Abstract
This study surveys Waka in terms of the concepts of visible and invisible space. Some Waka is written with either a visible or an invisible spatial setting, and some have both spatial settings. The different spatial settings reflect the author’s generational mood or style. This study clarifies the definitions of visible and invisible space and tries to interpret Man’yōshū 8–12 from the perspective of the definitions. The analysis identifies the fact that Waka commonly uses visible space. Zōka and Sōmon in Volumes 8 and 10 are the specific visible space where the main body of the Waka is presented. “Waka as the direct expression of one’s mind” in Volumes 11 and 12 does not specify a particular visible space, but a space where the main body of the Waka has emerged. Finally, Jōka emerges as “Waka in the form of metaphorical expression of objects.” In most cases, these Waka contain spatial aspects and use Jokotoba to describe the real scenes in one’s view.
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