How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"During the war," Mr. Tagomi said, "I held minor post in District of China. In Shanghai. There, at Hongkew, a settlement of Jews, interned by Imperial Government for duration. Kept alive by JOINT relief. The Nazi minister at Shanghai requested we massacre the Jews. I recall my superiors' answer. It was, 'Such is not in accord with humanitarian considerations.' They rejected the request as barbaric. It impressed me." (5.132)
Foreshadowing Tagomi's decision to release Frank Frink, here's Japanese power used against the Nazis' political power. That is, the Nazi consul-minister puts in a request, but has no military power to enforce that request. (Though, what do you think happened to this settlement of Jews later? Probably nothing good.)
Quote #5
There is evil! It's actual like cement.
I can't believe it. I can't stand it. Evil is not a view. He wandered about the lobby, hearing the traffic on Sutter Street, the Foreign Office spokesman addressing the meeting. All our religion is wrong. What'll I do? he asked himself. He went to the front door of the embassy; an employee opened it, and Mr. Tagomi walked down the steps to the path. The parked cars. His own. Chauffeurs standing.[…]
We're blind moles. Creeping through the soil, feeling with our snouts. We know nothing. I perceived this... now I don't know where to go. Screech with fear, only. Run away. (6.181-2, 185)
After the last quote we might feel good about power against the Nazis. (Tagomi's standing up to Nazis—you go, Tagomi!) But then we find Tagomi freaking out about the Nazis, feeling powerless in the face of this sort of evil. Or is he saying that we can fight particular evil acts, but that evil will still go on?
Quote #6
What I've been doing is to go along with the exterior motions because it is safer; after all, these are the victors… they command. And I will go on doing it, I guess. Because why should I make myself unhappy? (7.108)
Tagomi may either oppose the Nazis or feel powerless, but Childan finds a slightly different path. He may be powerless to fight the Japanese, but if he goes along, he gets wealthy. Then again, at this stage, going along with people like Tagomi also means feeling really bad when they mispronounce your name. (Note that, by the end, Childan is totally not doing the easy thing; he even opposes Tagomi.)