ōtomo no yakamochi

Definition

Ōtomo no Yakamochi was a prominent poet and scholar of the Nara period in Japan, known primarily for his contributions to the 'Man'yōshū,' which is recognized as the first major anthology of Japanese poetry. His work significantly shaped the poetic landscape of early Japan, reflecting both personal emotions and broader societal themes through a variety of poetic forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ōtomo no Yakamochi played a crucial role in compiling the Man'yōshū, contributing many poems that showcase both personal sentiment and public themes.
2. He is known for his mastery of various poetic forms within the Man'yōshū, reflecting a diverse range of emotions from love to sorrow.
3. Yakamochi's poetry often emphasizes nature and the changing seasons, capturing the beauty and transience of life, which was a significant theme during the Nara period.
4. His influence extended beyond poetry; he was also a scholar and served as a court official, which allowed him to interact with other cultural and literary figures of his time.
5. Yakamochi's legacy persists in modern Japanese literature, as his works continue to be studied and appreciated for their artistic depth and historical significance.

Review Questions

• How did ōtomo no yakamochi's contributions to the Man'yōshū shape Japanese poetry during the Nara period?
  • Ōtomo no Yakamochi's contributions to the Man'yōshū were foundational in establishing the characteristics of Japanese poetry during the Nara period. By incorporating various poetic forms and themes into his works, he provided a model for future poets that balanced personal expression with societal reflections. His ability to evoke emotions through nature imagery helped define the aesthetic sensibilities of his time and influenced generations of poets who followed.
• In what ways did ōtomo no yakamochi's background as a court official influence his poetry and its themes?
  • As a court official, ōtomo no yakamochi had unique access to the political and social dynamics of his time, which significantly influenced his poetry. His position allowed him to observe both personal experiences and broader societal issues, enriching his writing with a depth that resonated with contemporary audiences. This blend of personal emotion with reflections on court life created a multifaceted approach to poetry that became a hallmark of works in the Man'yōshū.
• Evaluate how ōtomo no yakamochi's work in the Man'yōshū reflects broader cultural trends of the Nara period and their impact on subsequent Japanese literature.
  • Ōtomo no yakamochi's work in the Man'yōshū reflects broader cultural trends of the Nara period, including the appreciation for nature, emotional depth, and formal poetic structures. His integration of these elements illustrates a society deeply engaged with aesthetics and human experience. This foundational approach influenced subsequent Japanese literature by setting standards for emotional expression and thematic complexity that would echo throughout literary traditions, ultimately shaping modern Japanese poetry's evolution.

Related terms

Man'yōshū: The Man'yōshū is the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry, compiled in the late 8th century, featuring poems that capture the essence of life, love, and nature in the Nara period.

waka:

Waka is a traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of 31 syllables, typically structured in five lines, and is a prominent feature of the poems included in the Man'yōshū.

Nara period: The Nara period (710-794) marks an important era in Japanese history characterized by the establishment of a centralized government, cultural flourishing, and significant developments in literature and art.