In this chapter, we are introduced to a new character named "Kanata" . He is a friend of Hiroshige's, and he is also a co-worker of Gashimachi's. We learn that he is from New York, and that he works for a chocolate company. We are also introduced to his name, which means "friend" in Japanese. He tells us that his name is "Kata" and that his job is to make chocolate. He asks if he can go with him on a business trip to a nearby town to check on some winter sales.