MACHI TAWARA AND SALAD ANNIVERSARY: THE MODERNIZATION OF JAPANESE TANKA

Abstract

Japanese literature has a long tradition of poetry, among which tanka is one of the oldest and most influential forms. Traditionally, tanka was often associated with classical language and aristocratic culture, making it difficult for ordinary people to appreciate. However, in the late twentieth century, Machi Tawara transformed the image of tanka through her innovative style. Her poetry collection Salad Anniversary became a social phenomenon and introduced a new generation of readers to Japanese poetry. This report examines Tawara's life, her contributions to modern tanka, the characteristics of Salad Anniversary, and the reasons why her works continue to attract readers today.