Tony Takitani and The Seventh Man

The first story is about Tony Takia, who had a lonely childhood. Loneliness was normal for him, since his mother died young and his father, who spent all his time with his jazz orchestra, was never at home. At school Tony studied art; although his drawings were precise and full of details, they lacked feeling. Tony is used to being self-sufficient, and, it seems, he considers emotions something irrational and childish.

After he discovers his true calling in technical illustration, he falls in love with Eiko—one of his clients, obsessed with high fashion. In the end, he marries her, and his life changes. He feels the pulse of life and for the first time understands what loneliness is, and begins to be afraid of it. But what troubles him is Eiko’s maniacal passion for clothes by famous designers. When he asks her to be more economical, the consequences turn tragic.

The second story is about the history of the Seventh Narrator. It tells of an incident from his childhood that haunts him and won’t let him go. This fear follows him for many years, but in the evening of his life he finally conquers it.