A review by writing_badger
The Manyoshu: The Nippon Gakujutsu Shinkokai Translation of One Thousand Poems by Ōtomo no Yakamochi, Donald Keene, William Theodore de Bary

emotional informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

As with any translated work, sometimes the original intentions of the poems will be lost or morphed into something that is more recognisable for the reader. This means that including the romaji versions of the poems can be helpful in trying to preserve the original versions, although that also has its limits. 

The poetry itself captures a wide breadth of experiences, moving between the mundane, the romantic, the introspective, and the intense. It really shows that anyone can be a poet, so long as they are given the tools to write. Below are a couple of poems that stood out to me:

“I will tread the sharpness of the 

double-edged sword 

And die with a good heart, 

If it be for your sake.” 

 

- The Hitomaro Collection

“Though you say ‘Do not grieve!’ 

I know not, alas, 

When we shall meet again; 

How can I but pine after you?” 

 

- Yosami no Otome

 

“My soul, it seems, 

Has stolen into every stitch 

Of the robe you wear.” 

 

- Lady Abé