Tanka (Overview)
"Waka" is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that includes "choka" and
"tanka". "Choka" means a "long poem" that is formed by alternating lines of
5 and 7 syllables ending with an additional 7 syllable line. "Tanka" is a
shorter version of "choka" consisting of five lines of 5, 7, 5, 7 and 7 syllables
arranged consecutively.
"Tanka" is practiced in several ways.
1. Oriku (Acrostic "renga"): When choosing the first syllables of each line
of the 5, 7, 5, 7 and 7 syllable meter it must consist of a five character
word that typically relates to the primary content of the poem.
2. Tsukeku (Joined verse): Following the composition of a "maeku" (a previous
verse with introductory lines of 5, 7 and 5 syllables) another poet composes
a "tsukeku" (additional and concluding lines of 7 and 7) that expand the sentiments
of the "maeku".
3. Renga (linked verse): One or more poets supply alternating sections of
a poem. The successive poets in turn contribute verses on a theme to create
a poem of a hundred verses.
"Manyoshu" is a traditional Japanese poetry form
that was composed in the Asuka era (middle 6th - middle 7th Century) and which
contains many "waka". The "Hyakunin Isshu", or Hundred Poets, is an anthology
of Japanese poetry compiled in the early 13th Century. As the title of the
collection indicates a hundred famous poems are included each one of which
was written by a different poet. The "Hyakunin Isshu" is recited to accompany
the card game "karuta" that is played especially during the New Year festival.
