Chapter 40

Summary

• Mariko is attempting to arrange an evening with the courtesan Kiku for an unnamed client at a Tea House managed by Gyoko.
• Gyoko, the Mama-san, is a savvy businesswoman who claims Kiku is in high demand, subtly negotiating Kiku's availability for the night.
• Mariko and Gyoko discuss the logistics and negotiate the price for Kiku's services, settling on one koban after some haggling.
• Gyoko hesitates at the idea of selling Kiku's contract but ends up quoting a price of five thousand koku after Mariko expresses interest.
• Mariko reflects on how courtesans, like her husband Buntaro's concubine, can end up being a significant financial responsibility.
• The narrative provides a backstory on Gyoko, who was previously a courtesan herself, now running a successful Tea House.
• Discussion between Gyoko and Kiku hints at Kiku's eventual transaction with Mariko's client, the Anjin-san (Blackthorne), rather than anticipated figures like Buntaro or Toranaga.
• Kiku reveals that she was the girl with the green parasol Blackthorne had seen before; Mariko shares that he found her very beautiful.
• At the Tea House, Blackthorne and Mariko engage with Kiku, who performs songs and comedic pantomimes, creating a joyous atmosphere.
• Kiku deftly adapts to the situation, providing massages to Blackthorne and fostering a smooth interaction despite some potential awkwardness with Mariko.
• Kiku's presentation of pleasure devices humorous to Blackthorne, who is unaccustomed to such things; the scene is light-hearted.
• The interaction at the Tea House opens Blackthorne's eyes to the cleanliness and sensibilities of Japanese culture compared to his experiences in England.
• The mood shifts as Blackthorne vents about the backwards beliefs and practices in his home country, expressing frustration and regret over them.
• Feeling a deep connection, Mariko and Blackthorne share a private moment where Mariko expresses her desire and gifts him with Kiku for the night.
• Blackthorne, who is now alone with Kiku, decides not to engage in physical relations, demonstrating restraint, while Kiku shows understanding and complies with his wishes.