Chapters step 1-9
Twenty-one-year-dated Hana Omiya, the fresh protagonist out of Uchida’s Visualize Bride to be, is found on the new boat which is getting this lady regarding The japanese so you’re able to the fresh Ca coast that tale starts. It’s a while inside the November out of 1917, and Hana has made a decision to get off this lady village out of Oka to have another life in the usa. Taro lives in Oakland. Its wedding has been set-up by way of Taro’s buddy and you can Hana’s parents. Hana recommended it relationship very she you’ll avoid the new drudgeries out of becoming a beneficial Japanese farmer’s girlfriend. Taro is actually ten years avove the age of Hana and you may presumably the property owner out of a thriving business.
When Hana earliest hears of Taro Takeda, she imagines one to a lifestyle while the their partner would-be reduced confining than simply the lady candidates when you look at the an arranged wedding within her short community. Thus she decides to make use of this not familiar man’s you would like to have a girlfriend. She possibilities aside alone the very first time within her lives and you may suffers the a lot of time water travels. Once the she uses cold weather weeks on ship, she fantasizes throughout the their upcoming existence as the wife of a good supplier. She is hopeful that the girl life could well be leisurely, that have effortless privileges. At the conclusion of the fresh new trip, she actually is desperate to begin this lady new life.
Awaiting the lady is Taro Takeda, the first many downfalls one to diminish Hana’s fantasies. Taro is significantly avove the age of the guy seems in the photo he delivered her, and Hana begins to question, abreast of appointment him, if she has made a mistake. Taro requires Hana so you’re able to his household members, Kiku and you can Henry Toda. Hana will continue to be on the Todas until the wedding. Kiku is even an image bride to be and completely understands the issues one to place ahead to possess Hana.
With Kiku Hana actually starts to discover how much cash she need certainly to alter in order to fit into the newest American culture. Hana’s outfits are common incorrect, she notices. This lady has only kimonos to put on. Also her shoes have to be altered. Kiku assists Hana build this type of trend changes by providing their some out-of their attire. Kiku’s warm identity helps make Hana become a lot more comfortable. Hana and additionally relishes the idea of privacy, whenever Kiku now offers Hana yet another bed room to make use of. Simple fact is that first-time that Hana has actually actually slept by yourself. Kiku explains you to definitely Us americans envision confidentiality a necessity, and that really stands into the stark contrast to the total communal ambiance out-of Japanese lives.
Plot Conclusion
Towards the following the Week-end, Taro requires Hana so you’re able to their church. Taro is actually an excellent Christian and very much active in the Japanese church it sit-in. Reverend Okada ’s the head regarding the church and you will a buddy out-of Taro’s. In the sermon, Reverend Okada says the issues japan congregation must deal with within the the fresh new homes, a place that is not always inviting so you can Japanese faces. Hana try surprised to know it. Pursuing the provider, Taro raises Hana to a few away from their almost every other relatives, also Dr. Sojiro Kaneda and you may Kiyoshi Yamaka, a guy alongside Hana’s ages 
just who suggests quick demand for Hana. Hana try flattered by the Kiyoshi’s attract and you may discovers that she also try drawn to him.
Immediately following food, Kiyoshi drives Hana and Taro to help you Taro’s shop. Hana was astonished because of the shabbiness of the shop, another one out-of the lady failures. Immediately after restaurants eating to the Todas, Hana exposes the woman frustration so you can Kiku. Kiku says to Hana not to build the woman fantasies therefore larger. He is surviving in a nation that doesn’t believe or instance them, Kiku says to Hana. She then reminds Hana one she’s got started to make Taro happier which Hana want to make the very best of it. Kiku worries about Hana and also have observes the fresh new attraction between Hana and you may Kiyoshi. Kiku operates to generate Hana’s relationships gorgeous and also to hurry their thickness. The wedding is set to happen in two weeks.