Is It Poetry?

Toshiko Hirata's collection of poetry, "Is It Poetry?", is a window into everyday life in Japan, evoking awe and light in the daily minutiae. It is beloved and awarded in Japan, and Hirata possesses an extraordinary ability to turn ordinary events into profound journeys. This translation offers entry into a busy Tokyo brimming with puns, imagery, sounds, and whimsy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Deep Vellum Publishing

A captivating collection of poetry from the esteemed Japanese poet Toshiko Hirata, delving into the themes of readership and everyday life. Crafted meticulously, every poem in Is It Poetry? (a clever play on words, also meaning the seventh day in Japanese) offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Japanese daily existence. Through her poetic prowess, Hirata evokes a sense of wonder and enlightenment in the seemingly mundane aspects of contemporary life, achieving a remarkable balance between prosody and narrative coherence. Her artistic sensibility, characterized by a dark yet warm tone, infuses each poem with a profound depth and emotional resonance. Regarded as a beloved and celebrated figure in Japan, Hirata possesses an extraordinary talent for transforming ordinary events, such as an old man cycling through a park, into profound journeys of introspection. This captivating translation invites readers to immerse themselves in the bustling streets of Tokyo, a city brimming with playful puns, vivid imagery, evocative sounds, and whimsical charm. It poses thought-provoking questions about what we cherish, fear, love, and what remains enigmatic to us. By exploring the complexities of human experiences, Hirata's poetry offers a profound and enriching exploration of the human condition.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 203 x 127 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646052738