Peter MacMillan on the Unique Worldview of 'Manyoshu' and Translating 4,500 Waka Poems

Peter MacMillan is best known for his award-winning translation of the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each), which earned praise from esteemed scholar Donald Keene.

In this third and final installment on MacMillan's passion for Japanese literature, we turn our attention to his most ambitious project to date: an English translation of the entire Manyoshu, the oldest surviving collection of Japanese poetry.

Last in a series

Part 1 - Peter MacMillan: The Award-Winning Translator Bringing 'Manyoshu' to the World
Part 2 - Translator Peter MacMillan on His Love of Literature and Living with Cats

The Power of Words

"I always say, 'From Manyoshu to [contemporary poet] Machi Tawara,'" MacMillan quipped when asked about his favorite poems. While he enjoys both classical waka and modern tanka, he was especially moved by the selection of "Reiwa" as the name for Japan's current era, which was inspired by the Manyoshu.

In December 2019, MacMillan published Eigo de Ajiwau Manyoshu (Enjoying the Manyoshu in English). He selected 100 poems, adding English translations, modern Japanese interpretations, and commentary.

A notable aspect of the book is MacMillan's attention to the kanji characters used in the text, striving to enhance the poetic quality of the translations. His skill as a poet shines through in the rhythmic five-line structure of his English translations.

*When the new era name "Reiwa" was announced, many bookshops set up a special corner for the "Manyoshu" and related books. (©Sankei by Mina Teragouchi)*

At one point, an ambassador pointed out that the Manyoshu is not well-known internationally. That may be true when compared to classics like The Tale of Genji or modern Japanese literature.

"I think the real appeal of the Manyoshu lies in its worldview," MacMillan says. "For example, its shamanistic elements. Japan has a cultural belief in kotodama, the mystical power of words — the belief that words can shape reality."

He continues, "While a similar worldview exists in places like my home country of Ireland, the Manyoshu is one of the few works where it has been documented in writing. It holds significant cultural value, even on a global scale."

The Challenges of Translation

Unlike novels or essays, the fact that the Manyoshu is a collection of poems makes translation particularly difficult. The challenge lies in maintaining accuracy while capturing the poetic beauty of the Manyoshu in another language.

MacMillan points out another challenge: understanding its historical context.

"The Manyoshu was once used for political propaganda. While we can't deny that part of its past, it's also wrong to reject the Manyoshu entirely because of it. It should be properly appreciated as a literary work. By translating the entire collection, I hope to help restore its rightful status."

MacMillan is currently working with nine Manyoshu scholars on a decade-long project to translate the entire collection into English.

"This morning, we translated five poems over Zoom, and we'll be working on more this evening. With over 4,500 poems spread across 20 volumes, it's a massive undertaking," explains MacMillan.

"The makurakotoba [figures of speech used in traditional poetry] are particularly tricky," he says with a wry smile. Yet, despite the challenge, he seems to be enjoying the process.

In addition, MacMillan is spearheading a project to install signs at Manyoshu monuments throughout Japan with English translations, modern Japanese interpretations, and explanatory notes.

"There are over 2,300 monuments across the country, but many are difficult to read due to the cursive script. I want to make them more accessible." He also hopes this initiative will enhance their value as a tourism resource.

*Peter MacMillan with Hime-chan in his garden at home in Kyoto.*

The Allure of the Japanese Language

I asked MacMillan what makes the Japanese language so appealing to him.

"I love it. Beyond kotodama, it's a complex and playful language, full of opportunities for wordplay. You can have so much fun with homophones, associative words, makurakotoba, honka-dori [allusions to older poems], and utamakura [category of poetic words]. They all work through 'association.' It's a language built on connections. Of course, English has this too, but it's different."

MacMillan recently finished a manuscript for another book. "It's a 'super-translation' of the Hyakunin Isshu," he explains. "I explore how the world of waka can be reinterpreted in a modern context. Surprisingly, many of the poems can be expressed in contemporary language."

Finally, he shared his lifelong goal:

"How can we bring Japan's classical culture into the modern world? I believe there is so much we can learn from it, particularly regarding the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals]."

About Peter J MacMillan

MacMillan is an award-winning translator, scholar, poet, and artist. He is also President of the translation company The Moon is a Boat Co., Ltd.

Born and raised in Ireland, he graduated first in his class from the National University of Ireland, University College Dublin, where he earned an MA in philosophy. He later received a PhD in English literature in the United States.

MacMillan has served as a visiting researcher at Columbia University and other prestigious institutions. Currently, he is a part-time lecturer at the University of Tokyo and a visiting professor at Sagami Women's University.

His English translation of the Hyakunin Isshu has won translation awards in both Japan and the US. In addition to writing newspaper columns, he regularly appears on NHK World-Japan and KBS Kyoto Radio.

MacMillan has also penned several books, including Eigo de Ajiwau Manyoshu (enjoying the Manyoshu in English) and Matsuo Basho wo Tabisuru (traveling the world of Matsuo Basho).