Waka (poetry)

Waka is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that encompasses a variety of verse forms, the most notable of which is the **tanka**. Waka poetry typically follows a 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure, with five lines that consist of 31 syllables in total. The term "waka" translates to "Japanese poem," and it has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years.