1. Disasters: First a tropical storm ravaged the beachside homes and nearly killed Stephen, later Yamaguchi was damaged by a fire.
2. Plague: When the population rises there's a huge pandemic that kills many. In this story it was leprosy which had no cure.
3. Mentor: The main character had a fatherly figure that wasn't his actual father. Matsu served as Stephen's replacement as he lived in Tarumi for over a year.
4. War: War is a common thing that's happened throughout all time. Nobody ever agrees 100% and so problems arise and conflicts become fights and wars.
5. Hero: He may not be as obvious as others but Stephen in many ways was a hero. He did things he didn't necessarily have to. He helped others regardless of whether danger was involved. On top of this he was very genuine and kind to everyone.
