Tengo had wondered if what he thought was his father was actually his biological father, citing the huge physical and mental discrepancy and saying that "My real father must be somewhere else,” (Hurakami, 13). When he finally met his father in the sanatorium after 2 years, the conversation was cold and distant. you are nothing" (Hurakami, 19). After some back and forth conversation, Tengo had asked "So who is my father", to which his father had responded with "Just a void" (Hurakami, 22). One of the reasons why What Hurakami was praised for was its departure from contemporary Japanese literature of the time, and as stated by the Encyclopedia Britannica, "this ambiguity, far from being off-putting, was one reason for its popularity among readers, especially young ones." ,” (Britannica). The conversation continued to be ambiguous, but came to a clear point when Tengo said, “And you raised me after she left. Is that what you're saying?" (Hurakami, 22). The comparison might seem as if there is nothing but dislike between the characters, yet, as seen in Tengo's father's actions, he loved him. With a high possibility that Tengo was not his biological son, and even after the mother left, he kept Tengo and raised him. As his father said, "I filled that void" (Hurakami, 22). on the part of Tengo's father since he, although probably without any obligation to be with the child, continued to raise him alone Taking on the role of both parents, he provided everything he could. And even in saying that Tengo did not it was nothing, he didn't mean it, as he still felt some affection for Tengo even after that time Tengo was his only relative, and