Ancient Japanese anthology of poems were influenced by Baekje culture

Manyoshu, an anthology of Japanese poems, of which the Reiwa, the name of Japan’s new era comes from, is known to be hugely influenced by the ancient Baekje culture of Korea.

The Japanese media reported that Professor Emeritus Susumu Nakanishi at Osaka Women’s University created “Reiwa,” which will be used to name Japan’s new imperial era starting on May 1. The word comes from Japan’s oldest anthology of Japanese poems compiled in the 8th century, of which the professor emeritus is a leading authority.

“Manyoshu was influenced by ancient Joseon. When Baekje became completely defeated in a battle, the dignitaries of Baekje fled to Japan, who inherited the culture and created Manyoshu,” Professor Nakanishi wrote in his book “Ancient Joseon in relation to Manyoshu,” published in 1985. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the name of the new era on Monday, praising the Manyoshu as the greatest anthology of Japan created 1,200 years ago. The historical book was influenced by Baekje culture.

Professor Nakanishi has strong ties with Korea. He attended the publication party of poet Lee Seung-shin, known for her haiku work, in Tokyo in 2013. Lee’s mother, poet Son Ho-yeon, studied under Professor Nakanishi.


lovesong@donga.com