3.2 Kokin Wakashū and imperial poetry anthologies

The Kokin Wakashū kicked off imperial poetry anthologies in Japan. Commissioned by Emperor Daigo in 905 CE, it gathered the best waka poems of the time. Four talented poets, led by Ki no Tsurayuki, compiled this groundbreaking collection.

This anthology started a tradition that lasted over 500 years, producing 21 imperial collections. These books showcased Japan's evolving poetic culture, featuring works from both nobles and commoners. The Kokin Wakashū's prefaces became key texts in Japanese literary theory.

Kokin Wakashū and Its Compilers

Origins and Imperial Commission

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• Kokin Wakashū emerged as the first imperial poetry anthology in Japanese history
• Commissioned by Emperor Daigo in 905 CE during the Heian period
• Aimed to compile and preserve the finest waka poetry of the time
• Contained 1,111 poems divided into 20 books organized by theme and topic

Esteemed Compilers and Their Contributions

• Ki no Tsurayuki led the compilation effort as the chief compiler
  • Renowned poet and scholar of the early Heian period
  • Authored the Kanajo (Japanese Preface) of the anthology
• Ki no Tomonori contributed as one of the four main compilers
  • Known for his elegant and refined style of poetry
  • Specialized in seasonal and love poems
• Ōshikōchi no Mitsune played a crucial role in the compilation process
  • Recognized for his mastery of complex poetic techniques
  • Focused on poems related to nature and human emotions
• Mibu no Tadamine rounded out the team of primary compilers
  • Brought expertise in classical Chinese poetry to the project
  • Contributed significantly to the selection and arrangement of poems

Imperial Poetry Anthologies

Chokusen Wakashū Tradition

• Chokusen wakashū refers to imperial poetry anthologies commissioned by emperors
• Established a tradition of imperial patronage for poetry compilation
• Served as a means to preserve and promote Japanese literary culture
• Compilation process involved careful selection and editing by appointed poets and scholars

Twenty-One Imperial Anthologies

• Span from the Kokin Wakashū (905 CE) to the Shin'yō Wakashū (1439 CE)
• Covered over 500 years of Japanese poetic tradition
• Each anthology reflected the literary tastes and cultural values of its time
• Included works from both courtiers and commoners, showcasing the evolution of waka poetry
• Notable anthologies in the series:
  • Gosen Wakashū (951 CE): Second imperial anthology, expanded on themes from Kokin Wakashū
  • Shūi Wakashū (1005-1007 CE): Introduced new poetic styles and expanded the range of topics
  • Shin Kokin Wakashū (1205 CE): Considered the pinnacle of imperial anthologies, featuring innovative poetic techniques

Prefaces of the Kokin Wakashū

Kanajo: The Japanese Preface

• Authored by Ki no Tsurayuki in classical Japanese
• Provided a comprehensive overview of Japanese poetic tradition
• Discussed the origins, nature, and significance of waka poetry
• Outlined six poetic styles (rokkasen) and their characteristics
• Emphasized the emotional and expressive power of Japanese poetry
• Served as a foundational text for Japanese poetic theory and criticism

Manajo: The Chinese Preface

• Written by Ki no Yoshimochi in classical Chinese
• Offered a more formal and scholarly approach to introducing the anthology
• Placed Japanese poetry in the context of Chinese literary traditions
• Highlighted the unique qualities of waka poetry compared to Chinese verse
• Addressed the imperial commission and the anthology's compilation process
• Demonstrated the bilingual literary culture of the Heian court