Sacred gateways of Japan: The Manyoshu Project

WHAT IS THE MANYOSHU PROJECT?

The Manyoshu Project was first launched in 2011 in Kyoto by costume artist Kara Yamaguchi and photographer Akio Nishimoto. These two artists came together to create a unique bilingual installation exhibition introducing the love poems of the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest anthology of poetry.

Photo Akio Nishimoto

Working in collaboration with other calligraphy artists, the poignant poems from the Manuyoshu have been brought to life through this project to recreate the world of ancient Nara when these poems were first born. In an age where we are driven by success and money which may last but for a moment in time, the message from the Manyoshu remains timeless: our human existence is shaped and energized by our experience of love and it is that same power which can now transform our planet into a place of peace and love for all.

Please join us on this journey through the pages of the Manyoshu, and be inspired by the passionate voices of the Yamato people still reverberating to us from across the Nara plains.

Photo Akio Nishimoto

What is the Manyoshu?
In an age where the advances of the modern age is fast encroaching on the ancient traditions and cultures of our diverse world, it is perhaps time for us to stop and reflect on our true nature as human beings and deeply consider the impact we are having on the planet. The timeless messages of love from the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest anthology of poetry, reminds us the poignant nature of our human existence and the power of the human heart when inspired by love.

Original text of the Manyoshu

The Manyoshu is the most important work of Japan's early literature, and the more than 4,500 poems which make up the anthology were compiled between 600-750 A.D. in ancient Nara. The collection known as " a collection of a thousand leaves", comprises of poems of which more than half are dedicated to the theme of love. In a documentary show televised in Japan in 2010, it was revealed that more than 50% of Japan's youth find the idea of pursuing of love to be "mendokusai", or burdensome. With whole new generations being born today with such an indifference to the experience of love, one can only wonder how a country can sustain its true spirit and vitality as we catapult into a future dominated by technology and a growing disconnection between human beings.

Regardless of age or nationality, one cannot help but be left untouched by the poignant messages left to us by the Yamato people, who expressed their love for their country, the land and nature as well as offering passionate songs about pursuing love for another. The voices from ancient Yamato come at a time when we must all decide how we are to co-exist on the planet as we face an uncertain age ahead.

If we but listen to the messages from the Manyoshu and stop to smell the sweet fragrance of the cherry blossoms once more, we may remember another way of life long forgotten now, which will restore our earth to harmony and bring the energy of love back to the planet...surely that is the collective destiny we all truly desire.

Manyoshu Costume Gallery

Kara Yamaguchi is an Australian artist based in Kyoto, Japan. She studied Japanese kimono sewing for 5 years with a special emphasis on learning how to make garments from ancient Nara. She has recreated the essence of the Manyoshu time in recreating these garments, but her costumes are constructed with modern day fabrics and color schemes to reflect the connection of all human life, past, present and future.