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I picked this up over 10 years ago in a tiny book shop in Ayabe. It's in English and Japanese and is just 51 short, short letters to mom. Some funny, some warn, some sad.

So in honor of Mother's Day here's a taste.

"I'm ugly like my mother"
My daughter said laughing
I had said the same thing, crying
I'm sorry mom

No more mom
You have done enough
Let's take dad home
from the hospital
I'm afraid both of you will die

Mom are you happy
living with that man?
Dad passed away
without saying a word about it

Mother I've turned 70 years old
Please be alive!
I want to see you in this life.
I'll keep looking for you
as long as I live

That day when I was young
and I told you to die...
I want to kill the child of that day.

The things I got from you
are so many
The things I can return, so few

Those are pretty good. It reminds me of my Japanese instructor from my language class a couple semesters ago

And from the second half:

Mother don't die
Until I say it's all right, don't die
Until I have finished
repaying everything don't die

Long awaited package from Mom.
Here it comes, here it comes.
Wait! These things I can buy here!

Mom you who gave birth to
ten children
Must have favorites...
Tell me who they are!

I beg you
to come and get me again, mom.
I have lost my way in the deep forest

So busy with work
cooking, laundering, cleaning, nursing.
And on top of all these
you have time to notice
Dad's affair
It is admirable indeed!

I couldn't come to terms
with your way of living
till the end
But I always think of you now

Diets are okay too.
but I prefer
your slightly round tummy
It fits your rich voice as you laugh

I couldn't meet you
as I got struck by a superior
when I did not salute him
on the street.
It was the last opportunity
for this young soldier
to meet you in this world

Mom, don't lie
about your size for show.
It's hard for me
to select a blouse for you.

Mom, recently my wife had become
very similar to you.
It's really troublesome
and unwelcome.

You must be surprised
to receive a letter from me,
As I have never written a letter.
Ayako has become pregnant, Mom.

Mother,
How many times
did you laugh today?
I laughed big once
and small five times
So I'll be in good health
tomorrow too.

Mom I saw someone
who looked like you
at the bus stop today
I carried her bags for her.

Touching