Ton'a

Ton'a (Japanese顿 阿also Tonna, * 1289 † April 17, 1372 ) was a Japanese waka poet.

Ton'a was as Nikaido Sadamune (二阶 堂 贞 宗) was born into a family of high-ranking military, probably in Kyoto. His father Nikaido Mitsusada served some time as a provincial governor. Ton'a was in his early years lay Buddhist monk and studied in Enryaku -ji Tendai monastery on Mount Hiei. He was probably of Buddhist school Ji- Shuu.

As a poet, he was the Nijo - school belonging and students of the compiler, the Shokusenzai - Wakashū, Fujiwara no Tameyo ( Nijo Tameyo ), who trained him to become a leading waka poet and teacher in Kyoto. He took over after Nijo Tameakis death, the compilation of the collection Shinshūi - Wakashū. In addition to Waka and Renga poems Tona also wrote literary critical writings.