• strength
• hope
• recovery
• rebuilding

Family plays a central role in shaping Suzu's identity and decisions throughout the film. The connections she maintains with her in-laws and her decision to adopt an orphaned girl emphasize the importance of familial bonds during wartime. The narrative highlights love and support as crucial for healing and survival.

• family
• bonds
• marriage
• adoption
• in-laws

The film depicts the final years of World War II in Japan, culminating in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945. It portrays the civilian experience during this period, including air raids, food shortages, and the profound destruction caused by the bomb, while also showing the immediate aftermath and the long-term effects on survivors.

• atomic bomb
• hiroshima
• world war ii
• historical
• 1945