Kakinomoto no Hitomaro

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro was a prominent Japanese poet of the Nara period (8th century), regarded as one of Japan’s greatest early lyricists. He specialized in waka poetry, expressing deep emotions, nature, and human experiences. His works often reflected themes of love, grief, honor, and the impermanence of life. Hitomaro’s poetry influenced the development of Japanese literature and was highly esteemed by the imperial court. His legacy endures through his contributions to the "Man'yōshū," Japan’s oldest existing collection of poems, solidifying his status as a foundational figure in Japanese poetic tradition.