The only time they ever throw anything away is when it's really and truly broken, and then they make a big deal about it. They save up all their bent pins and broken sewing needles and once a year they do a whole memorial service for them, chanting and then sticking them into a block of tofu so they will have a nice soft place to rest. Jiko says that everything has a spirit, even if it is old and useless, and we must console and honor the things that have served us well.
The text discusses a unique tradition where broken items, like bent pins and sewing needles, are not discarded casually. Instead, they are cherished and given a ceremonial send-off once a year. This ritual involves chanting and placing these items into a block of tofu, symbolizing a soft resting place for their spirits. It highlights a deep respect for objects and their histories, emphasizing that nothing should simply be thrown away without recognition of its past usefulness.
Jiko, a character in the story, believes that everything has a spirit, regardless of its condition. Her philosophy teaches that we should honor and console the items that have served us throughout our lives. This perspective encourages a sense of gratitude and connection to the things we possess, reminding us to appreciate their contributions rather than seeing them as disposable when they are no longer functional.
