The Japanese Lover

In 1955, Ichi and Alma begin their affair, meeting each day at a motel outside of town. Isaac and Lillian do not know about the meetings. Alma tells Nathaniel, and Nathaniel opposes their romance entirely, insisting that Alma and Ichi have nothing in common and insulting Ichi’s masculinity. Regardless, Alma continues to meet with Ichi, and their sexual relationship develops quickly as they fall in love.

Alma and Lenny’s friendship develops with brief trips and excursions, but they eventually settle on resting and watching TV or listening to music. Irina fears that Lenny is reducing her importance in Alma’s life, and Seth fears the same. Irina cares for Lenny’s dog, Sophia, who is a rescue from Romania, which is near Irina’s native Moldova. Alma confesses to Lenny that she has continued an affair with Ichi since 1955, but they have never revealed it to anyone, including Ichi’s wife and children. Though the racism that prevented them from being together in the decades prior is gone, Alma is glad that they never had to deal with domestic issues like marriage and children. Lenny tells Alma that he has an inoperable brain tumor, and he is thinking of seeking medical aid in dying before it starts to reduce his quality of life.