When reading Norwegian Wood, I noticed the reverberations of trios. It seems as though every relationship of Toru’s can be traced back to a group of three. Some notable examples are Toru with Kizuki and Naoko, Nagasawa and Hatsuma and Naoko and Reiko. While all dynamics are the same size, the trios vary in terms of Toru’s power and, as a result, his attitude toward them. With Kizuki and Naoko, a couple together since childhood, Toru is the odd man out. Toru describes Kizuki as “occupying that central position” while he inhabits only the “guest,” granted attention under host Kizuki’s jurisdiction (22). Toru sees a likeness in his relationship with Nagasawa and Hatsumi, realizing “Oh no, it was Kizuki, Naoko and me all over again” (202). Toru is yet again a cushion to a couple. Wanting to leave, Toru is exhorted by Hatsumi to stay as she urges “It’s better with you here” (209). In addition to acting as a mediating force, in both trios, Toru is shut out from the couples’ romance. He is relegated to a sex-less being, an identity he appears to reject. Toru’s desired version of himself is elucidated in his relationship with Naoko and Reiko - a trio in which both girls almost fight over their love and affection for Toru. Toru’s sweater, half-knitted by both girls, represents that the two share their love for him. As opposed to Toru’s trios involving another man, Naoko and Reiko engulfs him in romance as he engages in sexual activities with both. Ultimately, Toru appears to be driven by sex and romance when it comes to selecting his circle. A potential outlier is lustful Midori, however, a potential reason for their relationship’s failure is his unfulfillment with just one person. Toru ultimately craves the friendship and love of two women, like Naoko and Reiko, to make him whole.
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