One Man's Maple Moon: End of War Tanka by Saito Mokichi

English Original

a year has passed
since the end of the war --
living longer
I fear the world,
and death, too

The Prism of Mokichi, 2013 (trans. by Aya Yuhki et al)

Saito Mokichi


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

自從戰爭結束
已經過了一年 --
活得越久
我害怕這個世界，
也怕死亡

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

自从战争结束
已经过了一年 --
活得越久
我害怕这个世界，
也怕死亡


Bio Sketch

Saito Mokichi (May 14, 1882 -- February 25, 1953) was a psychiatrist and one of the most successful practitioners of the new tanka. In 1913, he published Shakko (Red Lights), a book that created a great impression not only on tanka poets but also on the literary world in general. In 1951, he received the Order of Culture.