In Haruki Murakami's "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World," the quote about death leaving half-used cans of shaving cream reflects the unfinished aspects of life and the way mortality intrudes on daily routines. It symbolizes the abruptness with which life can end, leaving tasks and moments unrealized, highlighting the fragility of existence.

This imagery evokes a sense of loss and the need to appreciate each moment, as we often take mundane activities for granted. By contemplating such details, Murakami invites readers to reflect on the importance of living fully and recognizing the inevitable passage of time that renders some aspects of life incomplete.