Chinese writer Lin Yutang once said, "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." However, the word mother does not always apply to a woman who gives birth to a child, but a woman who gives maternal love and tenderness. The role of mother in the novel Obasan was passed down to the three main female figures of the novel. Naomi's biological mother, Obasan and Aunt Emily each took equal part in the raising of Naomi and Stephen in their unique ways.
             Naomi's mother actions and manner of life makes her a good mother figure for the children in the novel. Naomi's mother shows great compassion with her children and all other things. Compassion is an essential trait that one would most likely need to be a good mother. However, Naomi's mother displays her affection differently than what we may normally consider compassion. She shows it as a Japanese mother.
             "Her eyes are steady and matter of fact – the eyes of Japanese motherhood. They do not invade and invade. They are eyes that protect, shielding what is hidden most deeply in the heart of the child. She makes safe the small stirrings underfoot and in the shadows."(Kogawa, 63)
             By showing compassion within her subtleties, Naomi's mother shows signs of motherhood.
             Another trait that people feel that a mother must possess is commitment to one's family. Naomi's mother is very committed to her family, both extended and immediate. Whether she needs to be whisked away to Japan to take care of her cousin or watching her children play music, she is there. "Here they are in the music room in the evening, before dark, Mother in her chair beside Stephen who sits on the piano stool with its eagle-claw feet clutching three glass globes." (55) Naomi's mother is committed to her family growing up right. She is involved with them every step of the way, until she needs to go to Japan.
             A mother's role is ...