Chose Three Questions
1. How do the stories of Kishimo tell us about the concept of motherhood? Do both
The Love of Kishimo and The Goddess Kishimo challenge the traditional images of motherhood (in Japan) ?
2. Can both the movie (When a Woman Ascend the Stairs) and stories (Hirabayashi’s and Okamoto’s work) be considered feminist works? How do they describe the subversion of women’s roles?

3. Describe the images of foreigners in both Out and Foreign Husband. What kind of problems are these people dealing with? Do you think they attempt to overcome the hardship in foreign countries?(book:Out, written by Natsuo Kirino）

4. Identify major social problems described in both Out and Foreign Husband. How and why the authors of the stories depict people’s quandary in the midst of (inner) turmoil?

5. What is the meaning of the word Blood and Bones? Why is the title of the movie?
6. Why are sex and ultraviolence so prominent in this movie? Do you think these depictions strengthen the quality of the drama?
7. Why did Masako decide to help Yayoi who murdered her husband in Out? Are there any specific reasons? Is it possible for you to be sympathetic with Yayoi and other housewives? Do you feel sorry for Kenji?