Versifying for Others: Akazome Emon’s Proxy PoemsTakeshi Watanabe

Abstract

Regarded highly as a poet during her lifetime, today Akazome Emon receives far less attention than some of her contemporaries. The imbalance obscures important aspects of Heian literary practice and its place in court society. This article redresses this neglect by focusing on her personal poetry collection, particularly the proxy poems (daisaku uta) she composed for others. Reevaluation of this overlooked practice brings out the social dimensions fundamental to Heian poetry. As many of Akazome’s proxy poems were written on behalf of her children, examination of them also sheds light on the character of Heian family life.