The intertwined themes of dissolution, death, and decay weave a poignant narrative in The Sound of the Mountain, where Shingo, the protagonist, finds himself at the precipice of existential reflection. As he navigates the twilight years of his life, he is haunted by the gradual disappearance of old acquaintances, each passing serving as a stark reminder of his own mortality. Shingo, a keen observer of nature's cycles, witnesses the eternal dance of budding, blossoming, wilting, and decay, which serve as metaphors for life's transient stages. These images resonate with the novel’s meditative prose, creating a serene, yet static, portrayal of life’s inevitable progression.

Confronted with the ever-present specter of death, Shingo finds solace in small tokens of perceived immortality. The discovery of ancient lotus seeds, dormant for two millennia and yet capable of sprouting anew, becomes for him a beacon of hope amidst the inexorable passage of time. This event, though distant and unrelated to his personal life, is embraced by Shingo as a symbol of continuity—a brief reprieve from his fear of the unknown that follows life’s final act.

Yet, Shingo is acutely aware of the futility in resisting the natural order. His contemplation of a friend’s futile efforts to stave off aging encapsulates this understanding. The friend's obsessive removal of gray hairs in pursuit of youth culminates in an ironic twist; his sudden death lays bare the illusion of such superficial rejuvenation. In this story, the act of denying decay appears as a hollow victory, underscoring the futility of resisting life’s natural course.

Throughout The Sound of the Mountain, Shingo’s journey encapsulates the human struggle between the acceptance of mortality and the yearning for permanence. His reflections are woven into the fabric of the narrative, offering a profound exploration of life’s ephemeral nature and the enduring cycle of existence.

Nature's fleeting yet regenerative beauty emerges as a significant theme in the novel. Shingo, having observed countless life cycles, detects in every flawless blossom the inevitable markers of death and decay. Meanwhile, the mountain looming over his garden offers an endless spectacle of beauty, yet it also releases ghostly echoes from the depths below, serving as a forewarning of mortality.

The novel subtly explores the encroaching influence of the West on Japanese culture, highlighting the tension between traditional Oriental values and Occidental innovations. One of the most apparent changes is the shift in the basic family structure. Traditionally centered on parent and child, the family unit now emphasizes the relationship between husband and wife, reflecting Western societal norms. This transformation is indicative of broader shifts within Japanese society, as new ways of thinking and living begin to take root.

Moreover, the protagonist, Shingo, embodies this cultural tension through his constant preoccupation with time—an element where Eastern and Western approaches noticeably diverge. His habit of carrying both a pocket watch and a wristwatch, which never align, symbolizes the discordance he perceives between two worlds. These small, seemingly insignificant details emphasize the profound cultural shifts occurring beneath the surface, as traditional Japanese customs grapple with Western influences.