Glossary of Japanese Poetic Terms
Waka- a synonym for tanka; signifies Japanese court poetry forms including tanka, choka, and sedoka; also used in a general sense to mean all poetry written in Japanese. In this case, it refers to all Japanese poetry.
Tanka- a short poem consisting of 31 syllables in 5 lines, specifically with a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern; a major form of Japanese court poetry.
Choka- a long poem of alternating 5 and 7 syllable lines, ending with one extra 7 syllable line; flourished in the first half of the 8th century.
Hanka- "verse that repeats"; used to summarize or elaborate on the contents of the main poem.
Sedoka- repeats a tercet of 5-7-7 syllable lines twice; The Man'yoshu has only 60 examples of this type of waka.
Renga- 'poems in series'; became popular in the 14th century.
Haiku- short poem which consists of 3 lines in a 5-7-5 syllable pattern; usually makes a reference to a season.
Kigo- "season word"; the word or words used in a Haiku to give the poem its 'required' seasonal reference.
Haiga- small sketches or paintings, of india-ink or simple colours, which accompany haiku and usually illustrate the kigo.
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