Hyakunin

Hyakunin is a term that can refer to several things, most commonly a collection of Japanese poems or a specific type of person within a historical context.

In literature, Hyakunin refers to the Hyakunin Isshu, a famous anthology of 100 poems by 100 different poets, compiled around the 13th century. These poems are known for their beauty and brevity, often capturing emotional moments or observations of nature. The Hyakunin Isshu is highly regarded in Japanese culture and is a popular subject for study and artistic interpretation. It is also the basis for a card game, Uta-garuta, where players compete to collect matching poem cards.

Historically, Hyakunin could also denote a unit of soldiers, specifically one hundred men. This usage is found in older Japanese military contexts, referring to a small, organized group that would be part of a larger army. The term emphasizes a specific numerical strength and organizational structure within military formations. The exact nature and function of such a unit would vary depending on the era and the specific military system in place.