One Hundred Poems from Old Japan: A New Translation of the Hyakunin Isshu

by Fujiwara no Teika, Michael Freiling (Translator)

"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 Sei Shonagon, author of The Pillow BookLady Murasaki Shikibu, author of The Tale of GenjiEmperor Go-toba, ruler of Japan from 1193-1198Sugiwara 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.

This beautifully designed hardcover edition is illustrated with full-color woodblock prints by famous 19th-century artists Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi, and Kunisada, enhancing the visual and cultural richness of the collection. Plus, free online audio recordings of all the poems are available in both Japanese and English, allowing you to hear these timeless verses in their original form.

A perfect gift for lovers of Japanese culture, poetry, and art, this edition of Hyakunin Isshu is an invaluable addition to any bookshelf.

Genres: Poetry, Japan

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Born in 1162

Japanese classical poet, government official, and literary scholar, also known as Fujiwara Sadaie (藤原定家)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujiwar...

Reviews

[Vera Versteeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully designed compilation of classic poems paired with companion prints of Kabuki theater scenes. Unfortunately something gets lost in translation. Maybe if the translator had tried to stay with the 5-7-5-7-7 tanka form in English? Maybe pairing with shin-hanga prints which I find more relatable? Anyway, a solid 4 stars because I learned a couple things here.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous ancient art. Mopey emo poems.

[Bam Bam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I will have in my library when I build one.

[Katra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems in English, Japanese, and Kanji with period paintings.

p-n s-n v-n

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful illustrations and delicate sadness from Japanese literature~