Eroticism and Emancipation - the evocative power of expresion in the poems of Akiko Yosano
Ella Tennant
- Region:
- South West
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: 80
- Category:
- Humanities
- Updated:
- 1st December 2025
- Tagged:
- Japanese Poetry | Feminism | Poetry | Tanka
Japanese poetry has been a major influence on many forms of literature throughout the world. For audiences reading in translation, the way in which an emotion or an idea is vividly linked to nature can be seen as a reflection of cultural identity or the essence of Japaneseness.
The five-line (31 syllable) Tanka is a poetry form which provides more space than haiku for self-expression. In her collection of Tanka Midaregami (1901) Akiko Yosano uses erotic and sensual images to present a revolutionary image of women. Her poems caused a sensation , challenging patriarchal society and literary and cultural convention of the time. This was a trail-blazing representation of sexual identity and freedom. This talk will explore the collection of tanka as an innovative contribution to a new style of Japanese poetry. The power of language will be considered in the context of mid-20th century feminist discussion.
Views: 6 | Enquiries: 0About Ella Tennant
With many years of experience as a writer, public speaker and broadcaster, I am an effective communicator of ideas and information and am able to engage and inspire audiences.
Having lived and worked in Europe, Asia and Latin America, I have studied and researched themes related to culture, mystical traditions and practices. This experience has nurtured a lifelong awareness and commitment to the arts, equality, the environment and animal and human rights.
I hold an Honours degree in French Modern Arts, and was awarded a Master of Arts in Comparative Asian Studies, completing a dissertation on Cosmology and Popular Religious Practices in Hong Kong and Japan from the University of Hong Kong, where I also studied for a PhD on Japanese Religion and Society. I also have a number of professional qualifications related to the areas in which I have worked.
I would love to continue to communicate what I have learned and experienced and what continues to inspire me.
Please do get in touch if you would like me to lead a workshop or speak at your event, write an article or appear in an interview on your media platform.
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