Nostalgic but Ready for the Future

It seems inevitable that whenever my best friends and I get together we become nostalgic.  We start to remember all of the good times we used to have when we all lived closer to one another and reminisce about all the memories we have made.  It is at times funny to think of the things we remember and the things we once had that we long for again.

Nostalgia can be a good thing, but can be dangerous as well.  While remembering the good times we once had, we may also be dwelling on the past which can prevent us from living our lives and proceeding in the future.  We may also have a selective memory, remembering only the good things that happened in the past without remembering bad things that may have accompanied them.  It seems the case with the main character, Ono, from “An Artist of the Floating World” that he is dwelling on things from his past and thinking people in his present will only remember him for this and not for what he currently is. 

Upon the closer arrival of marriage negotiations for Ono’s daughter, Noriko, Ono starts to remember things from his past in preparation for the miai.  He first recollects his time working at the Takeda firm with someone known to him and his colleagues as ‘the Tortoise’.  Although this colleague worked at a slower pace and was somewhat looked down upon by the other colleagues, Ono saw his true skill and stood up for him.  He stated to his colleagues, “…can’t you see you’re talking to someone with artistic integrity?  If an artist refuses to sacrifice quality for the sake of speed, then that’s something we should all respect…” (Ishiguro, p. 68).  Ono realized something about himself that day and realized his actions that day were something he had become respected for in his later years.  He realized he had the “ability to think and judge for [himself], even if it meant going against the sway of those around [him]” (Ishiguro, p. 69).  He also felt he learned something very important from that experience.  He found that he should never “follow the crowd blindly, but to consider carefully the direction in which [he] was being pushed” (Ishiguro, p. 73). 

Although remembering this fondly, Ono has also forgotten things about his past.  Upon a meeting with one of his former students, he is reminded of a disagreement they had concerning the student’s work concerning the China crisis posters.  The student proceeded to tell Ono, “I did not always, in fact, concur with your view” (Ishiguro, p. 103).  Upon telling him this, he wanted a letter from Ono to the committee vouching for this statement.  Ono’s former student does not seem to want to be associated with Ono after the views Ono once expressed.  To further prepare for the miai, Ono goes to visit Mr. Kuroda.  Upon doing so, he is confronted by Mr. Kuroda’s student, Mr. Enchi.  Mr. Enchi doesn’t feel it was appropriate for Ono to come and told him, “…Traitor.  That’s what they called [Mr. Kuroda].  Traitor.  Every minute of every day.  But now we all know who the real traitors were,” (Ishiguro, p. 113) implying that Ono was the traitor.  Although there are bad things and good things in his past, he readily admits that he has “made many mistakes” (Ishiguro, p. 123).  And from this he tries to justify his past so his daughter’s marriage negotiations can go well.  He doesn’t want her future to linger on the things he has done in the past and the reputation he may or may not have in the eyes of his future in-laws.  The Saito’s don’t seem to dwell on his past reputation however.  Taro Saito states, “I’m sure you’re too harsh on yourself” (Ishiguro, p. 124).

Although it seems Ono wants to cover up parts about his past so marriage negotiations go well for Noriko, he also seems readily available to admit his wrongdoings.  Ono is nostalgic for the past but seems like he is also ready to move on.  He seems to be able to admit his responsibility and will eventually (hopefully) be able to confront his past so he can completely move on.  It intrigues me to read further to find out more about his past and to see what Noriko’s future entails. 

It is important to remember the past, but not dwell on it.  The past cannot be changed so we have to live for today and make the best out of the situations that present themselves to us.