How to read the contents

“Waka” has a different pronunciation and meaning from modern Japanese. However, it is possible to understand the general meaning of “waka” even in ancient Japanese. It may be difficult for foreigners, but please memorize it after listening to the sound. In that case, I think the sounds available on the internet will be helpful.
The famous author Junichiro Tanizaki, in his modern translation of The Tale of Genji, has this to say about “waka”:
“Keep in mind that half of the value of a waka poem lies in its tone, and even if you sometimes don’t understand the meaning, as long as you can feel the beauty of the tone, you can accept that as a good thing and move on. I want it.”
The author of this book also recommends that readers memorize “waka”using Japanese sounds.
1. The pronunciation of “Waka” is expressed in the “Hepburn Roman alphabet” in this book.
2. You can listen to the audio on the Internet, which is listed in this book.
3. You can listen to the designated “Waka” in a Japanese voice.

You can listen to the Japanese sounds at this URL .
First, recite the Japanese sounds and have fun.

Shihei : Written by Shihei Kamiya

① Shihei translated in a modern sense
② Original text
③ Original Japanese sounds　, Author
④ Original sound and simple meaning
⑤ Personal modern interpretation of Shihei

469　　poetry number

• いけいけと激しい恋に騙されて猪突猛進脇目も振らず（Written by Shihei Kamiya）
• ほととぎすなくや五月のあやめ草あやめも知らぬ戀もするかな　　　　読人しらず
• Pronunciation : Original Japanese sounds
  HOTOTOGISU
  NAKUYASATSUKINO
  AYAMEGUSA
  AYAMEMOSHIRANU
  KOIMOSURUKANA

YOMIBITO SHIRAZU

• Original sound and simple meaning
  HOTOTOGISU               Japanese cuckoo
  NAKUYASATSUKINO 　Sings in May
  AYAMEGUSA　　　　  Japanese iris
  AYAMEMOSHIRANU 　Ayame doesn’t know
  KOIMOSURUKANA 　  fall in love

YOMIBITO SHIRAZU 　Author unknown

• Personal modern interpretation of Shihei：
  It’s a love that ignores the rules of the world, like the irises that bloom in May.The world is only men and women. Iris blooms quietly. The cuckoo is crying.

⚫︎Enjoy with sound Japanese old poetry ”Waka” for beginners

Go to Amazon sales site

Paper book:
A5 size book (Japan only)
194 pages

For e-books: Kindle version
Published March 1, 2024