The Manyoshu: Japan's oldest and most renowned poetry anthology

  • Published on : 15/04/2024
  • by : Japan Experience
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The Manyoshu, meaning "Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves", is the oldest existing anthology of Japanese poetry. Compiled around 759 AD during the Nara period, it contains over 4,500 poems covering themes from daily life to nature, love and grief. The poems were composed by people from all walks of life, including emperors, nobles and common folk. The Manyoshu has had a profound influence on Japanese literature and continues to be widely read and cherished today.

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