On Sunday, however, Mrs. Itoh was at home. She told Michiko her husband was playing golf. Could she please call back that evening?

When Michiko finally reached Itoh and introduced herself as Ichiro's niece, he expressed his sincere condolences. Kamatsu was one of his oldest friends. He was horrified when he read the report of his death and its ugly circumstances and had missed the funeral only because he was out of the country traveling on business.

Itoh assured Michiko that if there were anything he could do for her or Ichiro's widow, she need only ask.