Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
Contents
Chapter Ninety Six
Overview
Japanese maritime officials Tomohiro Okamoto and Atsuro Chiba begin a formal, recorded interview with Pi in the hospital about the Tsimtsum’s sinking. After establishing the date and case file details, they confirm they have consulted police and inspected the lifeboat. Pi agrees to provide a full account, setting the stage for the official investigation’s version of events.
Summary
In the hospital, Pi Patel is approached by Tomohiro Okamoto from the Maritime Department of the Japanese Ministry of Transport, accompanied by his assistant, Atsuro Chiba. Okamoto explains they have come to speak with Pi about the sinking of the Tsimtsum and asks permission to talk.
Pi agrees, and Okamoto instructs Chiba to pay attention because he is new. Chiba confirms the tape recorder is on as Okamoto formally states the date—February 19th, 1978—and the case file number concerning the Tsimtsum’s disappearance.
The men exchange polite small talk about the trip from Long Beach and note they have already spoken to police and seen the lifeboat. When Pi says he is hungry, Okamoto offers him a cookie; after Pi accepts, Okamoto asks Pi to recount what happened in as much detail as possible, and Pi agrees to tell his story.
Who Appears
- Pi PatelHospitalized survivor; agrees to give a detailed, recorded account of the sinking.
- Tomohiro OkamotoJapanese Maritime Department investigator; leads the interview and sets it on record.
- Atsuro ChibaOkamoto’s assistant; operates the tape recorder and observes the interviewing process.