Waka is a Japanese poetry form that inspired haiku. It has two main types, Choka and Tanka. Waka was often written by two writers and Lady Murasaki Shikibu was a famous writer of the early waka period. Waka can be difficult to read without understanding the circumstances under which it was written. It can be a fun poetic form to teach to children and emphasizes teamwork in creative endeavors.
Waka simply translates to “Japanese poetry,” but for most of us with a passing knowledge of Japanese poetry, we’re more likely to think of haiku as the true poetry of Japan. While it is true that haiku was the predominant form of Japanese culture, and certainly more recognized by non-Japanese, waka inspired it. It was an art form, first begun in the 8th century AD, that has continued to be popular throughout the modern era.
Like haiku, waka depends on the syllabic structure of each verse. The two main types that remain popular are Choka and Renga. In Choka, the waka poem begins with two lines of five and seven syllables. It ends with three more lines which are 5-7-7.
The Tanka form of waka completely inspired the syllabic form of haiku. The first three lines are 5-7-5 and the poem ends with two 7-7 lines. By simply cutting out the final lines, we arrive at the haiku.
Waka was often written by two writers and in question-and-comment or answer format. Indeed, within the nobility, the ability to invent waka beginnings and endings off the cuff was a highly prized skill.
A famous writer of the early waka period was Lady Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote most of her works in the late 10th century. Her novel or collection of stories about Prince Genji has numerous examples of waka. Regardless of her history, Lady Murasaki wrote or composed numerous waka extemporaneously. The following is one of her pieces and note that the English translation does not show the proper syllabic form exhibited in the original:
yo no naka wo
nani nagekamasi
yamazakura
Fana mira fodo no
Kokoro nariseba
An English translation is as follows:
My place in the world
Why should it bring me pain?
Mountain cherry
Flower in my eyes
was it ever like this?
It is sometimes difficult to read waka without understanding the writer and the circumstances under which it was written. This is also complicated by the fact that many waka represent the work of two writers. Yet even in English translation, waka remains beautiful and mysterious, often evoking deep feelings in the reader.
For Western poets, waka can be a style that is easily learned but hardly mastered. New anthologies of Japanese poetry can prove inspiring. Waka can also be a fun poetic form to teach to children, who may enjoy the cooperative effort produced if two writers take on a question and answer format. It’s certainly a productive and fun way to teach an introduction to Japanese poetry or just poetry, while at the same time emphasizing teamwork and cooperation in creative endeavors.
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