The Japanese tea ceremony, with its meticulous rituals and rich symbolism, serves as a powerful backdrop for examining the influence of tradition on the present. Each gesture and antique teacup carries echoes of past generations, shaping the actions and expectations of the characters. Kikuji's struggle to balance his personal desires with societal expectations highlights the tension between tradition and individual freedom.

Kawabata skillfully captures the subtle nuances of human interaction, particularly in the realms of romantic love and familial bonds. The characters are ensnared in a web of unrequited love, repressed desires, and simmering jealousies that span generations. Kikuji's interactions with Mrs. Ota, her daughter Fumiko, and his father's former mistress Chikako are laden with unspoken emotions and past transgressions, leading to moments of both tenderness and betrayal.

Memories, both beautiful and painful, exert a strong influence on the present throughout the novel. The characters grapple with the legacies of their parents, the lingering presence of lost loves, and the indelible marks left by past experiences. The tea ceremony itself becomes a vessel for remembering, with each object and gesture evoking a flood of associations and emotions, underscoring the lasting impact of the past on the present.