The Water Demon and Other Writings

A student accompanies a woman along a dark Kyūshū road as she recounts betrayal, exploitation, a killing, and dreams of a drowned court lady.

Five complete writings by Okamoto Kidō also follow mysterious travelers in the Kiso mountains, an unusual girl summoned for medical treatment, and horse-chestnut blossoms in English gardens.

The edition preserves conversation, uncertainty, and the human acts behind the legends. Notes explain period customs and literary references; the Avon haiku is translated directly from Japanese. AI-assisted translation, prepared and edited by Valentin Sarić.