The Presentation of “Kan 漢” in Kokin Wakashū

The Kokin wakashū 古今和歌集 (commonly Kokinshū), compiled in 905 under Emperor Daigo 醍醐’s orders by Ki no Tsurayuki 紀貫之, Ki no Tomonori 紀友則, and others, stands as Japan’s first imperial waka 和歌 anthology.3 This compilation appeared at a crucial turning point in Japanese history, shortly after the Heian court, under the strong influence of Sugawara no Michizane 菅原道真, decided to end official diplomatic missions to Tang 唐 China in the late ninth century. This marked the onset of a flourishing native culture, termed kokufū bunka 国風文化(Japanese national culture), with the Kokinshū standing as a quintessential literary accomplishment of this period.