teikas

A teika is a form of Japanese poetry, specifically a waka poem with an additional syllable count. The most common form of teika is the tanka, which consists of five lines with a syllable structure of 5-7-5-7-7. This structure creates a short, evocative poem often dealing with themes of nature, love, and personal reflection. The teika tradition has a long history in Japanese literature, dating back over a millennium. Many renowned poets have contributed to the teika canon, and its influence can be seen in later poetic forms. While tanka is the most prevalent, other variations of teika exist, though they are less common. The term teika itself can sometimes be used more broadly to refer to classical Japanese poetry in general, but it most accurately describes the tanka form. Modern poets continue to write in the teika style, adapting its classical structure to contemporary themes and sensibilities.