Tokyo Story Irony

Tokyo Story Irony

Atami

Koichi and Shige send their parents to the hot springs in Atami, which to them appears to be a kind gesture. The irony is that they send them away so that it will cost them less money than it would if they had to entertain them in Tokyo.

Honor and Respect

Shukichi and Tomi's children don't attempt to spend time with them while they are there as they are too "busy." The irony is that Noriko, who isn't technically a part of this family anymore works a full-time job and yet still finds time to take them around Tokyo to see the sights, and most importantly honors them by making them guests in her humble home unlike their children have done.

Like Father Like Son

We learn that Koichi was fiery and disrespectful as a little boy growing up in Onomichi. Ironically, his own son has become the same way: defiant and selfish, only concerned with being able to get what pleases him.

No Place Like Home

After entering Shige's home Shukichi says, "It's good to be home." Ironically when asked who Shukichi and Tomi are after they leave the beauty salon portion of the home Shige says, "Just some friend from the country." She treats them like she is embarrassed by them.

Respect

Shige comes to say her goodbyes to her mother before she dies. We see her weep after her death and during her funeral. Ironically as soon as her father leaves the post-funeral dinner she immediately asks to have two pieces of clothing of her mothers to take back with her to Tokyo. Her respect for her mother only lasted long enough for her to weep before returing to her normal state of lacking care for her mother.

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