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Anthology of Modern Japanese Poetry: A Journey Through the Evolving Emotions and Poetic Expressions of Modern Japan

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Japanese poetry has a rich and storied history, dating back centuries to the Nara period (710-794). Over time, Japanese poetry has evolved and transformed, reflecting the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of the nation. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked a significant turning point in Japanese history, opening the country to Western influences and ushering in a period of modernization and rapid change.

Anthology of Modern Japanese Poetry

by Edith Marcombe Shiffert

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1476 KB
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Print length	:	200 pages

This period of modernization had a profound impact on Japanese poetry. Western poetic forms, such as the sonnet and free verse, were introduced and quickly adopted by Japanese poets. At the same time, traditional Japanese poetic forms, such as the haiku and tanka, continued to be popular and were used to express the unique experiences and perspectives of the Japanese people.

The result is a rich and diverse body of modern Japanese poetry that encompasses a wide range of styles, themes, and emotions. This anthology presents a selection of poems from some of the most renowned and influential Japanese poets of the modern era, offering a glimpse into the evolving poetic landscape of Japan.

Themes of Modern Japanese Poetry

Modern Japanese poetry covers a wide range of themes, including love, loss, nature, and war. These themes are often explored through the use of symbolism, metaphor, and other literary devices.

Love is a common theme in Japanese poetry, and it is often expressed in a delicate and understated way. Japanese poets often use images from nature to convey the emotions of love, such as the cherry blossom, which is a symbol of beauty and transience.

Loss is another common theme in Japanese poetry, and it is often expressed through the use of elegy. Japanese poets often use the death of a loved one to reflect on the nature of life and death, and to express their grief and sorrow.

Nature is a central theme in Japanese poetry, and it is often depicted in a reverent and respectful way. Japanese poets often use nature to convey their own emotions, and to explore the interconnectedness of all things.

War is a more recent theme in Japanese poetry, and it has been used to express the horrors of war and the suffering of the people who have been affected by it. Japanese poets often use war to explore the nature of good and evil, and to question the meaning of life in a world where violence and destruction are commonplace.

Forms of Modern Japanese Poetry

Modern Japanese poetry is written in a variety of forms, including haiku, tanka, free verse, and sonnet. Each form has its own unique set of rules and conventions.

Haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form that consists of three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line. Haiku often use imagery from nature to convey a moment in time or a fleeting emotion.

Tanka is a traditional Japanese poetic form that consists of five lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second and third lines, and five syllables in the fourth and fifth lines. Tanka often tell a story or describe a scene.

Free verse is a poetic form that does not have any set rules or conventions. Free verse poems can be any length, and they can use any combination of rhyme, meter, and imagery.

Sonnet is a Western poetic form that consists of fourteen lines, with ten syllables in each line. Sonnets often use rhyme and meter to create a sense of rhythm and harmony.

Poets of Modern Japanese Poetry

Some of the most renowned and influential Japanese poets of the modern era include:

Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902)
Natsume Sōseki (1867-1916)
Ishikawa Takuboku (1886-1912)
Hagiwara Sakutarō (1886-1942)
Nakahara Chūya (1907-1937)
Taneda Santōka (1882-1940)
Miyazawa Kenji (1896-1933)
Takamura Kōtarō (1883-1956)
Yoshimasu Gozo (1911-1985)
Ōoka Makoto (1931-2017)
Shin Kyungsook (1963-)
Ueda Makoto (b. 1936)
Tawara Machi (b. 1962)

Modern Japanese poetry is a vibrant and dynamic body of work that reflects the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of Japan. This anthology presents a selection of poems from some of the most renowned and influential Japanese poets of the modern era, offering a glimpse into the evolving poetic landscape of Japan.

These poems are rich in imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, and they explore a wide range of themes, including love, loss, nature, and war. Whether you are a seasoned reader of Japanese poetry or a newcomer to this fascinating art form, this anthology is sure to offer you a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

A Collection Of Japanese Poetry Books Anthology Of Modern Japanese Poetry

Image: A collection of Japanese poetry books

Bibliography

Barnhill, David L. (2011). Poems of the Japanese Court. Boston: Tuttle Publishing.
Beichman, Janine (2010). Embracing the Void: A Reader in Japanese Death Poems. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Horton, H. Mack (2013). Modern Japanese Poetry: An Anthology. New York: Columbia University Press.
LaFleur, William R. (1994). The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon. New York: Penguin Classics.
Miller, Scott J. (2009). The Collected Haiku of Issa. Boston: Shambhala Publications.
Miner, Earl (1968). Japanese Linked Poetry. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Sands, Barbara (2009). Landscape and Exile: The Poetry of Ooka Makoto.

Anthology of Modern Japanese Poetry

by Edith Marcombe Shiffert

4.2 out of 5