#Japan #Daiji Okano #Tanka Workshop #NHK Culture #Tokyo,Nagoya

Discover the World of Tanka Poetry with Daiji Okano

Mark your calendars for a unique opportunity as renowned poet Daiji Okano brings his sought-after Tanka workshop to Tokyo and Nagoya for a limited time. This one-day special session, hosted by NHK Cultural Center, is perfect for both beginners and those looking to refine their poetic skills.

Daiji Okano, who has gained a huge readership through numerous poetry collections and has served as a selector for NHK’s Tanka program in 2023, will guide participants through an engaging and interactive workshop. Known for his thoughtful approach, Okano’s sessions are anything but one-sided. Participants will be immersed in a warm, supportive environment, which has made his classes in Osaka highly popular.

The Tanka workshop aims to help attendees reconnect with their own words and emotions. Through thoughtful reflections, participants will be encouraged to consider whether their perceptions are genuinely their own or merely echoes of conventional views. This self-inquiry fosters personal insights, blending subjective experiences with the universal truth of poetry. As students articulate their feelings through language, even the most ordinary thoughts can be transformed into profound poetic expressions.

The workshop will cater to a diverse audience. For newcomers, it provides a solid foundation for creating original Tanka. For those with previous experience, it will help strengthen their skills, setting the stage for deeper appreciation and creation of poetry. The structure of the session includes preparatory tasks, which allow participants to actively engage with Tanka composition, ensuring they leave with a sense of accomplishment.

What to Expect

• - Interaction with Daiji Okano, who will answer all submitted questions on the day of the workshop, thus addressing any uncertainties participants may have about Tanka creation.
• - Materials will be distributed, including simplified guides for those new to the art of Tanka. Whether you're someone who currently reads poetry or has never tried writing it, the workshop invites all to explore its beauty.
• - After the session, attendees will receive a comprehensive worksheet via Google Forms to reinforce their learning. The feedback provided will celebrate their unique perspectives while offering constructive advice on improving their poetry.

Workshop Details

• - Tokyo Venue: NHK Cultural Center Aoyama, Minato Ward

- Date: August 1, 2026 (Saturday), from 15:30 to 18:50 (including a 20-minute break)

• - Nagoya Venue: NHK Cultural Center Nagoya, Higashi Ward

- Date: September 13, 2026 (Sunday), from 10:00 to 13:50 (including a 50-minute lunch break)

• - Fee:

- Aoyama: Members ¥11,440 (tax included), General Public ¥12,584 (no membership required)
- Nagoya: Members ¥11,440 (tax included), General Public ¥12,584 (no membership required)

Instructor Profile

Daiji Okano started writing Tanka at the age of 31. He has penned several acclaimed books including Siren and Rhinoceros, Rest Easy, Music, and Pleasant News. His latest titles include Though It’s Night and Universal Anniversary. As the 2023 selector for NHK E Television's Tanka program, Okano is passionate about sharing his love for poetry.

Join us at this special workshop, and unlock the transformative power of your words. Dive into an enriching experience that encourages creativity and self-reflection through the art of Tanka poetry. For more details, visit Aoyama Class and Nagoya Class.