Muji Character Analysis in A Tale for the Time Being

Muji is a young Buddhist nun who lives with Jiko in the temple on the mountainside. She is kind to Nao and welcomes her happily when Nao spends her summer vacation at the temple, including Nao in chores and activities. Since Jiko is so old, the bulk of the work at the temple falls to Muji, who does it cheerfully. Muji and Jiko have a relationship of mutual respect and affection. Nao says that she is so fond of Muji that Muji almost seems like an aunt to her.

Muji Character Timeline in A Tale for the Time Being

The timeline below shows where the character Muji appears in A Tale for the Time Being. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Time, Impermanence, and the Present Theme Icon

(4) Nao made tea with the younger nun, Muji, and then they all made polite conversation until Nao’s mother came home from work. Nao’s... (full context)

The Difficulty of Communication Theme Icon

...long time, Nao and her father finally saw the enormous temple gate at the top. Muji came running out to greet them. Nao’s father looked so happy at the temple that... (full context)

Over the next few weeks, Nao observed Jiko and Muji following all kinds of “crazy routines,” even when it came to washing their face or... (full context)

(2) In August, Jiko and Muji cleaned and prepared the temple for Obon, which they believed was the time when ghosts... (full context)

Nao played the big ceremonial drum during the ceremony—Muji had trained her for this, and Nao had practiced hard. Nao liked playing the drum.... (full context)

On the altar, there was a box wrapped in a white cloth. Previously, Muji told Nao that it held Haruki #1’s remains. Nao had said that this didn’t “make... (full context)

(3) The Obon festival lasted for four days. After all the visitors left, Jiko, Muji, and Nao visited all the parishioners’ houses to do Buddhist services in front of all... (full context)

(4) Soon, Nao’s summer vacation was almost done, which she was very sad about. Muji and Jiko threw her a farewell party with pizza and chocolates. Later that night, Nao... (full context)

...phone and saw that the call was from Jiko. There was also a text from Muji which said: “Sensei’s last moments. Come soon.” (full context)

...from other temples, and even some reporters who were there because Jiko was so old. Muji immediately took Nao and Haruki to see Jiko, who told Nao that she was glad... (full context)

However, it seemed like Jiko had something to say. She called for Muji, who helped her sit up and then placed a sheet of white rice paper before... (full context)

...which meant “to live.” Right after, she lay down and took her last breath. As Muji began all the death rituals, Nao couldn’t believe that Jiko was really gone. Right before... (full context)