Der Bergmann by Natsume Sōseki

Set against the backdrop of Japan's Meiji era, the story follows a young man who, disillusioned with his life and seeking escape, embarks on a journey to work in a remote copper mine. As he navigates the harsh realities and grueling conditions of the mining world, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own struggles and aspirations. Through these interactions, he begins to confront his own existential questions and the meaning of life, ultimately finding a sense of purpose and self-discovery amidst the darkness and isolation of the mine.