Great internet sites on Japan (5): 2001 waka for Japan 2001

2001 Waka for Japan 2001 is an extensive collection of classical waka poems from major anthologies, such as the Manyoshu, Kokinshu and Shinkokinshu. Besides the translation, a romanized version as well as the original Japanese are included. Brief introductions are provided; in a separate section you will also find information on the poets and some other topics as early Japanese phonology. The site is hosted by the University of Sheffield.

This site is not only useful, it is great! Where do you find 2,001 free translations of classical Japanese poems? All the major poets are there: Ariwara no Narihira, Fujiwara no Teika, Henjo, Izumi Shikibu, Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, Ki no Tsurayuki, Otomo no Yakimochi, and my favorite one, the Buddhist traveler and recluse Saigyo:

O, Mount Yoshino!
From last year’s trail of broken branches,
I would switch my path and
On ways yet unseen
Pay a visit to the blossoms!