One Hundred People, One Poem Each: Song of Love

Sing for me, Teika...

Nice to meet you.

My name is Fujiwara no Teika.

Has everyone heard of the Hyakunin Isshu?

Some people may know about Hyakunin Isshu

through games like karuta and bouzu mekuri.

But...

The original purpose of the Hyakunin Isshu

was to decorate the sliding doors at a certain mountain villa.

One poem each, from a hundred of the finest poets,

for a total of one hundred poems,

and I made the selections.

Since the decision was mine alone, it's rather obvious what I like,

seeing as there are 43 love poems.

Love 43 Poems

Other 25 Poems Summer 4 Poems Winter 6 Poems

Spring 6 Poems Autumn 16 Poems

Yes, I personally prefer

love poems.

Lovely.

Oh, Narihira-dono.

Did one of the ladies catch your fancy?

I pity the damsel who has caught the eye

of such a transcendent womanizer.

That's quite harsh.

So, which lady is it?

The one in the center

That's Fujiwara no Takaiko-sama.

She's Nagara-sama's daughter,

descended from the northern Fujiwara house.

Nagara-sama's daughter...

Takaiko & Narihira

The Honorable Ariwara no Narihira

Takaiko-sama! Takaiko-sama!

There is a letter from that man.

Again?

He hasn't given up since the Gosechi Dance.

You should stop carrying those messages.

But it's a letter from Ariwara no Narihira-sama;

I could never refuse him.

Well, what kind of poem did he write for you today?

Please read it!

Were I the wind, unfettered and free, to breeze past

the screens and behold what lies within.

If I could become the wind,

these walls could never stop me from coming to see you.

Excuse me, you ignore your mistress and start daydreaming.

But Narihira-sama's charm is transcendent.

It's like a dream come true to be carrying messages

of love between him and Takaiko-sama.

I've never been so grateful to serve.

Just take this back to him.

Were you the wind, only to be shunned by the screens.

It doesn't matter if you become the wind.

No one's going to let you sneak inside.

Too bad for you.

Oh, this is a nasty poem.

You could have been nicer...

Do you mean to insult me?

Huh?

I'm sure that he's quite handsome,

given the attention he receives,

but he's no more than a womanizer with a pretty face,

unworthy of spending a single night with me.

Yes. I am the daughter of Nagara,

descended from the northern Fujiwara house.

Once the emperor has come of age,

I will become his bride, his queen.

Oh, and the moon was so beautiful...

Good evening.

No!

Quiet.

Who are you?!

The wind.

Wind?

Have you forgotten the name

of the foolish man who proclaimed he was driven by his burning love

to become the wind and come see you?

Na-Narihira-dono?!

Yes.

Why are you here?

I came here to accept your challenge.

F-Foolishness!

Do you realize where you are?!

Well, I would prefer to take you outside, if you don't mind?

Don't be absurd!

D-Do you realize who I am...

H-He's going to get me!

Namu amida butsu!

Huh?

You don't have to be so scared. I won't do anything.

Your responses were so hostile,

so I thought I might tease you a bit.

It seems you aren't too concerned about controlling your voice.

No!

You won't win any hearts that way.

That was because you suddenly showed up.

Well, I suppose that's not a concern.

What?

Fair skin concealed by a crimson robe.

You are beautiful...

The world was never graced by

such beauty in the age of the ancient gods.

When I first saw you,

I was entranced by the sight of you in crimson garb.

Now that I am so close, my love can only grow.

What? Um...

While you may be easy on the eyes, there's no substance.

Huh?

Given the gap between

what's on the outside and what's on the inside,

your body must be rather lacking.

You're nothing but a pretty face.

Farewell, then.

Please keep what happened tonight a secret.

Ho— Ho—

Hold it right there!

You're the one who's nothing more than a pretty face!

I am not just a pretty face!

Then you're nothing but a pretty mouth?

You imbecile!

Why don't you see for yourself if my body is lacking or not?!

Huh?

You're a lot cuter than I expected,

but we'll have to wait until next time.

I'll be back.

Understood?

You are not toying with me.

I am toying with you.

You say that every time we meet.

I want to make sure that it's clear.

That's sad.

I'm serious about this.

S-Serious?!

B-But aren't you...

Or you're saying that you're the type who fools around?

Of course not!

Then you shouldn't demean yourself with lies.

Come here.

Why am I letting him take the lead?

Hey!

That hurts.

Do you understand?

One day, I will be the emperor's queen.

Once that happens, we will not be allowed to meet.

You may say that you're serious, but in reality, you're helpless.

Yes...

Your marriage is crucial to the Fujiwara house for political reasons.

I have no way to stop that.

That's why I'm just toying with you.

Yes, it is my duty to marry the emperor.

I was always proud of that fact.

So why...

Shall we elope?

Huh?

Elope.

Ta-Takaiko.

Yes?

Could you take off your clothes?

Huh?

W-Wait! What are you thinking?!

I refuse to do it outside!

That's not what I meant!

Takaiko's clothes weigh approximately 10 kilograms

You're too heavy!

How dare you tell a girl that she's heavy?!

I meant your clothes!

Fine, I'll walk by myself.

This is rather unbecoming, but it works.

You'll have an easier time if you take off your outer garments.

I refuse.

Don't you prefer to see me wearing crimson?

Pretty...

What's this?

Dew.

What about this?

Laughing gym.

They're poisonous, so you don't want to eat them.

What happens if you eat one?

In some cases, you might die.

Oh, dear. How dreadful,

but I have nothing to worry about with you around.

I love you, Takaiko-sama.

And I, you.

It appears that Mototsune-sama has come for you.

My brother?

We must escape! Hurry!

Narihira?

Go home.

Coward!

Coward...

How many years have passed?

This will be our first reunion.

I am now the Emperor's mother.

You are one of the Emperor's generals.

Many tears were shed, but that was in the past.

You can no longer sway my heart.

Now that my passion has cooled,

I wouldn't mind a casual tryst like old times.