Translating the Hyakunin Isshu: Day 15/100 Emperor Koko

Hello and welcome back to our 100-day journey the legendary Hyakunin Isshu.

I’ve missed our ruminations over the stickiness of translation, our wrestling with the ambiguity of localization.

In case you missed the last entry, here’s Day 14 of Translating the Hyakunin Isshu and you can catch up on the rest of my project on Translating the Hyakunin Isshu here. I’m excited to return our attention upon these ancient musings as we examine the heart and soul of 10th century Japan.

As a reminder, I’m pulling my own translations out of the robust “Hyakunin Isshu Taikei” (百人一首大系) by *Masayuki Akiyama

Emperor Koko wrote some of the most evocative verses of the time. His reign as was brief but Koko’s legacy really comes down to his hefty sum of poetry leaving an indelible mark on Japanese literature. His poetry beautifully captures the elegance and tranquility of nature, making him a beloved figure in the world of classical Japanese poetry.

The 15th Poem in the Hyakunin Isshu

Original Japanese: 君がため 春の野に出でて 若菜摘む わが衣手に 雪は降りつつ

Romanized Japanese: Kimi ga tame Haru no no ni idete Wakana tsumu Waga koromode ni Yuki wa furitsutsu

My Translation: For your sake, I venture into the fields of spring, To pick young herbs. Snow falls steadily, Upon my sleeves.

Exploring the Linguistic Turn

君がため (Kimi ga tame): This phrase, meaning “For your sake,” uses the kanji 君 (kimi) which conveys respect and affection, setting a tone of personal dedication.

春の野に出でて (Haru no no ni idete): “I venture into the fields of spring” includes 春 (haru) for “spring” and 野 (no) for “field,” with 出 (de) indicating action and movement.

若菜摘む (Wakana tsumu): The term 若菜 (wakana) means “young herbs,” emphasizing spring’s freshness. 摘む (tsumu) means “to pick,” creating an image of careful selection.

わが衣手に (Waga koromode ni): “Upon my sleeves,” with 衣手 (koromode) meaning “sleeves,” evokes traditional Japanese clothing and the tactile experience of snow.

雪は降りつつ (Yuki wa furitsutsu): “Snow falls steadily,” with 雪 (yuki) for “snow” and 降り (furi) meaning “to fall.” The repetition of つつ (tsutsu) suggests continuous action, painting a vivid scene.

Modern Interpretation

“For you,
I step into the spring fields,
Gathering fresh herbs.

Snow gently falls,
Settling on my sleeves.”

On Emperor Koko

• Emperor Koko reigned from 884 to 887, and his poetic works are celebrated for their vivid imagery and emotional depth.
• His poems often reflect the harmony between human experiences and the natural world, making them timeless pieces of literature.
• Despite his short reign, Emperor Koko’s contributions to Japanese poetry have ensured his place in the Hyakunin Isshu.

Further Reading and References

• Discover more about the impact of East Asian storytelling and philosophy on the global zeitgeist on NicholasAndriani.com.
• Explore detailed analyses and translations of previous poems: Day 1 – Ono no Komachi, Day 2 – Ki no Tsurayuki, Day 3 – Sarumaru no Taifu, Day 4 – Yamabe no Akahito, and more.
• Reference: McMillan, P. (1998). One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse. Columbia University Press.

Learn More About Japanese Culture:

• Explore Japanese Cultural Heritage
• The Tale of Genji: Japan’s Literary Classic
• Modern Japanese Poetry

Join me in uncovering the timeless beauty of Japanese poetry and the stories behind each poet’s life and work. Let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of Japan’s literary heritage together!

If you’re looking for the best Japanese editions of the Hyakunin Isshu that are scholarly and potentially not translated into English, here are a few highly regarded versions:

1. “Hyakunin Isshu Taikei” (百人一首大系) by Akiyama Ken: • This is a comprehensive and scholarly edition that offers extensive annotations and explanations for each poem. It is well-regarded in academic circles for its depth and detail. You can find more about it through various Japanese bookstores or academic libraries.

*This is a deliciously detailed scholarly edition that in which Ken makes extensive annotations and explanations of each poem. Akiyama’s work informs much of my own scholarship. They’re a go-to reference for serious scholars.

2. “Hyakunin Isshu: Uchū no Shijin to Uta” (百人一首: 宇宙の詩人と歌) edited by Fujiwara no Teika: • This edition provides modern interpretations and scholarly commentary, giving deeper insights into the historical and cultural contexts of the poems. It’s a great resource for those who want to explore the intricacies of the Hyakunin Isshu.

3. “Shinpan Hyakunin Isshu” (新版 百人一首) edited by Fukuda Hideichi: • A revised edition that offers clear and concise interpretations of the poems, making it accessible for contemporary readers while maintaining the integrity of the original texts.

For those seeking a more historical touch, you might also consider the “Hyakunin Isshu isseki wa” by Ozaki Masayoshi and Tsukamoto Tetsuz: • Published in 1914, this edition is a valuable historical resource and is available for free on the Internet Archive. It’s a rich source for understanding the classical interpretations and historical perspectives of the Hyakunin Isshu.

Remember to comment! I’d love to hear your own thoughts on Koko’s poem.