Nukata no Ookimi (a.k.a. Princess Nukata, 630-690 AD)


Crimson red . . .
We met
In the purple fields . . .
You wave, but oh!
The guards might see.


“Crimson red” is symbolism for the morning sun. “Purple” is symbolism for royalty. So this is the story of two lovers who secretly met in the palace at night. As the man was sneaking off in the morning, he waved, but she was worried the guards would see.




Original Text

Modern Text

Pronunciation




額田王
額田王
Nukata no Ookimi



茜草指
あかねさす
Akane sasu
武良前野逝
紫野行き
Murasakino yuki
標野行
標野行き
Yumeno yuki
野守者不見哉
野守は見ずや
Nomori ha mizu ya
君之袖布流
君が袖振る
Kimi ga sode furu


Translation Notes


A poem by Nukata no Ookimi,when emperor was hunting

あかねさす
Red-dye/crimson does
[Sun shines (this word leads to )]
紫野行き
Purple field journey
標野行き
Emblem field journey
[Garden for the Imperial family]
野守は見ずや
Field guards see not oh
[Guards might see (や=oh!)]
君が袖振る
You sleeves wave

Murarakino-in kyouto city, around Daitokuji temple
  
Year: 
2013