1.
waka; classical Japanese poetry
Traditional Japanese poetry, especially the 31-syllable tanka form (5-7-5-7-7), distinguished from Chinese poetry.
万葉集には多くの和歌が収められている。
The Man'yoshu contains many waka poems.
和歌を詠む。
To compose a waka poem.
平安時代に和歌は盛んだった。
Waka poetry flourished in the Heian period.
和歌 literally means 'Japanese song/poem' (和 = Japanese, 歌 = song).
FORMS:
- 短歌: 5-7-5-7-7 syllables (most common)
- 長歌: long poem (alternating 5-7 patterns)
FAMOUS COLLECTIONS:
- 万葉集: oldest anthology (8th century)
- 古今和歌集: compiled 905 CE
- 百人一首: 100 famous poems