An In-Depth Explanation of 'Cold Front' for the Curious
This novel is not just 'a story about Inoue and Shiraishi talking while eating ice cream in a park'.
In fact, the theme of this work is
the moment when two people who were strangers gradually enter each other's lives and memories
depicted.
The title 'Cold Front' represents not only the weather but also the changes in Inoue's heart itself.
1. The meaning of the title 'Cold Front'
A cold front is
warm air
cold air
a meteorological phenomenon that causes
thunder
sudden heavy rain
strong winds
when they collide.
So, what is colliding in this novel?
It is
The usual Inoue
Inoue, who began to change after meeting Shiraishi
is who he is.
At the beginning of the story, Inoue thinks of Shiraishi as "a bit of an odd guy."
However, by the end of the story,
"Ryo!"
he shouts his name and chases after him through the heavy rain.
In other words, a major change in feelings is occurring within Inoue's heart.
(2) What is Shiraishi doing?
In this novel, Shiraishi is constantly showing his "past" to Inoue.
The park he often visited as a child
The book he used to read inside a concrete pipe
Memories of the summer of his second year of junior high
The story of the circular rainbow
In a normal conversation,
"This park brings back memories."
would be the end of it.
But Shiraishi is different.
He is bringing Inoue to the places of his most cherished memories.
In other words,
"I want you to know what is precious to me."
That is what they are saying.
Whether in a romance or a story about friendship, when people start to think of someone as special, they begin to talk about their own past.
Shiraishi is gradually opening up his world to Inoue.
3. What do the concrete pipes represent?
The concrete pipes in this work are a very important item.
In old manga, they were often depicted as
concrete pipes = secret base
a symbol of childhood
.
Shiraishi says,
"Don't you ever want to try going inside a concrete pipe?"
He says.
This is not just a simple question.
It is as if Shiraishi is saying,
"Won't you come into my secret base?"
.
Furthermore,
"I used to read this book here, too"
from this line, it can also be considered that the concrete pipe represents Shiraishi's 'inner heart'.
Throughout the story, Inoue gradually comes to understand Shiraishi's inner self.
4. The popsicle also has meaning
Popsicles appear multiple times in this novel.
There is a description of Inoue
licking the popsicle stick repeatedly.
in the story.
In fact, in this author's works,
"food = emotion"
is very often used as a motif.
Ice cream is also
a symbol of summer
a symbol of childhood
a symbol of transience
as well.
Ice cream is a food that melts away.
In other words,
"a time that only exists now"
can also be interpreted as being represented by it.
The time spent with Shiraishi on this summer evening will never return.
That is precisely why the author depicts ice cream so many times.
⑤ The final scene is the most important
The most important part of this novel is the final five pages.
Thunder rumbles, and
"Ryo!"
Inoue shouts.
Here, for the first time, Inoue's body catches up with the feeling of
"I'm worried about Shiraishi."
that he is experiencing.
Furthermore,
even if I do catch up, is there anything I can actually do for her?
there is this line.
This is typical of Inoue.
A typical protagonist would say,
"I love her, so I'm going after her!"
but that is not the case here.
However, Inoue thinks,
"I can't do anything, so why am I running?"
he wonders to himself.
In other words,
my head is telling me to stop.
These two feelings are clashing with each other.
This is exactly what a 'cold front' is.
6. The true theme of this novel
The theme of this work is,
'The moment a person begins to cherish someone, they no longer understand the reason themselves.'
that is what it is.
Inoue,
learned about Shiraishi's past,
learned about what Shiraishi likes,
touched Shiraishi's heart,
and before he knew it, he was running through the rain.
Whether it is love, friendship, or admiration, it is not yet clear at this point.
However, there is one thing I do know.
That is,
Shiraishi is no longer 'just a classmate' to Inoue.
that is what it is.
In conclusion
'Cold Front' is not a story about a thunderstorm. It is a coming-of-age novel that depicts the 'storm of emotions' that suddenly arrived in Inoue's heart.
When a cold front approaches in the sky, the wind gets a little colder. People's hearts are the same. When people begin to cherish someone, at first, they don't even know the name of that feeling.
This work is a story that very delicately depicts the moment when those 'nameless feelings' are born.