One Hundred Poems from Old Japan

"Translated with both grace and precision, the poems are elegant expressions of the depth of human emotion." —William Scott Wilson, renowned translator of Japanese literature

In the pale dawn
your coldness as we parted
froze my heart—
nothing now so chills me
as morning's early light
—Mibu no Tadamine

Experience Japan's most celebrated anthology of poetry with this completely new translation of the Hyakunin Isshu ("A Hundred Poems by a Hundred Poets"). This timeless collection, compiled by the esteemed poet Fujiwara no Teika in the 13th century, features works by 100 poets from the 7th and 8th centuries and remains widely read across Japan to this day.

These evocative poems provide a window into the daily life of ancient Japan, exploring universal themes such as love, loneliness, aging, and the beauty of nature—topics that continue to resonate with readers today.

Poets featured in this collection include:
Sei Shonagon, author of The Pillow Book
Lady Murasaki Shikibu, author of The Tale of Genji
Emperor Go-toba, ruler of Japan from 1193-1198
Sugiwara no Michizane, renowned Confucian scholar

Each poem is presented in the original Japanese script, with Romanized versions and English translations for easy reading. The introduction by translator Michael Freiling provides essential context, an overview of the poets, and insights into the enduring popularity of the Hyakunin Isshu in Japan.