Wasan (hymns)

Wasan are traditional Japanese hymns or poetic compositions, often expressing spiritual, philosophical, or cultural themes. Historically associated with Buddhist and Shinto practices, they serve as a means of meditation, devotion, and moral reflection. Typically composed in classical Japanese forms, Wasan aim to inspire mindfulness, reverence, and a deeper connection with spiritual beliefs and nature. They are recited or chanted during religious ceremonies, festivals, or personal practice, functioning as a cultural expression that preserves spiritual values and historical continuity within Japanese tradition.