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For the Scottish newspaper, see the Labour Leader.

The Miner (坑夫) is a novel published in 1908 by Natsume Sōseki. Is known to be the author's least popular story out of all his works. In “The Miner,” the protagonist has problems with his relationship and decides to flee to work at a mine. During the protagonist’s time at the mine, he reflects on his life problems and issues, and further reflects on his thoughts while digging into the mine. The protagonist’s action of digging a hole deeper and deeper represents the protagonist digging to his grave. Unfortunately, this story does not have a humorous ending, but rather illustrates a tragedy which is at the opposite end of the scale.

References to The Miner

• Haruki Murakami has two characters discuss the book in his novel Kafka on the Shore.