 Ushimatsu idolizes Rentarou Inoko, a "burakumin" rights' activist and successful writer (particularly considering the social position given to those considered "burakumin").Ushimatsu wishes to reveal his background to Rentarou, as his need to hide away part of himself in order to be accepted by society in general leads to his feeling constricted by this superficial identity, and to his desiring to form a more meaningful connection with Rentarou through their common experience.This novel also touches on the dangerous, destructive nature of gossip, and questions society's inability to accept what is not understood.