1Q84

As Ushikawa prepares to stake out Tengo’s apartment, he reflects on his upbringing as the least attractive member of an affluent family. Ushikawa grew up to marry a woman and father two beautiful daughters. Yet his wife left him for a new husband “with normal looks” (735) and took his daughters with her.

Ushikawa’s strange appearance would make it difficult to hide inconspicuously from outside the apartment, and there are no rooms to rent that would provide a clear sightline to Tengo’s window. Instead, Ushikawa rents a room below Tengo’s apartment and sets up a hidden camera aimed at the front door. The camera will snap photos every time someone enters or exits the building. Ushikawa stays in the room indefinitely, bringing with him only the barest essentials: a sleeping bag, kerosene lamp, camping stove, bucket, and camera equipment.

Amid the illogic of 1Q84, Aomame boils down her life to three basic duties: “Protecting myself, searching for Tengo, and providing this little one with nourishment” (742).

Meanwhile, Tamaru tells Aomame that he called NHK and confirmed that the fee collector in her area has not been to her apartment. Nevertheless, a man claiming to be a fee collector continues to harass her routinely.