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

Peter MacMillan is best known for his prize-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

"As 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 an English translation, a modern Japanese interpretation, 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.

At one point, an ambassador pointed out that the Manyoshu is not well-known internationally. That would 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 unique 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 similar beliefs exist in places like my home country of Ireland, the Manyoshu is one of the few works where such a worldview has been recorded 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 poetry 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 aiming 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.

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 works]. 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 and is currently looking for a publisher.

He explains, "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]."

RELATED:

• A Case for Translating the 'Manyoshu', Japan's Oldest Poetry Collection
• 'TAMASHIZUME': A Musical Exploration of Hyakunin Isshu and Its Secrets
• Author Ryoko Sekiguchi: Creating a New Vocabulary for Intercultural Communication
• Plum Blossoms: Children Revive a Poet's Millennium-Old Love

(Read the series in Japanese.)

Author: Naoko Yamagami, The Sankei Shimbun