Mr Ushikawa

Maybe as I read 1Q84 I will attempt to pull out the various theories I find, since I often forget them when I exit the surreal plot.

At the stage of approaching evil in both 1Q84 and Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, the appalling Mr Ushikawa makes an appearance. I see no reason why the worlds could not be connected - since the main villain is similar in mystery and perversion. Either way, I theorize Murakami has crafted this man to represent the essential ‘middle-man’ of evil, the traitor. He is overly depicted as the most detestable, disgusting person in the whole story, from his clothes to his body to his mode of speech. There is nothing pure or redeemable in him, except perhaps some pity you may feel for how quickly people avoid him.

I believe this may be the author’s way of capturing those who have completely lost themselves over to darkness; they are not ominous like the central evil, but they are the slaves to carry it out, operating as traitors among society. They do not even know fully what is happening, since they are not close enough to either side. Their only motivations are money and safety.

theory: betrayal to yourself and to your promises ultimately turns you into an Ushikawa.

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