Fujiwara no Teika

Fujiwara no Sadaie (Japanese藤原 定 家, or in a respectful reading Fujiwara no Teika, * 1162, † September 26, 1241 ) was a Japanese poet.

The son of Fujiwara no Toshinari ( Fujiwara no Shunzei ) is considered one of the most important poets of Japan and greatest master of the lyric form of the waka. In his youth, he emerged as a significant innovator of this poetry form. After his father's death in 1204 he was active as a referee in poetry competitions and teacher. On behalf of Emperor Go - Toba he set 1202-1205 the anthology Shinkokin - Wakashū from about 2000 Waka together. Later it came to differences with Go- Toba, which led to his withdrawal.

After Go- Toba had been sent by the shogunate into exile, Fujiwara no Teika was rehabilitated, but for health reasons could be active life not resume. He took over yet by Go- Horikawa the order to another Waka Anthology Shinchokusen - Wakashū, which was completed around 1234. He also published a number of critical essays and collections of exemplary Wakas, the most famous Ogura Hyakunin Isshu is.

In his later years he emerged as a publisher of ancient texts as the Genji monogatari, and author of Renga poems.