Old Man Kawai
Names: Old Man KawaiKawaiKawai-sanTadanorisanTadanori Kawai
First appears in Book 1: The Many-Colored Land, chapter 44 (6)
Appearances
What you know
Book 1: The Many-Colored Land
- Ch 44Kawai, 86, runs Domestics and says only about a hundred boiled-leather helmets and chest guards will be ready.
- Ch 47An elderly former Osaka electronics manufacturer who tends the camouflage nets and worries anxiously about Madame's return.
Book 2: The Golden Torc
- Ch 17Kawai insisted refugees be camped spartanly away from Hidden Springs so they would be motivated to found their own settlements rather than stay.
- Ch 17Kawai says the time-gate saved him from suicide and that he found happiness in serving others after escaping Tanu captivity.
- Ch 18Kawai will become Freeleader in the morning and stays behind, and he agrees to look after Amerie's wildcat Deej.
- Ch 18Kawai reports the Spear's powerpack is completely discharged and he could not improvise a tool to open it.
- Ch 20Old Man Kawai coated the Spear with blue lacquer.
- Ch 41Old Man Kawai eagerly prepares to greet Elizabeth's arrival with roses in Madame Guderian's house.
Book 3: The Nonborn King
- Ch 5Old Man Kawai is the chief leader of the Lowlives at Hidden Springs.
- Ch 5Kawai tells Tony the discovery about the enemy was only possible because Tony had withstood the attackers so valiantly.
- Ch 33A Japanese former electronics manufacturer and Buddhist who keeps Madame's cottage and cats, and adores Amerie like a daughter.
- Ch 33Kawai vowed to the Nagasaki martyrs and waited to name Dejah's kittens until Amerie came home.
Book 4: The Adversary
- Ch 17Kawai, an elderly half-blind Japanese craftsman, chooses to stay behind alone at abandoned Hidden Springs as caretaker rather than flee with the other Lowlives.
- Ch 17Kawai made looms, grinding machines, paper, ceramics and shoes in Hidden Springs, and helped lead the Lowlife people in time of need.
- Ch 17Kawai disarms the Firvulag column's hostility by offering roses and invoking the Armistice, then lies that all Lowlives have gone to Nionel.
- Ch 17Kawai believes diplomacy could win safe passage through the time-gate, though he understands Burke wanting weapons as a bargaining base.
- Ch 30He politely declined the King's proclamation, wishing to conserve his failing strength and prepare Hidden Springs for the rainy season.
Connections
- friend ofSister Annamaria Roccaro
- ally ofKhalid Khan
- related toDejahtakes custody of Amerie's pet wildcat
- leadsLowlives
- family ofSister Annamaria Roccarotreats her as a dearest daughter
- friend ofPeopeo Moxmox Burke
Key moments
- Book 1 · Ch 44Steering Committee meeting
The committee reviews preparations for the Finiah attack, adopts testing for shape-changers, and Burke denies Amerie's request to join the fighters.
- Book 1 · Ch 44Steering Committee meeting adjourns
Burke reports the attack timing, members raise new business on iron weapons, drink supplies and later phases of Madame's plan; strategy planning is tabled and the meeting adjourns.
- Book 1 · Ch 47Madame returns with the Spear
After a day of watching circling raptors, Amerie spots the high aircraft; it lands at Hidden Springs after dark, and villagers hide it with nets. Madame announces they have brought the Spear, and the bleeding Martha is rushed to Amerie.
- Book 1 · Ch 48Crash and rescue
The injured crew crash-land; Felice carries Claude out and Amerie assures him they will recover.
- Book 2 · Ch 17Inspection of the refugee camp
Madame Guderian, Burke and Kawai tour the camp and hospital; Kawai reports on dispersal plans to the Nancy iron site and Madame reaffirms the priority of iron.
- Book 2 · Ch 17Madame collapses and is treated
Madame coughs violently and nearly faints; Burke carries her to the hospital where Jafar treats her, but she refuses rest and insists on leaving south next morning.
- Book 2 · Ch 18Farewell supper and planning
On the eve of departure the eleven expedition members and Kawai dine at Madame's table, quarrel over who should go, and agree to bring the dead Spear south for Aiken Drum to recharge.
- Book 2 · Ch 18Deej entrusted to Kawai
Amerie asks Kawai to keep her wildcat Deej, and he promises to keep her safe until the group returns.
- Book 2 · Ch 41Survivors arrive at Hidden Springs Canyon
Months later, in June, Elizabeth's party arrives at the village, and the residents excitedly prepare to greet her.
- Book 3 · Ch 5Firvulag treachery revealed
Tony wakes with a wired jaw to learn reinforcements killed the attackers, whose corpses reverted to normal Firvulag, proving the supposed Howlers were allies betraying humans.
- Book 3 · Ch 5Tony's delirious plea
After Denny and Kawai explain that the dead attackers were Sharn and Ayfa's armored regulars using a siege engine, the wounded Tony falls asleep murmuring 'Take me back to Finiah!'
- Book 3 · Ch 33Return to Hidden Springs
Burke, Basil, Amerie and the thirty Bastards arrive to a joyful welcome, with a feast and Mass of Thanksgiving. Kawai welcomes Amerie home and she reunites with her cat Dejah.
- Book 4 · Ch 17Kawai refuses to leave Hidden Springs
Burke and Denny Johnson urge Kawai to join the departing Lowlives, but he insists on staying as caretaker of the abandoned village.
- Book 4 · Ch 17Kawai meets the Firvulag army
At the burying ground Kawai faces Betularn's column, offers roses and hospitality under the Armistice, and lies that everyone has gone to Nionel; the Firvulag follow him toward the village.