This novel draws on the lives, memories, and writings of many Japanese and Americans who lived through or participated in the US-led Occupation of Japan, particularly Kafū Nagai, Kōji Uno, and Ken’ichi Yoshida; Paul Blum, Donald Keene, Donald Richie, Edward Seidensticker, and Harry Shupak. However, and for the avoidance of any doubt, this novel is not meant to insinuate that any of these people had any part whatsoever in the death of Sadanori Shimoyama.