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

Kawada Mihoko

2 Jan 202219:07

Summary

TLDRThis 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.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Introduction to the Man'yoshu

The Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest existing anthology of poetry, was compiled around 1200 years ago. It spans a period of 130 years from the early 7th to the mid-8th century, containing approximately 4500 poems across 20 volumes. The poems are written using a combination of Chinese characters (kanji) and Japanese scripts (hiragana and katakana). The anthology is named 'Man'yoshu,' which translates to 'The Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves,' reflecting the diverse authors, including emperors, aristocrats, officials, soldiers, and commoners. The majority of the poems are in the tanka form, consisting of five lines with a syllable pattern of five-seven-five-seven-seven. The video promises to explore 15 key points about the Man'yoshu, providing insights into the poetic expressions of love, nature, and the lives of people during that era.

05:02

👑 Royal and Aristocratic Poems

This section delves into poems by members of the royal family and aristocracy. Fujiwara no Kamatari, a prominent figure who rose to power alongside Prince Nakano Oye, is highlighted for his polygamous marriage to the beautiful Yasumiko, a female official. Prince Arima, the tragic eldest son of an emperor, is noted for his poem composed en route to his execution due to political intrigue. Empress Jito, the 41st monarch of Japan and one of the few female rulers, is recognized for her significant role in the history of the imperial lineage. The section also features poems by her brother, Prince Ōkura, who was known for his cultural contributions and appreciation of nature, as well as by the renowned poet Ōtomo no Yakamochi, celebrated for his mastery in composing both long and short poems.

10:03

🏰 Life and Poetry in the Capital and Beyond

The script discusses the shifting of the capital more than ten times during the period of the Man'yoshu's compilation, with the longest-lasting capital being modeled after a Chinese city and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Poems from people living far from the capital are mentioned, some of which were sung like folk songs. Yamabe no Akahito, a poet known for his travels and scenic poems, is featured, particularly for his work on Mount Fuji, which inspired later ukiyo-e artists. The section also covers poems by soldiers stationed in Kyushu to protect against foreign threats and their families, reflecting on the hardships of separation and the longing for home.

15:04

🌿 Nature, Politics, and the Compilation of the Man'yoshu

This part of the script focuses on the influence of nature on poetry and the political life of poets. It mentions the experiences of Yamanoue no Okura, who served as a government envoy to China and later as a governor, and his poetic contributions, including a humorous poem about leaving a banquet. It also touches on the life of Otomo no Tabito, an aristocrat, politician, and poet who formed a poetry circle and was known for his love of sake despite the Buddhist teachings of the time. The script concludes with a discussion of Otomo no Yakamochi, who is believed to have spent 26 years compiling the Man'yoshu, and his 'Three Poems of Spring Contemplation,' which are considered his masterpieces. The video ends by acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the compilation of the Man'yoshu, with a significant portion of the poems attributed to Yakamochi himself.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Mahiyoshi

Mahiyoshi refers to the Man'yōshū, which is the oldest existing anthology of Japanese poetry. Compiled about 1200 years ago, it contains poems from the early 7th to the mid-8th century. This anthology is significant as it captures the essence of Japanese culture and language during that period, showcasing the poetic expressions of various social classes.

💡Kanji

Kanji are Chinese characters that are used in the Japanese writing system. In the context of the Man'yōshū, kanji were used to write poems, often with Japanese words applied to them. This method highlights the linguistic creativity of the time, blending Chinese characters with Japanese phonetics and meanings.

💡Tanka

Tanka is a form of Japanese poetry, also known as waka, consisting of five lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7. It is one of the three poetic forms found in the Man'yōshū and is the most common, representing the structured beauty of Japanese poetic expression.

💡Fujiwara no Kamatari

Fujiwara no Kamatari was a powerful Japanese statesman who played a pivotal role in the political reforms of the 7th century. His marriage to Yasumiko, a female official, is mentioned in the script, illustrating the social dynamics and the influence of the Fujiwara clan, which became one of the most powerful aristocratic families in Japan.

💡Prince Ōtomo

Prince Ōtomo, also known as Prince Arima, was the eldest son of an emperor who was tragically executed at the age of 19 due to political intrigues. His story in the script reflects the tumultuous nature of the imperial court and the harsh realities faced by members of the royal family.

💡Empress Jitō

Empress Jitō was the 41st monarch of Japan and one of the few women to have held the title of empress regnant. Her rule and the poem she composed are mentioned in the script, showcasing her as a significant historical figure and a contributor to the rich tapestry of Japanese poetry.

💡Aristocrats

Aristocrats were members of the privileged class in ancient Japan, often involved in the creation of poetry. The script mentions how the Man'yōshū includes poems by aristocrats, reflecting their role in cultural production and their experiences, which were often quite different from those of the common people.

💡Soldiers

Soldiers in the Man'yōshū are represented through poems that express their longing for home and the hardships of their service. These poems provide a window into the lives of those who protected the borders and the emotional toll of their duty.

💡Yamano Ason Okura

Yamano Ason Okura was a prominent poet and government official who served as a member of a mission to China. His experiences and the poems he composed, including one about leaving a banquet, are highlighted in the script, illustrating his contributions to Japanese literature and his status as a scholar.

💡Otomo no Yakamochi

Otomo no Yakamochi was an influential aristocrat, politician, and poet. His involvement in compiling the Man'yōshū and his own poetic contributions are mentioned in the script, emphasizing his role in preserving and shaping Japanese poetic heritage.

💡World Heritage Site

The script refers to the capital of Japan during the time of the Man'yōshū, which is now a registered World Heritage Site. This site represents the cultural and historical significance of the period, providing a tangible connection to the past and the poetry that was composed during that time.

Highlights

Introduction to the Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest existing anthology of poetry.

The Man'yoshu contains approximately 4500 poems composed over 130 years.

Poems in the Man'yoshu are written using kanji with Japanese words applied to Chinese characters.

The name Man'yoshu literally means 'the collection of ten thousand leaves', symbolizing words.

The authors of the Man'yoshu include emperors, aristocrats, officials, soldiers, and farmers.

About half of the poems in the Man'yoshu are composed by unknown individuals.

The three main poetic forms in the Man'yoshu are tanka, choka, and sedoka.

Tanka, the most common form, consists of five lines with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern.

The Man'yoshu captures the essence of life in Japan during the 7th to 8th centuries.

Fujiwara no Kamatari's poem expressing joy and gratitude for marrying Yasumiko, a female official.

The tragic story of Prince Arima, who was executed at the age of 19 due to political disputes.

Empress Jito, one of eight women who took on the role of empress regent in Japan.

Princess Kibi, Empress Jito's brother, known for his appreciation of nature and cultural contributions.

Akahito, a poet renowned for his excellence in composing both long and short poems.

The Man'yoshu includes poems by soldiers stationed in Kyushu to protect against foreign threats.

The capital of Japan changed more than 10 times during the period of the Man'yoshu's compilation.

Yamanoue no Okura, a government official and poet who traveled to China and served as a tutor.

Otomo no Yakamochi, a poet and politician who formed a poetry circle and was known for his love of sake.

The Man'yoshu is believed to have been compiled into 20 volumes by Otomo no Yakamochi.

The Man'yoshu reflects the cultural and political landscape of Japan over 1200 years ago.