Manyoshu Part One - Japan's oldest existing anthology of poetry　万葉集 1

Summary

This video script delves into the 'Man'yōshū', Japan's oldest anthology of poetry, compiled over 1200 years ago. It features 4500 poems spanning 130 years, from various authors including emperors and commoners. The script explores the historical context, poetic forms like tanka, and highlights significant poets and their works. It also touches on societal norms of the time, such as polygamy and the role of women, offering a cultural snapshot of 7th to 8th century Japan.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Man'yōshū is Japan's oldest existing anthology of poetry, compiled over 1200 years ago, containing about 4500 poems.
• 📚 It spans a period of 130 years, from the early 7th to the mid-8th century, showcasing poems composed during this era.
• 🔡 The anthology features 98 hiragana and katakana letters, with poems written by applying Japanese words to kanji (Chinese characters).
• 🌿 The term 'Man'yōshū' literally means 'the collection of ten thousand leaves', symbolizing the collection of diverse poetic voices.
• 👥 Authors of the poems include emperors, aristocrats, officials, soldiers, and farmers, with about half being composed by unknown individuals.
• 🎎 The poetic forms are primarily tanka, with most written in a form called tanka oawaka, consisting of five lines with a pattern of 5-7-5-7-7 syllables.
• 🏰 The script provides insights into the political and social context of the time, including the rise of the Fujiwara clan and the challenges faced by the imperial family.
• 🌹 It highlights the life of Yamasuki no Yasiriko, a beautiful female official who became the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, and the tragic story of Prince Arima.
• 👵 Empress Jito, the 41st monarch of Japan, is featured, along with her contributions to the political landscape and her poetic talents.
• 📝 The script introduces various poets, such as Kakinomoto no Hitomaro and Yamabe no Akahito, who were renowned for their poetic prowess and cultural contributions.
• 🏞️ The anthology reflects the cultural and natural beauty of Japan, with poems describing landscapes, seasons, and the emotions of the people.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Mahiyoshi anthology in Japanese literature?

The Mahiyoshi anthology, also known as the Manyoshu, is significant as it is Japan's oldest existing anthology of poetry, compiled over 1200 years ago. It contains about 4500 poems composed during a 130-year period from the early 7th to the middle of the 8th century, showcasing the early development of Japanese poetry and the cultural expressions of various social classes.

How many volumes and poems does the Mahiyoshi anthology consist of?

The Mahiyoshi anthology consists of 20 volumes and contains approximately 4500 poems.

What writing system was used during the period when the Mahiyoshi anthology was compiled?

During the period when the Mahiyoshi anthology was compiled, there were 98 hiragana and katakana letters, and the poems were written by applying Japanese words to kanji, which are Chinese characters.

What does 'Manyoshu' mean and what is its significance?

Manyoshu literally means 'the collection of ten thousand leaves,' with 'yo' meaning leaves and 'shu' meaning collection. The term 'ten thousand leaves' also implies 'words,' signifying the vast collection of poems from various authors.

Who were the authors of the poems in the Mahiyoshi anthology?

The authors of the poems in the Mahiyoshi anthology were people from all walks of life, including emperors, aristocrats, officials, soldiers, and farmers. About half of the poems are composed by unknown individuals.

What is the tanka oawaka and how is it structured?

Tanka oawaka is a form of Japanese poetry, most commonly found in the Mahiyoshi anthology, structured with five lines consisting of five, seven, five, seven, and seven Japanese syllables respectively.

What are the three main categories the poems in the Mahiyoshi anthology are divided into?

The poems in the Mahiyoshi anthology are divided into three main categories: love poems, elegies, and miscellaneous poems, reflecting the diverse themes and emotions expressed by the authors.

Why was Prince Sarima executed and what did he compose before his death?

Prince Sarima was executed due to political disputes and the polygamy system that led to conflicts among the emperor's children and brothers. Before his execution, he composed a poem expressing his feelings during his journey to his cousin's place for questioning.

Who was Empress Jito and what role did she play in the history of Japan?

Empress Jito was the 41st monarch of Japan and one of the eight women who took on the role of empress regnant. She was a daughter of Emperor Tenji and played a significant role in the political landscape by ascending to the throne after her husband's death and ruling until she passed the throne to her grandson.

What was the social status of Otomo no Yakamochi and how did it influence his poetry?

Otomo no Yakamochi was born into the prestigious Otomo clan. His high social status allowed him to have a significant political career, which influenced his poetry, reflecting his experiences and the political conflicts of his time.

How did the capital's relocation during the period of the Mahiyoshi anthology affect the poetry?

The capital's relocation more than 10 times during the period of the Mahiyoshi anthology's compilation influenced the poetry by exposing poets to different regions and cultures, which is reflected in their works. The longest-lasting capital, built in imitation of the Chinese capital, also influenced the poetic styles and themes.