Long ago, there lived in Matsuyama a happy young family who loved their daughter deeply. When she was a baby, her father went to the capital of Japan on a business trip. He left his family behind, as the journey was too far, but promised to bring back presents. The mother had never traveled far, and was both nervous and proud that her husband was on such a noble journey. Upon returning, the mother wore his favorite blue dress, put their daughter in her nicest clothes, and greeted him with great delight and relief. He brought them many gifts, and gave his wife a mirror. She had never seen a mirror, and when she looked in she saw a pretty woman who appeared just like her. She was very surprised at this, but her husband assured her it was just a reflection. For the next few days, she became absorbed with looking in the mirror, having never seen her own face so clearly. Realizing it was too precious to see daily, she boxed it away. Many years later, as her daughter grew to be just as beautiful as her in both appearance and heart. However, she kept the mirror a secret, afraid vanity would make her daughter prideful. And one day, growing very sick, despite all the love and care given to her, she knew that she would soon die. Grieving leaving them behind, she asked her daughter to look into the mirror each morning and night. In doing so, she would see her mother and know she was watching over her. She died soon after, and the daughter dutifully looked into the mirror, where she saw her mother, young and healthy. Daily she would talk to her, ask her questions, and tell her mother she did all she could everyday. Her father noticed this, and asked why she spoke in the mirror so often. His daughter explained that she did so to speak to her mother each day, as it was her dying wish. The father cried, moved by this act, and could not bring himself to tell his daughter that she saw nothing but herself, each day becoming more and more like her mother.

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