j-poetry (1)

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almost lost for one thousand years. Japanese poet,
essayist, and critic Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) is
credited for the revival of tanka poetry, and the
invention of haiku from hokku (haikai). Masaoka lived
during the reign of Japanese emperor Meiji Tenno
(1852-1912). Meiji is credited for the development of
modern Japan. Masaoka tried to do the same thing in
Japanese poetry.
Kokin-shu, an anthology of poetry, was compiled by a
court noble Ki Tsurayuki in 905. Kokin-shu styles of
poetry ruled Japan for about one thousand years.
However, Masaoka praised the poetry styles in
Man’yoshu (7th century) and degraded Kokin-shu.
Man’yoshu contains long and short poetry forms. Tanka
is a short poetry form in Man’yoshu.
The modern tanka poetry form was revived in the late
1980s by Japanese poetess Tawara Machi.
Tanka: Poems for Kids - and adults