Abstract

This is a critical biography of Akiko Yosano (1878–1942), one of Japan’s most prominent tanka poets. Her works were criticized as immoral and dangerous during her lifetime; today, however, she is highly regarded as a pioneering figure who helped liberate women
from the constraints of a feudal society. The author explores Yosano’s keen sensitivity and intense emotions during her youth, revealing how she embodied the spirit of the modern woman.

Author’s Information

Sumi Konno was born in Tokyo in 1952. A poet. She graduated from Yokohama City University. In 1979, she won the 25th Kadokawa Tanka Prize for her collection of 50 tanka poems, "Afternoon Chapter." In 1992, she co-founded the poetry magazine "Ritomu" with her husband, Takayuki Saegusa, and others. Since 2015, she has been a judge for the Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading. Her published works include the poetry collections "Peach at the End of the Century" (Kari Shobo, 1988, winner of the Contemporary Women's Tanka Prize), "Dragon Flute" (Sunagoya Shobo, 2004, winner of the Kuzuhara Taeko Prize), "Cherry Blossoms Come and Scatter in My Armpits - Tomiko Yamakawa and 'Myojo'" (Goryu Sosho, 1998), "Reading Akiko Yosano with 24 Keywords" (Honami Shoten, 2005), and "Collection of Selected Japanese Poets 067: Mori Ogai" (Kasama Shoin, 2019). Edited and authored: *Tomiko Yamakawa's Collection of Poems* (Iwanami Bunko, 2011), *My Upbringing* (by Akiko Yosano, Iwanami Bunko, 2018). Modern Japanese translation: *Midaregami* (Kadokawa Bunko, 2017). Recipient of the NHK Broadcasting Culture Award, the Michigan State University Outstanding Graduate Award, and others.