Kakekotoba

Kakekotoba, or "pivot words," are a poetic device in Japanese that use words with multiple meanings or sounds to create layered ideas within a poem. They often serve as a bridge between different themes or images, adding depth and nuance. By leveraging wordplay, kakekotoba allow poets to express complex emotions or concepts subtly and elegantly. This technique enhances the richness of traditional Japanese poetry, such as waka and haiku, inviting readers to explore multiple interpretations through the layered meanings embedded in a single word or phrase.