River Mist and Other Stories

The title story, River Mist (Kawagiri), follows Ueda Toyokichi, a man who leaves his hometown with high hopes but returns after 20 years, defeated by life’s hardships. Doppo’s vivid descriptions of the mist-covered riverbanks capture both the beauty of nature and the melancholy of unfulfilled dreams. Through this and other stories, Doppo expresses his fascination with human vulnerability, often influenced by English romantic poets like Wordsworth.

The collection showcases Doppo’s talent for introspective storytelling with moments of subtle humor, tragic endings, and philosophical reflection, revealing the author’s own personal trials and emotional evolution.