The Nara period (710-794) in Japan was marked by the rise of the capital city, Nara, and the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Poetry was an important form of expression during this period, and the Manyoshu, a collection of over 4,000 poems, was compiled as a testament to this. On the contrary, the Heian period (794-1185) was marked by the transfer of the capital from Nara to Kyoto and the development of the imperial court and aristocratic culture. During this time, the Kokinshu, a collection of poems, was compiled, showcasing the refined and sophisticated style of poetry that had developed.
One poem from the Manyoshu is “On spring and autumn,” which reflects on the transience of life and the passing of time. The poem is written in the traditional waka form and uses vivid images to describe the changing seasons, depicting spring as a time of growth, and autumn as a time of decline. The poem ends with a melancholy tone as the speaker reflects on their mortality and the inevitability of death.
In contrast, the poem “I fell asleep thinking of him, and he came to me” from the Kokinshu reflects the sophisticated and romantic style of poetry that had developed during the Heian period. The poem is written from the perspective of a woman who has fallen asleep thinking of her lover and is filled with longing and desire. The use of metaphors, such as the dream being described as a “fantasy” and the speaker’s awakening as a “painful sorrow,” adds depth and emotion to the poem.
In conclusion, Nara-period poetry, as found in the Manyoshu, showcases the reflective and philosophical nature of the time, providing a window into the cultural and artistic expressions of the period. On the other hand, Heian-period poetry, as found in the Kokinshu, reflects the sophisticated and romantic style that had emerged, painting a vivid picture of the aristocratic culture of the time. However, both collections are an invaluable record of Japan’s rich literary heritage and are a testament to the country’s rich artistic heritage. They offer a unique glimpse into the cultural and artistic expressions of the Nara and Heian periods, providing insight into the history and evolution of Japanese poetry.