When Mrs. Itoh announced that she was going shopping in Tottori that afternoon, Michiko eagerly asked if she could accompany her. Itoh had kindly provided a car and a young man to act as driver. In addition, there were a gardener and maintenance man who were available to run errands. The men were housed in a second, smaller cottage on the grounds.

For two hours, Michiko allowed Mrs. Itoh to instruct her in how to pick out the freshest fish and choose best daikon radish. She also bestowed upon her younger companion her opinions on the finest soy sauce, pickled ginger and green tea. However, at the end of the lecture, Michiko was able to replenish her supply of reading material and pick up some cosmetics her aunt had requested.

After supper, Michiko retired to her room while the ladies sipped plum wine, played cards and continued to exchange an endless supply of gossip. She fell asleep in the middle of reading one of her new books, with the muted voices of the women mingling with the sound of the nearby waves.