This is a new translation of one of Japan's most famous poetry collections — one hundred waka (31 syllable poems), each by a different poet, arranged chronologically from the Emperor Tenji (626-671) to the retired Emperor Juntoku (1197-1242). The noted poet known as Teika (Fujiwara no Sadaie) is believed to have edited this collection and its creation is commonly dated as around 1240.
One reason for the fame is its agreed-upon excellence. Another is that it became the basis for the popular card game known as uta karuta. From the Edo Period on, opening and closing lines of each poem were printed on separate cards and the idea was to match the two parts and complete the poems.
Until fairly recently such games were a part of New Year celebrations.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.