Kokin-wakashu

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Kokin wakashu (古今和歌集, also known as 古今集 Kokinshu) is a "collection of Japanese poems from ancient and current times" completed around 905. The collection is considered to be the first anthology of Japanese poems compiled at Imperial request.

The collection of poems for this work was probably begun under the reign of Emperor Uda (r. 887-897). Its compilation was formally commissioned under his son and successor, Emperor Daigo (r 897-930). The collection was compiled by four court poets appointed by the Emperor: Ki no Tsurayuki, Ki no Tomonori, Ōshikōchi no Mitsune, and Mibu no Tadamine. Tsurayuki was most prominent among them and he composed a preface in Japanese to the collection in which he described the importance of Japanese poetry (waka), as opposed to poetry written in Chinese (kanshi). Inclusion in the collection was a mark of great distinction for any poet of the time. The collection is organized according to various themes, including love, travel, laments, and miscellaneous topics.

ja:古今和歌集