An introduction to the Fugawakashu: Politics, poetry, and production, with a translation of the first book of spring poems

The Fugashu (c.1349) is the seventeenth of twenty-one imperially-sponsored poetry anthologies (chokusenshu ). This anthology was compiled by the Kyogoku school of poets who were aligned with the northern Jimyoin branch of the imperial line. The poetry and poets contained in the anthology as well as the arrangement of the of the anthology reflect the political standing and poetic values of the Kyogoku poets.; Many features of the Fugashu, such as the arrangement, the naming, and the inclusion of prefaces, reflect how important it was for the Kyogoku school compilers to distinguish their poetry from that of their rivals in the Nijo school as the two schools sought legitimacy and support during this unstable period.; Patronage was essential to the livelihoods of the Kyogoku poets. The Kyogoku compilers needed to be careful in their selection of poets and poems for inclusion in the anthology to reflect the poets and poetry that they respected.; The Kyogoku style of poetry contains elements that distinguish it from the poetry of the Nijo school. Use of unusual vocabulary, unusual imagery and unusual phrases compared to those used by the Nijo school, helped to create an easily identifiable style of poetry that came to be known as the Kyogoku style of poetry.; At the time of the presentation ceremony in 1346, the first book of spring poems was the only book completed. It was not for another year that any additional books would be completed. The first book of spring poems, therefore, was very important because it was the only indication of the compilers' intentions with regards to poets and the poetry that were to be included in the anthology. The poems and poets contained in the first book of spring poems reflect the not only the political necessity of careful consideration when it came to organizing poems and poets, but they also illustrate the Kyogoku style.