Sweet Bean Paste

Sweet bean paste is the novel’s central symbol, representing the soulfulness, dignity, and life story embedded within one’s work. Initially, Sentaro uses mass-produced, commercial paste, a lifeless substance that reflects his own disengagement and despair. His work is a joyless obligation, and the paste is merely a product. Tokue’s arrival transforms this ingredient. She insists that “[b]ean paste is the soul of dorayaki” (19), reframing the laborious and meticulous process of creating the past as a sacred offering that requires reverence and care. This philosophy directly illuminates the theme of Finding Dignity and Connection Through Craftsmanship. The stark contrast between the two pastes symbolizes the difference between empty labor and meaningful creation. Tokue’s paste, rich with aroma and depth, is the physical embodiment of her history, resilience, and profound connection to the world, proving that even the simplest craft can hold a person’s entire being.

The process of creating the paste becomes a spiritual practice that redeems Sentaro. By learning to treat the adzuki beans with respect and attention, he finds purpose and pride in his work for the first time. The meaning of the symbol evolves through his perception; what was once a bland and tasteless marker of his failure becomes the flavorful source of his personal and professional salvation.