In Haruki Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore," the author reflects on the profound nature of love and its connection to a person’s sense of self. He suggests that love often stirs feelings of nostalgia and longing, as individuals seek to find lost aspects of themselves through their relationships. This search can lead to sadness, especially when lovers reminisce about their shared experiences and the emotions tied to those moments.

The idea of love being intertwined with personal history is emphasized by the imagery of revisiting a cherished place or remembering a loved one, such as a mother. These feelings are portrayed as natural, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of love where joy and sadness coexist. Such sentiments highlight how love can trigger deep reflections on one's identity and emotional state.