In this map, the editors of Fortune Magazine analyzed the strategic geo-political situation during World War II, from a strongly American perspective. Fortune published Richard Edes Harrison’s map soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and it became a popular educational feature in many American homes. As she closes down her house in Berkeley prior to leaving, Otsuka’s character, the woman, removes this map from her son’s wall and carefully packs it away. ("When The Emperor Was Divine", p. 7). Later, this patriotic interest in allied fortunes loses its relevance for her.

Who was winning the war? Who was losing? His mother no longer wanted to know… “Tell me when it’s over,” she said. ("When The Emperor Was Divine", p. 93)