Chapters 1–2
In these two chapters, we are introduced to Rinko Tsujimura and her family, which consists of her father (Papa, Shintaro), mother (Mama), older brother (Cal), younger brother (Joji), mother's sister (Aunt Waka), and Joji's dog (Maxwell). The story begins with Rinko coming home to a messy kitchen one summer's day. Her mother, a maid, is out cleaning Mrs. Phillip's house. Rinko is shocked because her mother never leaves the kitchen dirty. In the midst of the mess, Rinko discovers a letter from her Aunt Waka.
Because it is written in Japanese characters, Rinko cannot read it. She takes the letter to her father. Her father, a barber, hopes to be a mechanic someday. He translates the letter for her and tells her that her Aunt Waka is coming to stay with them for the summer. Aunt Waka is a widow; her husband died of tuberculosis and her young son of dysentery. To make room for Aunt Waka, Rinko learns that she will probably move into her brother's room as soon as Cal leaves for his summer job in Stockton. In these chapters, we are also briefly introduced to Mrs. Sugar, Rinko's favorite neighbor, and Wilbur Starr, the owner of Starr Laundry. Rinko does not like Mr. Starr because he is racist.
Chapters 3–4
Rinko discovers that Papa is more than five months late on his barber shop rent payments. He risks eviction if he doesn't pay up. The family is distressed, and Cal offers to send home all the money from his summer job in Stockton. Rinko's father rejects the idea, stating that Cal needs the money for college. Mama suggests starting a home laundry. Although the rest of the family is initially less than enthusiastic, they eventually decide to give her idea a try.
When Rinko mentions Mama's idea to Mrs. Sugar, the elderly lady offers the family her old washing machine for the project. The washer doesn't work, but Papa is able to fix it up. He also builds a counter for sorting the clothes and a chute to facilitate the delivery of the laundry bundles down to the basement.
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