Uta (Japanese poetry)

Uta, in Japanese poetry, refers to a short, expressive poem often containing deep emotional or aesthetic meaning. Historically, it encompasses various forms, including waka and traditional lyric poems, characterized by their concise structure and evocation of nature, seasons, or personal feelings. Uta serve as a literary means for reflection, storytelling, or praise, emphasizing subtlety and elegance in language. Through careful choice of words and imagery, uta encapsulate complex sentiments within a compact form, making them a cherished aspect of Japan’s poetic tradition and cultural expression.