The government advocated military songs—poignant ballads or solemn marches. But Kinu couldn’t get excited over “Hawaii Naval Battle,” “At the Corner of Manila,” and, the latest hit, “It’s Getting Late in Batavia.” In a nod to the times, Kinu no longer played the piano. Chieko and Masako still visited, but making music was frowned upon since the whole neighborhood could hear. Kinu couldn’t risk it. Besides, her piano might be misconstrued as excessive wealth. Restricted but not silenced, Kinu and Kiyo plucked the koto and strummed the shamisen, summoning their comforting twang. Chieko watched.
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