Shi (詩 shii)** - Poem

 

1. Today's Japanese words
Here are some basic Japanese vocabulary words related to poems and literature

* **Shi (詩 shii)** - Poem
* **Tanka (和歌 tanka)** - Short poem (literally "short song")
* **Haiku (俳句 haiku)** - Haiku poem
* **Waka (和歌 waka)** - Japanese poetry (more general term)
* **Bungei (文学 bungaku)** - Literature
* **Romaji (ローマ字 romaji)** - Roman characters used to represent Japanese sounds
* **Kigo (季語 kigo)** - Seasonal word used in haiku and some tanka
* **Shisha (詩人 shisha)** - Poet
* **Sakusha (作者 sakusha)** - Author (writer)
* **Uta (歌 uta)** - Song (can also refer to poem)
* **Tanpensho (短編小説 tansaku shosetsu)** - Short story
* **Shosetsu (小説 shosetsu)** - Novel
* **Bunkacho (文学抄 bungaku sho)** - Literary anthology

2. Today's topic
Ancient Japanese poetry is rich and beautiful, with a strong focus on nature, emotions, and impermanence. Here are two main forms to explore:

* **Tanka (Waka):** These are short poems with a strict 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count. Tanka capture fleeting moments, observations of nature, or tender emotions.

* **Haiku:** Even shorter than tanka, haiku consist of 5-7-5 syllables. They focus on a single, vivid image related to nature, often including a seasonal reference (kigo).

Both tanka and haiku are traditionally written in Japanese, but translations can still capture their essence. Here's an example of a tanka by the famous poet Hitomaro:

3- Today’s news
Heian Period poem-writing court ceremony re-enacted
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15186327

Malaysia may renew the search for MH370 a decade after the flight disappeared
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15186881